Counsel #1 — Origin Of Church

Picture: Counsel #1 — Origin Of ChurchCSe 80.1

The Bible portrays the church from the beginning of earth’s history as an inclusive, divine institution. It began as God-fearing families, called to bless and influence all nations, headed by guardians of God’s truth — such as Adam, Seth, Noah, Shem and Abraham.^{[80]https://adventistreview.org/2012-1503/2012-1503-22/}CSe 80.2

“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28 NKJVCSe 80.3

“From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne a faithful testimony to the generation in which they lived. These sentinels gave the message of warning; and when they were called to lay off their armor, others took up the work. God brought these witnesses into covenant relation with Himself, united the church on earth with the church in heaven. He has sent forth His angels to minister to His church, and the gates of hell have not been able to prevail against His people.” Ellen White in The Acts of the Apostles, p. 11CSe 80.4

Reflect: What role do you believe the Bible should play in identifying God’s true church?CSe 80.5