Arthur Glasser Notes

1. Apostolic Church
November 19, 2010

2. Looking for examples
The New Testament mostly describes works, not
structure of Early Church
Jewish synagog model existed: fellowship, teaching and
worship
Greek word ekklesia meant assembly, English church
Cultural and stylistic diversity of meetings
Body of Christ, apostolic team

3. Apostolic Team
Antioch church becomes prototype (acts 11:19, 13:1-3)
1. Evangelistic activity - Acts 11:21
2. Well taught in scriptures
3. Generous response to need
4. Houses of congregations
5. Leaders came together to wait on the Lord
79 uses of apostle in NT with wide meaning

4. Who is an Apostle?
Jesus - Heb 3:1
The Twelve-Luke 6:13
Paul & Barnabas - Acts 14:14
Titus - 2 Cor 8:23
Junias - Rom 16:7
Missionaries and foundation laying ministers

5. Sending of Apostles
Called to service by the Holy Spirit
Congregations testified of character and service
Voluntary groups of like-minded
Placing of hands on those to be sent out
No account that team was directed by home church
Egalitarian spirit of mutual trust
Resources raised, worked for and shared

6. Priority of Receptivity
Paul goes to where the gospel is accepted
Spirit drew him and guided him
Social and economically important cities
Withdrew from areas that rejected him
Gospel stayed consistent but method changed

7. Adapting Pagan structure
Modern role of professional religionist
Holy men: Mediate invisible realm for
society
Only Priests administer sacraments, but is
this the Biblical example?
Missions downgraded to para-church
activity
The whole church to to partner with Christ

8. Sacraments
Prayer of confession & repentance
Baptism
Lords Supper
Represent, seal and apply but do not convey grace
The Holy Spirit is the vicar
NT example 1. Gospel proclaimed in HS 2.
Reception of listener 3. Public confession of faith
through baptism 4. Share testimony
Without faith sacraments are meaningless

9. Ministries of the Church
To the lord through meeting, worship, prayer and reading the
word
Members to each other for the common good
Teaching by the believers
Outreach to the poor, orphaned, sick, widows, prisoners,
foreigners
Reconciliation with others, nations, peoples
Evangelism and cross-cultural ministry

10. The Body
Joints of relationship
Spirit of love is like the ligaments
Tension of benders and extenders
Respect differences and test
spirits and prophets
Constant filling with the HS,
renewal