First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
Introduction
 To teach about the church in the scriptures is a sacred honor.
 When we reach out to non-Christians. If we present anything about God's church in a boring
way, it is flat sin.
 This is the final study in our first principles series. By this time you should see a tremendous
change in our friend "Ralph" who the young fired-up disciple "Bob" met taking the "three-a-day"
challenge. Prayerfully, you'll be just like our fired-up disciple "Bob" and meet a friend named
"Ralph" because you to are obedient to the Holy Spirit Indwelling in you.
One thing I need to make sure we understand as a church.
2 Tim 3:12-13
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men
and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
 Very early on in the studies, as a church, we need to cover this critical truth - if you want to live
a Godly life in Christ Jesus, if you want to be a true disciple, you are going to get persecuted.
 SLIDE 2: This is from the m.usd21.org site as well as "contained" in the actual "first principles
app."
Another side note, if you "click" on the "scriptures" (e.g. "Mark 3:20-21") you actually get the verse.
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
If you click "Expand" the whole NIV84 is available to you:
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
But the key here is PERSECUTION is a reality for Ralph now.
Very early on, study it out. Right after seeking God. Teaches about how Jesus was persecuted by his
family, by religious authorities, and by the public at large.
And now we are going to study out "The Church."
This study should take about an hour. I like to plan two, so we can talk before and after.
Colossians 1:15-18
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were
created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or
authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things
hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from
among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
 Incredible scripture about Jesus being God in the Flesh.
 Jesus is the head of all things, including his church.
 Analogy, church = human being.
 Many think church is something you maybe have to go to maybe you don't.
 "Jesus yes the church no."
 Rebellion trickled down to our generation...think they don't need church.
 Jesus is the head of the church body. I like head/body attached.
 Christianity was meant for the head and the body to be together.
 Anyone who is not part of a church is not being a Christian according to God.
Eph 2:19-22
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and
members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus
himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a
holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which
God lives by his Spirit.
 Two analogies here in this passage.
 The second - compares the church to the temple of God.
 All the disciples are a part of God's temple, God's church, built to the glory of God.
 Verse 19 - Church is God's household, God's family. A couple of other scriptures.
1 Cor 12:12-13
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form
one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body — whether Jews or
Greeks, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
 Baptized into the body, the church.
 Each of the studies in the first principles class, they are built upon each other. Talked about this
scripture in depth (Romans 6)
Paul is writing to all the Christians, Disciples, Members of the church in Rome.
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
Rom 6:2-4
3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised
from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
 When they have made the decision to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
 Not just a symbol, but born again at baptism.
 Die with Christ spiritually. Actual spiritual death.
 Share in his death, come in contact with his blood, buried with him, raised to a new life.
 Why a new life? All your sins have been forgiven.
 Conjunction with one another.
 Baptized into Christ - the head, the body of Christ, God's family.
 Amy and I have two amazing children. Married for about 7 years then along came Paisley. Then
a couple/three more and along came Dimitry.
 Paisley...excited to have a little brother. She loves her little brother very much. Love to see her
give him kisses. It's awesome. Why? Same father.
 Everyone else - made that radical decision, they get the same father. Born again of the water
and the Spirit. Prayed Jesus into heart. Then a class. The point that we are baptized is the point
when we become a son or daughter of God and become part of the family of God.
 Baptized into the family of Christ. Not your decision, God is the Father and we are in the family.
The church is the body of Christ.
The church is the family of God.
Eph 2
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Remember the second analogy - church being a building, a temple.
Corner stone, first stone laid into the ground in which all other stones are laid out according to.
Jesus is the "Corner stone."
The foundation of the church?
The apostles and prophets (NT/OT) the word of God.
Why there are so many denominations? Divisions? In "Christendom."
 450 different denominations.
 What church is God calling us to be a part of - that's the one we want to be a part of.
Eph 4:4-6
4 There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one
Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
The bible says there is "one church."
Rom 12:4-6
4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same
function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
One body. One church.
1 Cor 12:12-13
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form
one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body — whether Jews or
Greeks, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
 One body.
Divisions in Christendom are either of Satan or of God.
When is it of Satan?
1 Cor 1:10-13
10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another
so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
11 My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12
What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow
Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?
 No divisions in the body, follow personalities or their writings that are contrary to the word of
God.
Matthew 15:3 - Jesus is preaching about "traditions" that are put above the word of God.
Teachings of men, that contradict the word of God. Thanksgiving and Christmas - customs, but don't
break the word of God.
