Ordination Questions

Testimony and Call to Ministry**

Testimony**

I got saved when I was 11 year old.

The Lord used family difficulties to draw us to Bible Baptist Church where I heard Pastor Lake regularly preach.

Each week I heard the gospel. I found the words of scripture were true, and was burdened over my sin and need for Jesus. One Sunday, after the preaching, I was burdened about my sin and the need to trust Christ alone. I told my Mom about it and at home she shared Bible verses and helped me both process and pray to God. I turned from trusting in myself and placed my faith in Jesus Christ as saviour.

Call**

My call to ministry is rooted primarily in the scripture. 2 Timothy 4:1-2. The more I read the Bible the more burdened I feel about labouring in the “work of God” instead of the work of the world.

2 Timothy 4:1–2 KJV 1900

1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Several years ago I surrendered my life to the Lord with no real goal in mind other than to allow him to direct my path. I understand surrender needs to be a daily exercise, but there are three moments of surrender in my life that appear to be impactful in the Lord leading me the way He has.

-Moving to Massachusetts and letting God lead Kirstin and I to a local church.

-Changing my Job in order that I might prioritize what God was doing in my life.

-Relinquishing my plans and telling God I want to follow His will for my life. Acts 9:6 Acts 26:19

Acts 9:6 KJV 1900

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 26:19 KJV 1900

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

How can I not feel called, knowing what God has done?

2. Who is God?**

Person** God is the creator and sustainer of all things John 1:3-5. He is the only Sovereign. He is omnipotent Rev 19:6, Matthew 19:26, Omniscient Romans 11:33-36, and Omnipresent Jeremiah 23:23-24, He is triune in nature. 1 John 5:7. Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:1 (Elohim). God is a person not a concept or idea.

Work In Salvation**Jonah 2:9 “…Salvation is of the Lord” God is the only one capable of achieving the salvation of mankind. God foreknew we would fall into sin and had a plan for Jesus Christ to be the Saviour before the foundations of the world. God Justifies, Sanctifies, and ultimate will Glorify all who place their faith in him.

Relationship to man** God is man’s creator. We are made in the image of God with the purpose of glorifying God and having a relationship with Him.

Eternity** Revelation 22:13 God is Eternal. He has always existed and will always exist. He is the preexistant and preeminant one.

3. Who is Jesus?**

Person** Jesus is the incarnate one: God in human flesh. John 1:1. He is the second person of the trinity and is referred to in the scripture by many names. Jesus was a Jew of the lineage of David. The virgin Mary was his mother and God was his father. He was fully God and fully man.

Birth** Jesus has always existed alongside God the father and the Holy Spirit. He is not a created being. He was however fashioned as a man and born as human at a singular point in time as recorded in Luke 2 and Matthew 2. John 1:1 Declares he was there in the beginning. He was born in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:2. He was promised before by prophets. Romans 1:1-6.

Deity** John 10:30, John 8:28-59, John 8: 58 He is God. Philippians 2: 1-6

John 8:58 KJV 1900

58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

d. Work** Jesus lived a sinless life. He is the only human who has never sinned. 1 Peter 2:22-23. The scripture records his ministry as a short 3-year portion of his life in which he called disciples and did many miracles which the people thronged him for. He was known as a teacher with Authority from God. His ministry uniquely pointed to himself and the other persons of the trinity. The religious people of the time rejected him and eventually sought to kill him. He died willingly on the cross of Calvary. His death was not in vain. He was the sacrifice for the sins of the world in order that any who place there faith in Jesus Christ, would receive salvation from the second death. His death was a brutal death by Crucifixion at the hand of Pontius Pilate and the Jewish people of his day. He was laid in a tomb, and after three days arose from the dead. He appeared unto his disciples and many other witnesses after his resurrection. He taught the disciples that the old testament scriptures spoke of him. He commissioned the disciples and the church before ascending into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. Romans 1:1-6. He is the head of the church. He is the saviour of all saints. He is ultimately to be glorified by both the father and all creation.

4. Who is the Holy Spirit?**

Person** The Holy Spirit is often referred to as the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the son. The Holy Spirit is a person not a concept or idea.

Work in Salvation** The holy spirit convicts man of sin. John 16:8-11. Testifies of Christ. 1 John 5:7-9. The holy spirit seals the believer and confirms the permanent ownership of God. Ephesians 1:13 The Holy Spirit sanctifies the believer. 1 Peter 1:2, Romans 15:16 The Holy Spirit regenerates the believer. Titus 3:5

Relationship to the Scriptures** He is the author of scripture when originally penned. 2 Peter 1:20-21. He gives us understanding of the scriptures. John 14:26-27. He is in perfect agreement with the scriptures, God the father, and God the son. John 16:13. He does not work autonomously.

Work in life of a believer** The holy spirit indwells the believer 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 8:9. Comforts, convicts, unites, teaches, produces fruit, empowers, represses sin, etc. John 14:26

5. What is the Trinity?**

The trinity is a Theological term used to described the one true God of the Old and New Testament. There are three persons and one God. Genesis 1:1 uses the term Elohim to describe God which is plural. God says “let us make man in our image” when creating Adam. 1 John 5:7-8 describes the Word(Jesus), God the Father, and The Holy Ghost as one.”

