2 Timothy 1:13-1413) Retain the standard of sound words

which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (NASB)13) Hold fast the pattern of sound words…(NKJV)13) Hold fast the the form of sound words…(KJV)13) Keep as the pattern of sound teaching…(NIV)13) You have a pattern of healthy words…

(Greek)

14) Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. (NASB)

If we do not retain the standard:We will not know the certainty of things – Luke 1:4We will turn to a different gospel – Galatians 1:6We will be given to a debased mind – Romans 1:28We will be destroyed – Hosea 4:6

There are to be no divisions in the church1 Corinthians 1:10

Now I plead with you, brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and judgment.

This series will include:God’s Standard for AuthorityGod’s Standard for OrganizationGod’s Standard for WorshipGod’s Standard for DisciplineGod’s Standard for EvangelismGod’s Standard for ModestyGod’s Standard for BenevolenceGod’s Standard for MarriageGod’s Standard for Salvation

RETAINING THE RETAINING THE STANDARDSTANDARD

The StandardThe Standard

Organization is simple – Philippians 1:1

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and the deacons.

Four offices identified1.Christ, the head2.Bishops3.Deacons4.Saints

Christ is the head Christ is the head – Ephesians 5:22-– Ephesians 5:22-2525

Submit to the LordSubmit to the Lord

Christ is the headChrist is the head

▪ A body can only have one head.A body can only have one head.

Church is subject to ChristChurch is subject to Christ

▪ The body can only move how the head tells The body can only move how the head tells it.it.

▪ The church must submit to the standard.The church must submit to the standard.

Qualifications of EldersQualifications of Elders

They must desire it – 1 Timothy 3:1They must desire it – 1 Timothy 3:1

They must be blameless – 1 Timothy 3:2; They must be blameless – 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6Titus 1:6

Husband of one wife – 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus Husband of one wife – 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:61:6

Have faithful children – Titus 1:6; 1 Have faithful children – Titus 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:4-5Timothy 3:4-5

Able to teach – 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9Able to teach – 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9

Not a novice – 1 Timothy 3:6Not a novice – 1 Timothy 3:6

Qualifications of Deacons Qualifications of Deacons – 1 – 1 Timothy 3:8-13Timothy 3:8-13

Pure conscience – v. 9Pure conscience – v. 9

Blameless – v. 10Blameless – v. 10

Qualifications of wives – v. 11Qualifications of wives – v. 11

Husband of one wife – v. 12Husband of one wife – v. 12

Rule children and house well – v. 12Rule children and house well – v. 12

Praise of Deacons – 1 Timothy 3:13Praise of Deacons – 1 Timothy 3:13

SaintsSaints

Zealous for good works – Titus 2:14Zealous for good works – Titus 2:14

Teachers – Titus 2:1-10Teachers – Titus 2:1-10

Stir up good works – Hebrews 10:24Stir up good works – Hebrews 10:24

Worship – Hebrews 10:25Worship – Hebrews 10:25

Make new disciples – Matthew 28:19-20Make new disciples – Matthew 28:19-20

The PerversionThe Perversion

Christ has been rejected as the head.Christ has been rejected as the head.

Regional bishopsRegional bishops

CardinalsCardinals

PopePope

ConventionsConventions

SynodsSynods

DistrictsDistricts

Organizational Structure The Hills Leadership Organizational Structure 2010

The Leadership of The Hills Church is comprised of Elders who serve the church family on two teams, the Shepherding Group and the Governance Council. Members of the Governance Council, whose primary role is to perform administrative duties, are selected annually by the full Eldership.

The remaining Elders serve as members of the Shepherding Group to achieve the following:

Assured Shepherd Care: The Shepherding Elders achieve this type of care by directing and empowering THC ministers to organize the church family body life in such a way that the members assure care for each other. Primarily, this care is achieved when spiritually healthy relationships are developed in small group communities. The ministers assure that spiritual care is being provided by an ongoing coaching relationship with each small group leader, thus assuring shepherd care for those in the communities.

Provided Shepherd Care:

Provided care is defined as personal care given by the shepherds, whether provided individually or in shepherd groups. Provided care is both reactive and proactive:

Reactive Care is provided in the following ways:Worship Service prayer responsesShepherd counselEncouragement and exhortationPrayer and anointing with oil requestsAssigned shepherding, in coordination with the church office (hospital visits, death in a family, baptisms, etc.)Other functions a shepherd is called upon to provide for The Hills family

Proactive Care is provided in the following ways:Encouragement of members to participate in all facets of the assured care organizationEquipping, training and disciplining members of the church bodyMonthly Shepherd meetings for the purpose of prayer, biblical study and encouragementActivities of encouragement designed to strengthen the weak, neglected, or struggling members of The Hills family, in coordination with THC Body Life Minister

Special Task Groups:

The full Eldership may from time to time designate two or more persons to constitute task groups for any purpose; provided that any such task group shall not reduce the authority delegated to the Governance Council.

The PerversionThe Perversion

Christ has been rejected as the head.Christ has been rejected as the head.

No deaconsNo deaconsWe have just been informed by our elders that we no longer

have deacons at our church but now have "special servants" which includes both men and women.

Last Wednesday night "special servants" were recognized during our assembly and a list of these people, both men and women, were provided to the congregation. Nothing was said that let the congregation know that these people would now be used instead of Deacons. When we, various members of the congregation, began calling individual Elders we were told that we no longer have Deacons, but these "Special Servants." We were not given any biblical scripture to back this up, only an article talking about deaconesses.

The PerversionThe Perversion

Christ has been rejected as the head.Christ has been rejected as the head.

No deaconsNo deacons

No elders, so everyone can have a No elders, so everyone can have a voice in the businessvoice in the business

A church with no elders is incomplete – A church with no elders is incomplete – Titus 1:5Titus 1:5

Philippians 3:1616) Nevertheless, to the degree that we

have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

Let us retain the standard!John 8:31-32

31) Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

32) “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”