Romans 13:1, Hebrews 12:28, Acts 2, Acts 5, Acts 8

There are three institutions mentioned:
1. Government – Romans 13:1, 1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

2. Home – Genesis 2

3. The Lord’s Church – Hebrews 12:28, 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Steps to Strengthening & Building the Body
1) Gospel Preaching, MUST be the focal point, the foundation for growing.
Ephesians 4:15, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

2) Strong Leadership. Saints, Overseers (Elders), and Deacons.
1 Peter 5:1-3, 1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

A church without elders should have the attitude to fix the problem of not having elders. They should be trying to “set things in order.” Titus 1:5, 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

3) Christian Living in Every Member. Promoting and Sharing the Gospel.

4) Congregational Warmth & Love.
Romans 12:10, 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

5) Congregational Compassion.
Galatians 6:10, 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

6) Evangelistic Zeal. Be thinking about saving souls.

7) Attitude that wants to serve.
Matthew 20:28, 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”