The Simplicity of the Trinity is an important aspect of the doctrine. The three persons are both distinct, but also a single unified God, one in nature and will.

The scripture often refers to all three persons of the Godhead together. Matthew 28:19, Matthew 3:16-17, 1 Peter 1:2

How does the triune God operate?** The scripture attributes certain traits to each person of the Trinity and often presents a distinction of role but the three persons of the trinity are in perfect unison at all times.

The operations of God are often split into parts: The internal and external works of God.

Internally, The Father eternally begets the Son. The father and Son eternally breathe forth the Holy Spirit.

Externally, the Works include things like creation, justification, sanctification, etc. All three members are seen taking part in the external works for God. These works are also trinitarian in nature or shape. ie. The works of God are often attributed as proceeding from the Father, through the Son, In the Spirit.

6. Explain Humanity.**

Gen 1:27 Humanity is the creation of God. We are created in His Image, for the purpose of Glorifying God. Psalm 145, Rev 6:9, Ecc. 12:13.

Humans were created without Sin, and willingly sinned against God in the Garden of Eden, causing inheritance of a sin nature that has passed upon all of humanity.

Today, All humans are under condemnation and are urged by the scriptures to repent and place their faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for Salvation. Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Isaiah 64:6

7. What is original sin?** Romans 5:12-21.

Original sin refers to Adam’s sin of disobedience in the Garden. Genesis 3 It was of the volition of man. James 1:13 Because of it, a sin nature has passed upon all men. Psalm 51:5, 1 John 1:8-10

8. Explain Salvation.**

Salvation is the Work of God. Salvation includes a persons rescue from a deserved separation from God, sin nature, and the eventual eternal wage of Hell, which is the second death. It is both a grace and a mercy in that it relieves us of what is deserved and gives us what we could never earn otherwise. Revelation 20:14-15.

Theologically it is broken in to past, present, and future tenses described as Justified, Sanctified, and Glorified.

Why is it needed? It is God’s will that man would be saved. 2 Peter 3:9, John 3:16-17. Without salvation man will suffer an eternity in Hell. Revelation 20:15

How is it attained? It is obtained by placing faith in the Work of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8.

-A person must recognize their condition before God. They are sinners while God is a perfect Holy God. Romans 3:23.

-A person must understand there is a necessary wage for sin, which is death, also referred to as the second death. Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:14-15.

-A person must understand that God loves them and does not want them to pay for their own sins. He sent Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, and laid down his life on the cross of Calvary, was buried, and rose again the third day, proving he has power over death and Hell Rev 1:18. Romans 5:8.

-God has purchased the gift of salvation for any who would believe through Jesus’ work. It is a gift he extends to all mankind. This gift cannot be earned by any means. It can only be freely recieved by placing faith in Christ. This is the repentance required of mankind according to the scripture for salvation. It requires turning from a faith in any other means, toward a singular faith in the Work of God through His Son Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:16.

9. Explain your position on the local church vs. the universal church.**

Both exist but the new testament focuses primarily on the building of local bodies referred to as churches. One day the Catholic or global church, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Matthew 16:18, Hebrews 12:22-24 will be gathered by Christ as his Bride, but for now operation should be through individual church bodies and Christians should seek to join a local church body. Hebrews 10:25, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Acts 9:31, Acts 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:1.

Purpose: The primary purpose of the Church can be summarized by the great commission given by Christ before he ascended into heaven. Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47-48.

These functions include: Going, teaching all things, making disciples of Christ, and Baptizing believers in the name of the trinitarian God.

Offices: There are two offices as described by the scriptures, there are Deacons(one who serves) and Bishop(Elder, Overseer, Pastor, etc) Philippians 1:1, Both offices are positions of leadership and scripture provides the necessary means for election in 1 Timothy 3. Roles of a pastor include... 1 Peter 5:2, Ephesians 4:12-14

Ordinances - Traditionally, there are two ordinances, Baptism and observation of the Lord’s Supper. Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Baptism: There is one Baptism Ephesians 4:5, It pictures a burial or planting Romans 6:4-5, It is by submersion/immersion Colossians 2:12. John 3:23 “Much Water”. It is only for believers. Acts 812, Acts 8:37, Acts 10:47

We are to keep the ordinances. 1 Corinthians 11:2 although they do not save. They are pictures to help in remembering and identifying with Christ.

10. Explain your position on the Bible.**

The Bible is the sole authority of a Christian’s faith and practice. John 12:48 The Bible is the inherent Word of God. Proverbs 30:5-6

It gives discernment and reveals the heart: Hebrews 4:12

It was authored by God. It is profitable 2 Timothy 3:16.

It is eternal. It is preserved. Matthew 24:35, Isaiah 40:8.

It brings life. John 6:63.

It sanctifies. John 17:17.

It guides. Psalm 119:105.