Matt 15:3-9
3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God
said, 'Honor your father and mother' and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to
death.' 5 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, 'Whatever help you might otherwise
have received from me is a gift devoted to God,' 6 he is not to 'honor his father' with it. Thus you nullify
the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied
about you:
8 "'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.'"
1. Nullify
2. Hypocrite
3. Pay God lip service.
4. Hearts far away from God
5. Worship is in vain. Not do it at all!
When we follow teachings of men the contradict the word of God we might as well not do it at all.
Only as open minded as the bible is. Conviction we are following the WORD of God and let it decided.
Don't let men's teaching that contradict the word pull us aside...else
1. Nullify
2. Hypocrite
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
3. Pay God lip service.
4. Hearts far away from God
5. Worship is in vain. Not do it at all!
When is it of God?
Luke 12:50-53
51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will
be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be
divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against
mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
 I came to bring division, based on the Word of God.
 GNE Many family members becoming disciples. Kristin Smith, both her little sister and her older
sister.
Division is sometimes necessary to bring unity.
Recognize this scripture - from the persecution study.
John 10:19-21
19 At these words the Jews were again divided. 20 Many of them said, "He is demon-possessed and
raving mad. Why listen to him?"
21 But others said, "These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the
eyes of the blind?"
 When Jesus preached he always divided people into two groups.
 Those who rebelled against his word, those who accepted his word.
 Jews called themselves God's people.
 Those who opposed him said he was demon-possessed and raving mad! Name calling and
character assassination. How they tried to undermine Jesus' teaching.
 This church is being charged with being divisive.
 Divisive in a sinful way, pulling people away from the truth or are we being like Jesus and taking
a stand.
 Division can be of Satan, or be of God.
 Divide people to the truth - Jesus!
Major divisions in Christendom, understand where the roots of this church, why do I want to go to this
church. Reasons...
 Some divisions came for the truth. Divided people that called themselves "God's people."
 Some divisions were satanic, men doing what they want to do.
Church beings in the 1st century. pure.
 2nd and 3rd centuries already false doctrines begin infiltrating the church.
 infant baptism, original sin, perpetual virginity of Mary, priests as clergy,
 OT - minister between God and God's people.
 1 Peter 2:9 Priesthood of believers. Every disciple is a priest. Mediators between God and the
lost. There is no clergy/laity.
 papal infallibility, etc… This becomes the Catholic Church.
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
Constantine, makes the church the standard religion of the Roman empire. Constantinople.
In 364 AD the Roman Empire is split into two parts. The church was a state religion. This division leads
to a split in Christianity – the eastern portion becomes Eastern Orthodox Church and the western part
becomes the Roman Catholic Church. Practices diverge, for example – Orthodox has married priests,
Roman Catholic priests are celibate.
The “Great Schism” occurs in 1054 AD, as the leaders of “each church” excommunicate each other. This
is the "fifth schism" but with some more finality.
1500’s Reformation Movement –
Luther, Calvin, Zwingli.
Martin Luther (Lutheran Church) He takes a stand against the Roman Catholic Church on these
convictions: Bible authority over church authority, salvation by faith not works, and the priesthood of all
believers, yet still baptizes infants.
Noble stands. But Luther still believed in infant baptism, did not take it far enough.
Other noted reformers were John Calvin (Presbyterian Church), Ulrich Zwingli and Conrad Grebel
Conrad Grebel
(Anabaptists) Anabaptists were heavily persecuted by Catholics and some reformers, because of their
stand for adult baptism.
What was so radical, had to get rebaptized as an adult.
Some believed baptism was for remission of sins and some did not. Those that believe in baptism for
forgiveness of sins were likely our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Henry VIII (Anglican Church / Church of England)
I want to divorce this woman, she's not given me an heir. Pope says "No way." He breaks from the
Catholic Church over his right to divorce his wife. He appoints himself head of the church. Later he
beheads his wife anyway.
Later in the United States, the Anglican Church becomes the Episcopalian Church, since members will
not follow the king of England.
Us American's - Anglican church - can't have the King of England as the head of the church, we've
rebelled and became a new church.
1700’s Great Awakening Movement – John and Charles Wesley (Methodist Church)
Followers divide from Church of England over:
personal transforming decision for Christ not state religion,
Born into the church (Born in England)
high accountability of members,
and preaching to the “unchurched;” also practiced infant baptism. (Why preach to the "unchurched?" in
England, born into the church of England.)
1800’s Restoration Movement – Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone (Mainline Church of Christ and
Conservative Christian Church)
Alexander Campbell - studying the bible. Adult repentance and water baptism required for salvation.
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
Take a stand against both Catholic and Protestant doctrines of salvation.
