SF585 - What We Believe (old)
| WHAT WE BELIEVE |
April 1996
[COMMENT1]
Table of Contents
Lesson 1: What We Believe about the Bible..................................................................................... 1
2 Timothy 3:16............................................................................................................................ 1
Introduction................................................................................................................................. 1
Eight Themes to describe the Bible............................................................................................ 2
How to choose a Translation...................................................................................................... 4
Application.................................................................................................................................. 5
For Further Study....................................................................................................................... 5
Lesson 2: What We Believe about God............................................................................................ 6
Hebrews 11:6.............................................................................................................................. 6
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 6
1A. GOD’S EXISTENCE.............................................................................................................. 6
2A. GOD’S ATTRIBUTES............................................................................................................ 7
3A. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY......................................................................................................... 8
4A. GOD’S UNITY - THE TRINITY............................................................................................... 8
Lesson 2: What We Believe about God - Class Notes...................................................................... 9
Hebrews 11:6.............................................................................................................................. 9
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 9
1A. GOD’S EXISTENCE.............................................................................................................. 9
2A. GOD’S ATTRIBUTES............................................................................................................ 9
3A. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY......................................................................................................... 9
4A. GOD’S UNITY - THE TRINITY............................................................................................. 10
Lesson 3: What We Believe about Christ....................................................................................... 11
................................................................................................................................................. 11
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 11
1A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS DEITY (John 1:1-2)......................................................... 12
2A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS HUMANITY (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-7)....................... 13
3A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS MINISTRY (Philippians 2:8-11)........................................ 14
APPLICATION........................................................................................................................... 14
Lesson 3: What We Believe about Christ - Class Notes ............................................................. 15
................................................................................................................................................. 15
John 1:1 - 2, 14........................................................................................................................ 15
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 15
1A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS DEITY (John 1:1-2)......................................................... 15
2A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS HUMANITY (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-7)....................... 15
3A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS MINISTRY (Philippians 2:8-11)........................................ 15
APPLICATION........................................................................................................................... 15
Lesson 4: What We Believe about the Holy Spirit: His Person and Purpose................................... 16
John 14:15-19, 25-26............................................................................................................... 16
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 16
1A. THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT................................................................................. 17
2A. THE PURPOSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT............................................................................... 18
APPLICATION - ASSIGNMENTS............................................................................................... 18
Lesson 4: What We Believe about the Holy Spirit........................................................................... 19
John 14:15-19, 25-26............................................................................................................... 19
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 19
Lesson 5: What We Believe about the Holy Spirit: His Presence and Power.................................. 20
Acts 1:8.................................................................................................................................... 20
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 20
1A. THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT............................................................................. 20
2A. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT................................................................................... 22
APPLICATION........................................................................................................................... 22
Lesson 6: What We Believe about the People................................................................................ 25
Psalm 8:1-9.............................................................................................................................. 25
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 25
1A. MAN’S PROBLEM EXPLAINED............................................................................................ 26
