The Biblical Purpose of the Ecclesia

" And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" (Ephesians 4:11-13)

BIBLE PRINCIPLES RELATING TO
THE PURPOSE OF THE ECCLESIA INCLUDE:

THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS:

• Self-examination (1 Cor. 11:28-32; 2 Cor. 13:5)
• Developing godliness (Matt. 5:48; Col. 3:12-17; 2 Peter 1:4-8; Eph. 4:24)
• Transformation (Matt. 18:3-4; Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:23-24)
• Learning to be one body (Eph 4:1-6,16; 1 Cor.1:10; 12:12-27)
• Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17)
• Mentoring, developing the young (Prov. 22:6: Eph. 6:4)

THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY: (Acts 6:1-4)

(A) INTERNAL (Acts 6:1-3)

• Comfort, care, support, warn, restore (Matt. 25:34-36; Gal. 6: 1-2, 10; 1 Thess. 5:14; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; 1 Cor.16:1-3; )
• Fellowship, sharing (Acts 2:44-46; 2 Cor. 8:4)

(B) EXTERNAL (Acts 6:4)

• Preach the Word (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 10:42; Rom. 10:8-15; Phil. 2:16)
• Be a Lightstand -good example (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:15)

THE EDIFYING THE BODY:

• A refuge to encourage, refresh, uplift (Rom. 14:19; Eph. 4:16; Heb. 10:24)
• Feed my sheep (John 21:15-18; 1 Pet. 5:2-8)
• Think on these things (Phil 4:4-9)
• Love one another (John 13:34; Rom. 12:10; 1 Cor 13; Gal.5:13; 1 Thes.3:12; 2 John 5)

MAINTAINING SOUND TEACHING:

• Pillar and ground of the Truth (1 Tim. 3:15)
• Speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15)
• Contend for the faith (Jude 3)
• Longsuffering and doctrine (2 Tim 4:1-4)
• Exhort one another (2 Tim 3:14-17; Heb. 10:25)
• Study to show thyself approved (Psa. 119:97; Matt. 4:4; 2 Tim 2:15)

THE NEED FOR WORSHIP:

• In Spirit and Truth (John 4:23-24)
• Keep Christ in remembrance (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11: 23-34)

TO HELP MAINTAIN VISION and HOPE:

• No looking back (Acts 9:62)
• Look ahead to the joy (Heb 12:1-2)
• Vision is essential (Prov 29:18)
• Watch and pray (Luke 21:36)
• Be mindful of the words of the prophets (2 Pet 3:1-2)

DOING ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD: (1 Cor. 10:31-32)

• Remember-It is His Purpose, His will (Num. 14:21; Isa.45:18; Heb. 10:7-9; Luke 22:42)
• Let your light shine (Matt. 5:14-16)
• Be holy, be like Him (Matt 5:48)
• Be prepared as a suitable dwelling (Eph 2:19-22, 2 Cor. 6:14-18)

These Principles were developed collectively by the Ecclesias that participated in advance Bible studies on the subject of the Biblical Purpose of the Ecclesia for the Lightstand Initiative, (Conference on Communication V) that was held at Cacapon State park near Berkley Springs, Virginia on April 28-30, 2006. It is our hope that the provision of these Principles in this format will provide a useful tool for all of our brethren. We pray that these Principles will be useful as a subject for additional Bible studies and that they will help to guide and enhance our efforts within the community to fulfill the purpose that the Master had for his Ecclesias.