They preach to be saved one must have personal faith in Christ, repentance and baptism (immersion) for
the forgiveness of sin to receive the Holy Spirit. In reaction to Catholicism, their congregations are
autonomous – self-governing.
(1906 is the formal split between Mainline Church of Christ, which is non-instrumental, and the
Conservative Christian Church, which is instrumental.)
One of the spin-off groups was the Mormon church. Joseph Smith (Mormon Church) divides from
Restoration Movement in 1830 over “new revelation” – the Book of Mormon.
People thought the bible was written in the King James English. (I thought that).
Language of the people of that time. Koine Greek
"New Revelation" of God - was in "King James English"
1967 Crossroads Movement (Total Commitment Movement) Controversial, though never departing
from the Mainline Church of Christ, the Crossroads Church near the University of Florida pioneers
evangelizing the secular campuses of United States, (1) “counting the cost” with each person that
desires to be baptized, and (2) the shepherding of new converts.
In the 80's died on out. 1972, 1973 Kip and Elena. Decided to go into the ministry, Produced powerful
campus ministries. Lukewarm or dead Adults.
You cannot pour new wine into old wineskins.
1979 Begins the Boston movement.
1979 Boston Movement (International Church of Christ) – Kip McKean – Baptized at the University of
Florida in 1972, divides from Mainline Churches of Christ and Crossroads Movement over: Bible Church
not just New Testament Church, only disciples are true Christians, each and every member of church
must be a disciple, each member should be in discipling relationships, vision to evangelize the nations in
a generation, the planting of new churches to achieve this vision, central leadership not autonomous
congregations, and the role of women.
Start new churches - the vision, the evangelizations of the nations in a generation.
In 2002, Boston movement had become the International Churches of Christ return to a more Mainline
Church of Christ theology
2001 - Daughter of McKeans fell away. Unrest, McKeans...
Men that took the forefront of the church, undo a lot of the revolutionary thinking.
– each congregation becomes autonomous (self-governing), calling a central leadership and the vision to
evangelize the nations in a generation “unbiblical.” 2003 Around the world, thousands fall-away.
Average Mainline church of Christ - 150 members, 8 baptism. ICOC is not a movement, in order to be
so, need to be moving. Autonomy.
2006 SoldOut Movement (Portland Movement / International Christian Church) Begins in Portland,
Oregon as a revival movement within the International Churches of Christ. The International Church of
Christ separates from the SoldOut Movement, because of the new movement’s stand on these
convictions: Bible Church not just New Testament Church, only disciples are true Christians, each and
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
every member of church must be a disciple, each member should be in discipling relationships, vision to
evangelize the nations in a generation, the planting of new churches to achieve this vision, central
leadership not autonomous congregations, and the role of women.
You might not go through quite that much detail.
 We are in a movement - we are going to impact the whole world.
 In the last 7 years, what has happened? What has God done!?
 Good news email. Recap.
 Garrido's LA -> Guam.
 Haiti.
 Excited to be in a movement
Acts 11:25-26
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to
Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of
people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
The church in the first century was composed of only
Church Universal.
Every faithful disciple in the world - that is the one body.
In this time, not all those people are not in the same fellowship.
No one individual...
Visible church.
Build with only disciples.
Baptized - become one body, church universal.
Need to find a church.
Ecclesia - literally. Ech, "called" or "Lea"
The assemby of the "called out."
All kinds of names in the NT.
International.
Christian.
Church, called out.
What are the things that separate us from the rest of Christendom?
We believe that God physically
Bible is inspired by God, inerrant. Most people think every church believes this.
The major denominations do not believe in their seminaries do not believe that God physically rose
Jesus from the dead and that the bible is the inerrant word of God.
We believe we are a bible church, not just a "New Testament" church.
2 Tim 3:14-17
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know
those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which
are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed
and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God
may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
 This is not the NT scripture. This is talking about the OT. We see right here, Paul is telling
timothy stray strong in the scripture (OT).
 Teaching, rebuking, correcting, training in Righteousness.
 Mosaic law has passed, NT teaching supersedes.
 Divorce - certificate of divorce, today, only get divorced for adultery.
 Visible church composed of only sold out disciples.
 Conviction.
E. “Be silent where the Bible speaks, and speak where the Bible is silent.” In applying Scriptural
principles to build the visible church, we believe we must obey God’s Word, but where the Bible does
not prohibit a practice or name, we are free to use our God-given creativity. Genesis 2:19 (Examples:
The principles for “Bible Talks,” “Lead Evangelist,” “Discipleship Partners” and “Regions” are in the
Scriptures, though these terms are not. However, nowhere are they prohibited. Also, instrumental music
and paid Women’s Ministry Leaders are not prohibited in the Scriptures.)