2A. GOD’S PROVISION EXAMINED........................................................................................... 28
APPLICATION........................................................................................................................... 29
Lesson 6: What We Believe about the People - Class Notes.......................................................... 30
Psalm 8:1-9.............................................................................................................................. 30
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 30
1A. MAN’S PROBLEM EXPLAINED............................................................................................ 30
2A. GOD’S PROVISION EXAMINED........................................................................................... 30
APPLICATION........................................................................................................................... 30
Lesson 7: What We Believe about Salvation.................................................................................. 31
1 John 5:11-13......................................................................................................................... 31
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 31
1A. YOU CAN BE SAVED - HOW? (1)....................................................................................... 32
2A. YOU CAN BE SURE YOU ARE SAVED............................................................................... 33
Lesson 7: What We Believe about Salvation - Class Notes............................................................ 35
1 John 5:11-13......................................................................................................................... 35
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 35
1A. YOU CAN BE SAVED - HOW? (1)....................................................................................... 35
2A. YOU CAN BE SURE YOU ARE SAVED............................................................................... 35
Lesson 8: What We Believe about the Church - Overview............................................................. 36
Matthew 16:13-19..................................................................................................................... 36
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 36
1A. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH (Matthew 16:13-19)..................................................... 37
2A. THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHURCH................................................................................ 38
APPLICATION........................................................................................................................... 38
Lesson 9: What We Believe about the Church - The Purpose and Function.................................. 39
Philippians 3:12-14................................................................................................................... 39
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 39
1A. EXALT THE SAVIOR - WORSHIP (Mat. 22:37).................................................................. 40
2A. EQUIP THE SAINTS - WORK.............................................................................................. 41
3A. EVANGELIZE THE SINNER - WITNESS............................................................................... 42
APPLICATION........................................................................................................................... 42
Lesson 10: What We Believe about the Church - The Ordinances and Polity................................ 43
Acts 2:40-47............................................................................................................................. 43
Introduction............................................................................................................................... 43
1A. BIBLICAL BAPTISM............................................................................................................. 43
2A. THE LORD’S SUPPER........................................................................................................ 44
1 Corinthiams 11:28 -29 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself................................................................................................ 44
3A. CHURCH POLITY (P.92)..................................................................................................... 45
Lesson 11: What We Believe about the Second Coming................................................................ 46
! Lesson 1: What We Believe about the Bible
2 Timothy 3:16
Introduction
Facts about the Bible
1. It is a library of 66 books written by approximately 40 authors over a period of 1500 years
2. It is divided into two main sections: Old Testament and New Testament
3. Its main theme is Jesus Christ: His Coming, His Life, His Second Coming
The Bible is described as the greatest book in the world
1. It is the greatest in subject matter.
2. It is the greatest in influence on lives and nations.
3. It answer man’s greatest need: salvation.
!! Eight Themes to describe the Bible
Revelation
1. Revelation is an act of God.
2. God gives revelation about Himself to people.
3. Revelation involves communication truth we could not otherwise know apart from God.
4. The revelation is both partial and complete.
5. God reveals Himself in different ways.
Ø Through history (1 Corinthians 10:1-6)
Ø Through conscience (Romans 2:14-16)
Ø Through creation (Romans 1:18-21)
Ø Through the Bible (Deuteronomy 29:29; 1 Peter 1:20-21)
6. God reveals His Word for a purpose
Ø To reveal sin (Romans 3:9-20)
Ø To reveal Christ (John 5:39)
Ø To reveal salvation (John 20:31)
Ø To reveal the keys to wisdom (Proverbs 1:2) and victory (Psalms 119: 9-11)
Inspiration
1. Inspiration is based on the Greek word theopneustos which communicates the idea of God breathing out His Word. (2 Timothy 3:16)
2. Because God is the ultimate author of all Scripture, all Scripture is completely accurate and reliable.
3. Every word of the original autographs of Scripture is the very word God chose to use. (1 Corinthians 2:13)
Inerrancy
1. What God inspired is also authoritative and reliable.
2. Jesus believed in errancy to the point of the smallest letter and part of a letter. (Matthew 5:18)
Preservation
Refers to God’s work insuring that the Scriptures are preserved for future generations.
Canon
1. Canonicity describes those books which are included in the Bible because they measure up to the standard of Scripture.
2. The word originally meant a measuring rod or standard of measure.
3. By the Fourth century the canon had been established based on four criteria.
Books written by an apostle or on closely associated with an apostle.
Contents were revelatory in nature.
Books were universally recognized.
Doctrinally consistent.
