In Colossians 1:18 (KJV) it reads:
- “18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence”.
Note this pertains to Christ, he is the head of the body, the church: the body and the church are the same thing, Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 1:24 (KJC). And “that in all things he might have the preeminence”.
Note the word (preeminence):
- The NASB bible says for preeminence, “so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything”.
- Strongs Numbers, on preeminence, to be first (in rank or influence)
- Thayer’s Greek Lexicon on Preeminence, to be first, hold the first place
In Romans 16:16 KJV, Paul says:
“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you”
If Christ is to be first (in rank or influence), and Paul calls the churches churches of Christ, the church should bear his name, Church of Christ to be scriptural.
The name Pentecostal or any other church with a name other than Church of Christ, then is unscriptural. Pastors or preachers disregarding what is written here cannot deny the scriptures that back up the text.
Note, we are Not to add or take away from this book, Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV):
- 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book
- 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
God only permits men to speak and pray in the church service and have authority over men. Women are not to participates in a church service with the present of men, 1 Timothy 2:12 (KJV).
- 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Women though have an important task: Teachings to others when the opportunity arises and bible study class for the young.
The special gifts given at the beginning of the New Testament Church were given to men, Ephesians 4:8, 11-12.
- 8 “and gave gifts unto men.
- 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
- 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