Church (Universal) Governance

• The building of God’s house - Ephesians 2:19-22
• The purpose of the church is to make the wisdom of God known - Ephesians 3:10; I Timothy 3:15
• Authority
  • The Father
    • He is the head - I Corinthians 11:3
    • He is supreme - I Corinthians 15:24-27
  • The Son, Jesus Christ
    • He was given all authority - Matthew 28:18; 17:5 Ephesians 1:20-23; 5:23
      • Legislative (makes the rules)
      • Executive (enforces the rules)
      • Judicial (decides on compliance with the rules)
    • Reflected in his titles: Head, King, Lord, Master
    • Isaiah 9:6
    • He is our Shepherd - John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20
  • The Holy Spirit
    • He ensures the accuracy of the teachings - John 16:7-15
    • Titles: Helper, Comforter
  • The Apostles and Prophets
    • They had delegated authority - Matthew 16:19; 18:18; 19:28
    • They served as witnesses -  I John 1:1-4
    • The apostles served as ambassadors - II Corinthians 5:20
      • They delivered mandates from Christ - Jude 3
      • They enforced the rules of Christ
  • Christians
    • They render service to God - I Corinthians 15:58
    • Referred to as disciples, brothers and sisters, brethren
• All Christians are members of the church - Acts 2:47
• Jesus is the foundation or main cornerstone - I Corinthians 3:11
• The apostles and prophets are the foundation of the church - Ephesians 2:20