4. Why there will be no additions to the Scriptures.
Scripture forbids adding or removing anything. (Revelation 22:18-19)
The task of writing revelation is completed. (Jude 3)
Illumination
1. Describes the work of the Holy Spirit which enables us to understand and apply the message of the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 2:12)
2. The results of illumination includes...
Conviction of sin (John 16:8-11)
Confirmation of truth (1 John 2:20, 27)
Interpretation
1. This is the test of determining the meaning of the Scriptures.
2. We believe in the historical grammatical interpretation of the Bible...
Learn the social and historical context
Examine the grammatical context.
Ask “What is the plain meaning of this passage?”
Consider symbolic language.
How to choose a Translation
The importance of translations
1. The original was written in Hebrew and Greek.
2. It is impossible for any person to be completely unbiased and objective.
3. Therefore, the most reliable translations are those done by a panel of scholars.
Three criteria to consider
1. Accuracy
2. Beauty
3. Clarity
Significant Translations
1. King James - 1611 (language now obsolete in some respects)
2. American Standard - 1901
3. Revised Standard - 1947
4. New American Standard - 1959
5. Phillips Paraphrase - 1960 (a paraphrase is an explanation - not a literal translation)
6. Good News - 1966
7. New English Bible - 1971
8. Living Bible - 1971 (paraphrase)
9. New International Version - 1973
10. New King James Version - 1982
Application
Six ways to learn the Word
1. Hear it
2. Read it
3. Study it
4. Memorize it
5. Meditate on it
6. Apply it!
For Further Study
How to Study the Bible for all it’s Worth, Gordon D. Fee, Douglas Stuart
30 Days to Understanding the Bible, Max E. Anders
30 Days to Understanding what Christians Believe, Max Anders
Lesson 2: What We Believe about God
Hebrews 11:6
INTRODUCTION
“The history of mankind will probably show that no people has ever risen above its religion, and man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea about God. Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God.” A.W. Tozer
“A nation never rises above its religion and idea of God. People’s view of their ultimate destiny and their view of authority comes from their view of God.” Elmer Towns
There are a lot of false and substitute Gods Today.
1A. GOD’S EXISTENCE
It is impossible to generate proof of His existence, so we must look for evidence of His existence.
Seen in Nature
(Romans 1:20) For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities‑‑his eternal power and divine nature‑‑have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Seen in Man
(Genesis 1:27) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Seen in His Word
Assumes God’s existence (Hebrews 11:1-6)
!! 2A. GOD’S ATTRIBUTES
The fundamental characteristics of God
1B. Divine Attributes - Unique to God
Omniscience - Knows all things
(Psalms 139:4) Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Omnipresence - Present everywhere simultaneously.
(Psalms 139:8) If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
Omnipotence - All powerful
(Job 42:2) "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.
2B. Personal Attributes - Man can posses these
God is holy - without evil is only good
(Psalms 111:9)‑‑ holy and awesome is his name.
(Isaiah 5:16) But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness.
God is love - seeks the best for others
1 John 4:8b
God is just - applies righteous consequences equally to everyone
(Exodus 34:7) ..., Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished...
!! 3A. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY
God can do whatever He wills
(Psalms 135:5‑6) I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. {6} The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.
Is consistent - it will always be in harmony with His Nature and Attributes
Is absolute - nothing is outside His control
Is complete - He has determined everything that has or will happen, yet has done so in such a way that man has true choice.
4A. GOD’S UNITY - THE TRINITY
(Deuteronomy 6:4) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
(2 Corinthians 13:14) May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Three eternal persons
Each equal in nature
Distinct in person
Submissive in duties.
Not three gods
Not three manifestations of God
APPLICATION
Where is God Joke?
Have you “found” the one true God?
Lesson 2: What We Believe about God - Class Notes
Hebrews 11:6
INTRODUCTION
1A. GOD’S EXISTENCE
Seen in Nature
Seen in Man
Seen in His Word
2A. GOD’S ATTRIBUTES
1B. Divine Attributes - Unique to God
Omniscience - Knows all things
Omnipresence - Present everywhere simultaneously.