We are to dwell on it. Colossians 3:16

I read the KJV bible personally and believe it to be the best English version available. I am concerned about the watering down of some newer versions of the scripture. I do recognize the benefit of other versions but hold the opinion that it is worth using the KJV as a church for its consistency and care of prioritizing the truth of God’s Word over it’s relatability. I do not hold that the KJV bible is the only inerrant inspired word of God which was withheld from the church until it was written in 1611.

11. Explain Heaven and Hell**

Heaven (Revelation 21:1-5) and Hell (Revelation 20:15) are two literal locations described in the scriptures. Matthew 25:46, Luke 16:19-31

Heaven is the place all true believers will go immediately when they die. Luke 23:43, John 14:2, Revelation 21:4.

Hell is the eternal wage for any who die in their sin. Revelation 20:10-15, Matthew 25:41 It was created for the devil and his Angels.

There is no purgatory. These locations will become immediate realities for a person when they die based on there faith in Jesus Christ.

12. Explain the reality of Satan and demons.*

Satan is a real person and was a creation of God. He is an angelic being and the adversary of humanity and of God. 1 Peter 5:8. Job 1:6 describes a scene where Satan and his angels appear before God. They have been granted freedom to roam by God. Satan is the deceiver of the whole world. He is a murder. He is the father of Lies Revelation 12:9. He is the little “g” “god” of this world. 2 Corinthians 4:4. He is blinding the eyes of mankind.

I believe Isaiah 14:12-14, Ezekiel 28:14-18, Revelation 12:3-4, Revelation 12:9 all describe the fall of Satan and his angels. These angels are present on the earth now until Christ returns and binds them.

13. Explain your understanding of the end times.

My theological framework is considered premillenial and pretrib. I recognize this is a difficult issue and do not think it is a concern worth causing division over unless it affects other necessary Christian doctrines.

Titus 2:13 I believe Jesus is coming back and that it should be the blessed hope of Christians.

Jesus promised his return and the angels declared it. John 14:1-4, Acts 1:11, Hebrews 9:28.

Christ wants us to think he could come at any moment. Revelation 22:12, 1 John 2:28.

Timeline:

Christ will return for all saints of all time past. Historically this is referred to as the rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51, Philippians 3:20. It will happen in a moment, “in the twinkling of an eye.” Both the living and the dead who have placed faith in Christ will be miraculously caught up with Him in the air.

Following, there will be 7 years of tribulation on earth. Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:21.

I tend to believe the marriage supper of the lamb Revelation 22:1 happens toward the end of this tribulation period but am open to other interpretations of time frame. I also tend to believe the judgement seat of Christ happens at this time but am also open to other interpretations. My main concern is it seems bizarre to think that others who come to Christ during the tribulation will not be present for these two events if you hold this view.

The tribulation is split into 2 main sections, 3.5 years of peace will come before 3.5 years of great tribulation for the world and persecution of death for believers. The anti-christ will be a figure that comes to power during this time. He will deceive the world and persecute Christians. People will be required to take the number of the beast or be killed.

At the end of the tribulation period Jesus will return to earth with his Saints and will bound Satan and his Angels. Rev 20:1-3.

There will be a 1000 year reign on earth before Satan will be loosed again.

The millennial reign will end and Satan will be loosed.

The final battle will happen and Satan and his Angels will be cast into hell. This is referred to as Armageddon.

The Great White Throne Judgment will conclude what we often refer to as the end times, and all Christians will live eternally with the Lord.

14. Explain your position on sign gifts.

As far as a theological background, I would be typed as a cessationist. I’ll mention later I am careful in practice of how this affects my relationship to other believers and am open to the reality that a Sovereign God can do as he pleases in any of these matters.

I believe generally that Tongues, Prophecy, and Miracles are no longer active gifts in the same way they are presented in Scripture. These spiritual gifts declined after the apostolic age, once the Word of God was available to believers. 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, Hebrews 1:1-2 The scripture describes other times when there was “no open vision.” 1 Samuel 3:1

Tongues- Primarily was of a real language which the speaker was able to miraculously speak in.

Miracles - Powers of healing, etc. God still does miracles through his means but we should not expect miracles to be accomplished in the same manner they were by the apostles.

Prophecy - In the sense of new revelation from God, we need no further “Prophecy.” As far as teaching or speaking what God has already said, we should continue diligently in this latter work.

As mentioned, I have reservation in practice to write off someone who believes God has met with them in one of these ways. Many Christians have told me their experiences of one of the above gifts. My hesitation is based in the idea that God is sovereign and can do what he wants. I am not God. But I do warn people often that the scripture mentions a prophecy of the peoples own imagination in Ezekiel 13:2 as well as other scriptures.

15. Explain your position on genders and homosexuality.

I believe God’s intention for man was to be one of two genders, Male and Female. Gen 1:27, Gen 5:2, Matthew 19:4, Gen 2:21-23, 1 Corinthians 11:7-9.

Homosexuality is a sin. Leviticus 18:22

16. If you ever err from these truths, would you return your ordination papers.

Yes.