Since the remainder of this series is devoted to a study of the specific principles by which the local church functions, this section is limited to the introductory matters of:

I. The Scriptural Basis for Local Churches

1. The Words of Jesus in Mt. l6:18 referring to the universal church and in Mt. 18:17 referring to the local congregation or assembly: Note that the one Greek word 'ekklesia' is used of both the universal and the local church. Because this word literally means "called out ones", and therefore "assembly", it can be helpful to use the word 'church' when the whole ekklesia is meant, and 'assembly' in referring to the ekklesia on the local level.

2. Various New Testament references together set forth by specific terminology the relationship between the whole or universal church and the local assembly.

   • "the churches" I Cor. 14:33 - many local churches
   • "the church of God which is at Corinth" I Cor. 1:2 - the local church in one city
   • "unto the churches of Galatia" Gal. 1:2 - different local churches in a province
   • "his body's sake which is the church" Col. 1:24 - the universal church

3. On the subject of meeting places: see lesson XX, "Reception & Order".

II. The Question: What Constitutes a Local Church?

• Not law: "If you meet a certain list of requirements then you are a local church. . . "
• But grace: "You are the church, i.e. , the body of Christ in this area; now meet in such a manner in the local assembly as will give an accurate expression of this fact to all who observe."

III. The Principles by which the Local Assembly Gives Viable Testimony to the Great Truth of the Universal Church,

1. The truth of the one Head:

   • Statement: "And he is the head of the body, the church, . ." Col. 1:18 cf. Eph.5:23

   • Importance: The head speaks of authority, leadership and the seat of intellect. Following the guidance of the risen, glorified Head in heaven requires dependence on His Word, prayer, and the leading of His Spirit. Excluded are: human "heads" and "headquarters" on earth, and prior obligations to codes, rules, creeds, covenants, rituals, etc. which prevent complete obedience to the Head.

   • Illustration: The marriage relationship, Eph.5:22-33

   • Danger: Diotrephes, III Jn. 9-10 - The place of Christ usurped in the assembly.

2. The truth of the one body:

   • The relationship between the body and the Head,

     • Acts 9:1-5; Eph 1:22-23
     • In speaking of this relationship, Paul says that the body is the "fullness" or complement of the Head just as the bride is the compliment of the bridegroom. Amazing truth that Christ considers the church an essential part of His being!
     • Note that the Holy Spirit is said to dwell in the whole universal church, Eph, 2:21-22, and also in the local church, I Cor. 3:16.

   • The autonomy of the local assembly

     • Matt, 18:5-17 - the highest court of appeal: the local assembly
     • I Cor, 2:27 - the local church a picture of the whole body
     • Rev. 2- 3 - The Lord inspects the local churches and can remove the lampstand or local testimony if necessary.

   • The truth of the one body displayed by careful observance of Biblical terms and practices which promote the practical expression of the unity of the body.

     • Avoid sectarian names: I Cor. 1:12-13 Use names which include all who are in Christ: saints, believers, Christians, brethren, disciples etc.

     • Avoid denominational divisions:

       I Cor. 3:3-4, cf. Jn. 17:21-23

       The Lord's prayer for oneness - the key to evangelism.

     • Avoid sectarian spirit: Mk. 9:38-41; Eph. 4:3 on preserving the unity which God has created. "The spirit of sectarianism is the recognition of a defined circle which is larger than the local church but smaller than the whole body of Christ."

     • Avoid sectarian practices:

       • taking any name which excludes any other believer
       • joining man-made organizations which exclude other believers. (On local church fellowship vs. membership, see lesson XX, "Reception & Order.")
       • accepting as official any writings beside Scripture.