Omnipotence - All powerful
2B. Personal Attributes - Man can posses these
God is holy - without evil is only good
God is love - seeks the best for others
God is just - applies righteous consequences equally to everyone
3A. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY
God can do whatever He wills
Is consistent - it will always be in harmony with His Nature and Attributes
Is absolute - nothing is outside His control
Is complete - He has determined everything that has or will happen, yet has done so in such a way that man has true choice.
!! 4A. GOD’S UNITY - THE TRINITY
Three eternal persons
Not three gods
Not three manifestations of God
APPLICATION
! Lesson 3: What We Believe about Christ
John 1:1 - 2, 14
INTRODUCTION
“No other single individual has impacted the history of the world ... more than Jesus of Nazareth. This humble son of a carpenter lived most of His life in obscurity spending little more than three years in the public lime light as a popular teacher.” E. Towns
He never traveled more than a few miles from His home. Yet His impact has been felt worldwide.
He never wrote any books. Yet His book is the best selling of all time.
He never founded any schools or hospitals. Yet millions have been educated and healed in His name.
He never sat upon any man made throne. Yet He is known as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
He never attended military school. Yet He commands the greatest army ever assembled and has never and will never lose a battle.
He died penniless. Yet His riches are untold.
Who is this one of which I speak?
Jesus Christ the Second Person of the God-head!
!! 1A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS DEITY (John 1:1-2)
1B. Jesus Is Eternally God (1a)
In time - “In the beginning”
Before time was Christ existed as part of the godhead.
In type - “the Word”
Jesus was the full and final revelation of God!
In transcendence - “was”
Imperfect tense verb - expresses a continuous state, not a completed past.
It refers to the mode of existence that transcends time.
2B. Jesus Is Equally God (1b)
(Deuteronomy 6:4) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Equal in person
“With God” = face to face; This expressed equality.
Equal in position
No drop in deity between God and Christ
3B. Jesus Is Essentially God (1c-2)
In His nature, person and personality.
(Colossians 1:15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
(John 14:9) Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
!! 2A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS HUMANITY (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-7)
1B. His Virgin Birth
The nature of His virgin birth
(Isaiah 7:14) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
The necessity of His virgin birth
(Genesis 3:15) "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.""
He shared all of man’s experiences except the sin nature.
2B. His Virtuous Life
“dwelling” = carries the idea of pitching a tent.
He was tempted but yeilded to sin
(Hebrews 4:15)... we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are‑‑yet was without sin.
He was tried but never committed sin
(1 Peter 2:22) "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
(1 John 3:5) But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.
!! 3A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS MINISTRY (Philippians 2:8-11)
1B. His Vicarious Death (8)
(1 John 2:2) He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
2B. His Victorious Resurrection (9a)
(Acts 2:24) But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
(1 Corinthians 15:20‑21) But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. {21} For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
3B. His Vital Intercession
(Romans 8:34) Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died‑‑more than that, who was raised to life‑‑is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
(Hebrews 7:25) Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
4B. His Visible Return (9b-11)
(Acts 1:11) "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
APPLICATION
No Middle Ground
“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things that Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic on the level of a man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is the son of God; or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense abut His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity
! Lesson 3: What We Believe about Christ - Class Notes
John 1:1 - 2, 14
INTRODUCTION
1A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS DEITY (John 1:1-2)
1B. Jesus Is Eternally God (1a)
2B. Jesus Is Equally God (1b)
3B. Jesus Is Essentially God (1c-2)
2A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS HUMANITY (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-7)
1B. His Virgin Birth
2B. His Virtuous Life
3A. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT HIS MINISTRY (Philippians 2:8-11)
1B. His Vicarious Death (8)
2B. His Victorious Resurrection (9a)
3B. His Vital Intercession
4B. His Visible Return (9b-11)
APPLICATION
! Lesson 4: What We Believe about the Holy Spirit: His Person and Purpose
John 14:15-19, 25-26
INTRODUCTION
Who is the Holy Spirit?...
