THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF HISTORY God has worked in the world in a variety of ways through individuals, nations, and peoples. The focus of His present work is the church. That which was begun in the Scriptures, as men and women were called to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ, continues today in fulfillment of Christ’s promise to build His church. Not only is Christ building His church, but it is the primary instrument through which He ministers in the world. As Christ was sent by the Father, so the church bears the ambassadorial role for its Lord as sent ones with a message of reconciliation to the world (Jn 20:21).
The reality of the church as the instrument of God and as His primary concern today is met with skepticism and incredulity, not entirely without reason. Amid the blustering crosscurrents of our time, which have shaken all of man’s institutions down to the foundations—and in some cases are periling even these, if they have not already been destroyed—the church has not stood unscathed. That which bears the name of God has suffered confusion with the rest. The resultant widespread weakness and uncertainty have caused many to turn aside, rejecting with castigation the church as the locus of God’s activity. While it is true that certain forms of church life, accretions of time more than biblical patterns, may be rejected, the follower of Jesus Christ cannot profess allegiance to Him and deny His church. What is needed far more than denunciations is constructive criticism and renewed effort to seek God’s ways in which one may be a part of the building process. For His purpose still remains: His church will endure.
The chaos over the church today stems primarily from the disengagement of its leaders from the Lord of the church and His patterns of church life. Perplexing questions as to the nature of the church, the role of the ministry, and the very purpose of the existence of the church can be answered only by a return to the origins of the church in the Word of its Lord. Progress in the church comes not from advancing beyond the biblical patterns but from building squarely upon them.
This work is written with the belief that there are basic guidelines for answers to the problems facing the church today, and even to those of the future until God is finished with His program of the church. These guidelines do not spell out an exact pattern for the church in all ages, as particular circumstances and historical settings call for specific adaptations; but the fundamental principles are outlined. The Architect of the church would not omit a blueprint for its structure. His revelation presents patterns of church structure and life which are for our instruction.

The Church in Gods Program (Handbook of Bible Doctrine) PDF

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