There is no command in the NT, inference, command, therefore if you sin, you are going to hell.
We use the whole scripture. "Psalm" - songs sung with a stringed instrument.
We are free to do whatever we like, as long as it does not conflict with the scriptures.
Only a minister can baptize you. Any disciple baptize another disciple. Women baptizing women. Free
to do whatever you like as long as it does not contradict the word of God.
The word bible is not in the bible.
F. We believe in a Central Leadership. Throughout God’s Word, when His people were unified, there
was a strong central leadership and godly central leader. (Examples: Moses, Joshua, David and of course
Jesus and the Apostles) 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 and Titus 1:5 teaches that local congregations had an
overseeing evangelist, who unified the disciples “everywhere in every church.” In the first century,
congregations were a collective movement – not autonomous, not self-governing.)
1 Cor 4:14-17
15 Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ
Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 For this reason
I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my
way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.
 Very bold. Imitate me and all your problems will go away. Because I am following Christ. I can't
come. Sending timothy, because he imitates me.
 One of leadership's primary purpose, unify.
 People get married, God says, one of you are to be leader. It's supposed to be the man. If
everyone did what they want to do...autonomous, self-governing...
 Leadership, unity, fellowship, every church, every where.
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
Titus 1 - Paul talking to another evangelist.
Titus 1:5-6
5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint
elders in every town, as I directed you.
 Sometimes the local congregation goes a little awry.
 Churches were not self-governing.
 There were outside evangelists that were...over the church.
 Paul - Timothy is coming, he's the leader, do what he says from the word of God.
Matt 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age."
 Jesus is the savior of the world. Does God want to overlook a part of the world?
 Command to go to all nations. The mission of God's church.
For the older disciple, you know this stuff.
1 Cor 12:14-20
14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a
hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if
the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason
cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If
the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the
parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where
would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
We are all different, but that is the beauty of God's church.
 If we are all visionary...eyeballs...sticky stuff...rolling around the fellowship.
 Some of us are hands. Arms. Muscles.
 Some of us are the feet. Fired up about every bodies difference.
 So many differences...all united...why? Jesus Christ is the most important thing in all our life!
1 Cor 12:21-26
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't
need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23
and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are
unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special
treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts
that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal
concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every
part rejoices with it.
 Cut my foot with Machete
 How we need to be with one another!
Heb 10:23-25
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us
consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you
see the Day approaching.
 The bible says quite clearly...as some are in the habit of doing.
 Why?
 Meet so we can hold unswervingly. Verse 23.
 Ever driven with someone who swerves (brother, date, talking, swerving.)
 Going to church, bumpy week, get...
 Come so you can spur towards love and good deeds. Don't need the church, don't need all that
encouragement. The reason we come is not all about us. A lot of times we need it. Bottom
line, we are there
 From time to time...if your family missed dinner...you'd go outside and find out what is going on.
 Flu, car wreck, lousy spiritully. Go to their home, take them communion. Don't be like spiritual
police.
 Dog named scamp. Chased after cars. Scamp, running, got run over by a car. Take him in my
arms, bleeding, to the vet.
 When someone misses church, pick them up, like a bleeding dog, take them to the vet.
 How much more so our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Contribution.
Mal 3:6-12
6 "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of
your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I
will return to you," says the LORD Almighty.
"But you ask, 'How are we to return?'
8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse — the whole nation of you — because you are robbing
me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,"
says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so
much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your
crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. 12 "Then all the
nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.
 Many disciples are trying to find God's church.
 This is what he is talking about. Return to me, and I will return to you.
 You have been robbing me.
 Tithes and offerings.
 In the congregation - in the OT, it was a command to tithe. In the NT, no direct command to
tithe.
 leadership - standard from the OT...
 On your tithe, envelopes, have more integrity, to give consistently.
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First Principles Session 10 - The Church
2013 Phoenix Congregation First Principles, 10/20/2013 Jeremy Ciaramella

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Tithe and offerings.
Midweek's services - benevolent offerings.
Hurts me. Come in with Starbucks, but nothing to benevolence.
o Lowering tithe. Inconsistent.
o Not confessing it.
Work of the church on Sunday, helping the poor on Wednesday.
2 Cor 9:6-9
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will
also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so
that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
If you give a lot to God, he'll give a lot to you.
 Cheerful - "hilarious" givers. Major pain. God wants us to give generously.
 Why? We believe we are building his temple, his church, the family of God, God is going to
spread this new movement, all around the nations in this generation...
 We are privileged and honored to be a part of God's movement in this generation!
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