The IRS Conscience Fund
The IRS has a “Conscience Fund” that receives anonymous contributions from people who have cheated the government out of money in the past and who want to make up for it to clear their conscience but don’t want to risk criminal prosection. The Conscience Fund received a check from a man who included the following note:
I have not been able to sleep ever since I cheated you out of some money, so here is a check for $500. If I still can’t sleep, I’ll send you the rest.
A Can of BB’s
A salesman called on a contractor with a bid for the materials for a large job. He was invited into the contractor’s office where they chatted for a moment before the secretary came and summoned the contractor into another office. Alone, the salesman noticed that there was a bid from a competitor on the contractor’s desk with all the numbers written clearly. The total amount of the bid was hidden, however, covered by a small orange juice can. Unable to contain his curiosity, the salesman picked up the OJ can. When he did, thousands of BB’s poured out. Without saying a word, he walked out of the office never to return.
We all can identify with both of these stories.
We all struggle with doing right - that is where the Holy Spirit comes in!
Lets look at the Person, Purpose and Presence of the HS.
!! 1A. THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1B. His Personality
Intellect
(1 Corinthians 2:11) ...no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
Emotions
(Ephesians 4:30) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, ...
Will
(1 Corinthians 12:11) All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
2B. His Deity
He is one with God
(Genesis 1:2) Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
He accomplishes the work of God
(John 3:5) ...no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
(2 Peter 1:21) For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
!! 2A. THE PURPOSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1B. The Work of Restraint
(2 Thessalonians 2:7) For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.
2B. The Work of Reproof (John 16:7-11)
Convicts of sin (9)
Convicts of righteousness (10)
Convicts of judgement (11)
3B. The Work of Redemption - R.I.B.S.
Regeneration - new life
(Titus 3:5) He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
Indwelling - new nature
(1 Corinthians 6:19) Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you ...
Baptism - new identity
(1 Corinthians 12:13) For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body...
Sealed - new security
(Ephesians 1:13)... Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
APPLICATION - ASSIGNMENTS
Distribute Spiritual Gifts Inventory, review and assign.
! Lesson 4: What We Believe about the Holy Spirit
John 14:15-19, 25-26
INTRODUCTION
1A. THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1B. His Personality
2B. His Deity
2A. THE PURPOSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1B. The Work of Restraint
2B. The Work of Reproof (John 16:8-11)
3B. The Work of Redemption - R.I.B.S.
APPLICATION
! Lesson 5: What We Believe about the Holy Spirit: His Presence and Power
Acts 1:8
INTRODUCTION
The Holy Spirit is present in the life of the believer not only to bear witness to Christ but to enable the Christian to serve.
He enables us by his Presence - the gifts - And by His Power - the filling and the fruit.
1A. THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1 Corinthians 12:1-12; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11-13
1B. Miraculous gifts
Tongues (10) = the ability to speak in a language known only to the Spirit and to persons who are given the gift of interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:12-19; Acts 2:1-13; Acts 19:1-7)
Healing (9) = the ability to be used of God to bring healing to a person. Usually takes place in a miraculous, instantaneous setting. (Acts 3:1-10)
2B. Enabling gifts
Discernment (10) = the ability to distinguish between good and evil, truth from deception. (Acts 5:1-11; 16:16-18; 1 John 4:1-6; Matthew 16:21-23)
Faith (9) = the special ability to affirm God’s power to intervene in the world today and to be a part of this intervention through prayer and the Spirit’s power.
Knowledge (8) = the ability to discover, understand, clarify and communicate information that relates to the life, growth and well being of the church. (1 Corinthians 1:14; Acts 5:1-11; Colossians 2:2-3; 2 Corinthians 11:6)
Wisdom (8) = the ability to gain insight into the practical application of God’s truths to specific situations. (1 Corinthians 2:1-13; Acts 6:3,10; James 1:5-6)
3B. Task-oriented gifts
Evangelism (Eph. 4:11) = the ability to communicate the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit to unconverted persons at their point of need with the intent of leading them to an expression of faith in God. Yet leaving all the results to God. (2 Timothy 4:5; Acts 8:5-6; Acts 8:26-40; Acts 14:21; Acts 21:8)
Shepherding (Eph 4:11) = the ability to build up, equip, and guide Christians in spiritual growth and maturity. (Galatians 1:6-12; 1 Corinthians 16:1; Acts 18:24-26)
Prophecy (Rom 12:6) = the ability to publicly declare what God is doing in and through His world. It is forth-telling more that fore-telling. (1 Corinthians 12:10,28; Ephesians 4:11-14; Luke 7:26; Acts 15:32; Acts 21:9-11)
Serving (Rom 12:7) = the ability to discern and meet the spiritual and physical needs of individuals. Often will involve manual tasks. (2 Timothy 1:16-18; Acts 6:1-7; Titus 3:14; Galatians 6:2,10)
Teaching (Rom 12:7) = is the ability to communicate biblical principles in the power of the Holy Spirit and demonstrating how those principles relate to everyday life. (1 Corinthians 12:28: Ephesians 4:11-14; Acts 18:24-28; 20:20-21)
Exhortation/Encouragement (Rom 12:8) = is the ability to urge others to act on a basis of their faith in God, advising others how to accomplish specific goals in life and ministry, cautioning others against actions that are potentially dangerous and motivating others in the Christian life and ministry. (1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:25; Acts 14:22)
Giving (Rom 12:8) = the special ability and desire to contribute material resources to others and the Lord’s work with liberality and cheerfulness. (2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:2-8; Mark 12:41-44)
Administration (Rom 12:8) = the ability to manage human, physical, and financial resources through planning, organizing, and leading. (1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 6:1-7; 27:11; Luke 14:28-30)
Showing Mercy (Rom 12:8) = the ability to feel sympathy for and to meet the needs of persons who suffer distress and crisis from physical, mental, or emotional problems. (Mark 9:41; Acts 16:33-34; Luke 10:33-35; Matthew 25:34-40; Acts 11:28-30)
!! 2A. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1B. The Fullness of the Holy Spirit
(Ephesians 5:18) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
How? - John 7:37-38
Desire (thirst)
Repent (come to me)
Receive (drink)
Act on faith (believe)
2B. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
These are character Traits of the Christian!
APPLICATION
Has the Holy Spirit done his work of redemption in you?
Regeneration - Indwelling - Baptism - Sealing
Are you living in the power of His presence?
Exercising you God-given gifts?
Filled with God’s Spirit
Desire - Repent - Receiver - Act
Expressing the fruit?
Next Week... What We Believe About People!
Lesson 5: What We Believe about the Holy Spirit: His Presence and Power - Class Notes
Acts 1:8
INTRODUCTION
1A. THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1 Corinthians 12:1-12; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11-13
1B. Miraculous gifts
Tongues (10) = the ability to speak in a language known only to the Spirit and to persons who are given the gift of interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:12-19; Acts 2:1-13; Acts 19:1-7)
Healing (9) = the ability to be used of God to bring healing to a person. Usually takes place in a miraculous, instantaneous setting. (Acts 3:1-10)
2B. Enabling gifts
Discernment (10) = the ability to distinguish between good and evil, truth from deception. (Acts 5:1-11; 16:16-18; 1 John 4:1-6; Matthew 16:21-23)
Faith (9) = the special ability to affirm God’s power to intervene in the world today and to be a part of this intervention through prayer and the Spirit’s power.
Knowledge (8) = the ability to discover, understand, clarify and communicate information that relates to the life, growth and well being of the church. (1 Corinthians 1:14; Acts 5:1-11; Colossians 2:2-3; 2 Corinthians 11:6)
Wisdom (8) = the ability to gain insight into the practical application of God’s truths to specific situations. (1 Corinthians 2:1-13; Acts 6:3,10; James 1:5-6)
3B. Task-oriented gifts
Evangelism (Eph. 4:11) = the ability to communicate the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit to unconverted persons at their point of need with the intent of leading them to an expression of faith in God. Yet leaving all the results to God. (2 Timothy 4:5; Acts 8:5-6; Acts 8:26-40; Acts 14:21; Acts 21:8)
Shepherding (Eph 4:11) = the ability to build up, equip, and guide Christians in spiritual growth and maturity. (Galatians 1:6-12; 1 Corinthians 16:1; Acts 18:24-26)
Prophecy (Rom 12:6) = the ability to publicly declare what God is doing in and through His world. It is forth-telling more that fore-telling. (1 Corinthians 12:10,28; Ephesians 4:11-14; Luke 7:26; Acts 15:32; Acts 21:9-11)
Serving (Rom 12:7) = the ability to discern and meet the spiritual and physical needs of individuals. Often will involve manual tasks. (2 Timothy 1:16-18; Acts 6:1-7; Titus 3:14; Galatians 6:2,10)
Teaching (Rom 12:7) = is the ability to communicate biblical principles in the power of the Holy Spirit and demonstrating how those principles relate to everyday life. (1 Corinthians 12:28: Ephesians 4:11-14; Acts 18:24-28; 20:20-21)
Exhortation/Encouragement (Rom 12:8) = is the ability to urge others to act on a basis of their faith in God, advising others how to accomplish specific goals in life and ministry, cautioning others against actions that are potentially dangerous and motivating others in the Christian life and ministry. (1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:25; Acts 14:22)
Giving (Rom 12:8) = the special ability and desire to contribute material resources to others and the Lord’s work with liberality and cheerfulness. (2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:2-8; Mark 12:41-44)
Administration (Rom 12:8) = the ability to manage human, physical, and financial resources through planning, organizing, and leading. (1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 6:1-7; 27:11; Luke 14:28-30)
Showing Mercy (Rom 12:8) = the ability to feel sympathy for and to meet the needs of persons who suffer distress and crisis from physical, mental, or emotional problems. (Mark 9:41; Acts 16:33-34; Luke 10:33-35; Matthew 25:34-40; Acts 11:28-30)
2A. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1B. The Fullness of the Holy Spirit
2B. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit
APPLICATION
! Lesson 6: What We Believe about the People
Psalm 8:1-9
INTRODUCTION
Mankind is a study of contrasts...
Man can be Incredibly creative
Mozart wrote his first full-length orchestral piece when he was only eight years old.
Man can be Incredibly destructive
LA riots
Man can be wonderfully kind
Mother Teresa...
Man can be wickedly cruel
Father in Arizona beheaded his son
Man can be surprisingly intelligent
Bill Gates - We only us perhaps 10% of our brains
Man can be astoundingly foolish
Man who tried to sell a stolen car to two policemen... in uniform
What is it that makes people tick?
What distinguishes....
The genius from the idiot?
The criminal from the hero?
The good person from the bad?
What is man that you are mindful of him...?
!! 1A. MAN’S PROBLEM EXPLAINED
1B. Man is a Sinner by Birth
(Psalms 51:5) Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
(Romans 5:12&19) Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned‑‑For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Adam is both symbolically and actually the head of the human race!
We are controlled by sin from birth
(Ecclesiastes 9:3) ... The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.
We are contaminated by sin at birth
(Isaiah 64:6) All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
(Psalms 14:3) All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
(1 John 1:8) If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
2B. Man is a Sinner by Choice
Sin becomes personal
“Choose you this day who you will serve...”
(James 1:14‑15) but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. {15} Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full‑grown, gives birth to death.
David - Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)
Sampson - Delilah (Judges 16)
Agrippa - Paul (Acts 26)
3B. Man is a Sinner by Practice
Sin becomes pleasurable
(Hebrews 11:25) ...rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.
(Psalms 52:3) You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. Selah
Sin becomes binding
(Ephesians 2:1‑3) ...you were dead in your transgressions and sins, {2} in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. {3} All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
!! 2A. GOD’S PROVISION EXAMINED
1B. Man is the Object of God’s Special Creation (Genesis 1)
Special way (26)
“Image” = similar to God in our spiritual make up - God is spirit
“Likeness” = originally like God in our innocence, holiness
Special work (26b, 28-29)
Special worth (30)
2B. Man is the Object of God’s Saving Grace
(1 Timothy 2:4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
(Ephesians 2:8‑9) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith‑‑and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God‑‑ {9} not by works, so that no one can boast.
3B. Man is the Object of God’s Sovereign Call
(Ephesians 1:4) For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
(Romans 8:29) For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son...
(2 Peter 3:9) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
!! APPLICATION
George Whitefield, was preaching in England one day when a ruffian came whose pockets were filled with rocks. He was going to break up the meeting. He stood there and began listening to Whitefield. He said, “I don’t want to throw these rocks at him in the prayer so I’ll wait until the prayer is over.” Then Whitefield read his text. The ruffian said, “I’m not going to throw these rocks at him while he is reading the Bible. I’ll wait until the text is read.” And when he had read the text, Whitefield launched into his message about the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
The ruffian never threw the rocks. After the message, he made his way to the preacher and said, “I’ve come here with my pockets full of rocks to break up this meeting, but instead God has broken up my heart.” The man was gloriously converted right there on the spot.
In what condition did you come here?
More important, in what condition will you leave?
! Lesson 6: What We Believe about the People - Class Notes
Psalm 8:1-9
INTRODUCTION
1A. MAN’S PROBLEM EXPLAINED
1B. Man is a Sinner by Birth
2B. Man is a Sinner by Choice
3B. Man is a Sinner by Practice
2A. GOD’S PROVISION EXAMINED
1B. Man is the Object of God’s Special Creation (Genesis 1)
2B. Man is the Object of God’s Saving Grace
3B. Man is the Object of God’s Sovereign Call
APPLICATION
! Lesson 7: What We Believe about Salvation
1 John 5:11-13
INTRODUCTION
Last week we discovered that man is a sinner in need of a Savior.
This morning we are going to discover how we can know for certain that we are saved and going to heaven when we die.
A rock, ribbed assurance that you have eternal life. Every Christian ought to have this privilege.
You ought not to be a question mark with your head all bent over wondering whether you're saved. You ought to be an exclamation point. Standing up straight and tall saying, Thank God I know if I died right now I would go to heaven.
It is possible to have doubts...
Because if we couldn't doubt, why would John have written this? John is writing this that those who might doubt will not doubt.
So if you have doubts, that doesn't mean that you're not saved. It could mean that you're not saved, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you're not saved. You can be saved and have doubts.
How many of you have had doubts?
Doubt is to your spirit what pain is to your body. Doesn't mean you're dead, it means something's wrong. As a matter of fact, dead people don't feel any pain. In the doubt there is in a sort of a strange sense a backward affirmation of faith. You only doubt that which you believe.
WE BELIEVE THAT...
!! 1A. YOU CAN BE SAVED - HOW?
Admit that You are a Sinner
(Romans 3:23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
(Acts 3:19) Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
(Acts 26:20) ...I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Believe that Jesus Christ Died and Rose Again to Pay the Penalty for Your Sin
(Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(Isaiah 53:6) We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior
(Romans 10:9‑10) That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. {10} For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
(Matthew 10:32) "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
!! 2A. YOU CAN BE SURE YOU ARE SAVED
How can you know for sure?
Three Tests...
1B. The Lordship Test (2:3-4)
Obedience is not the way of salvation
It is the witness of salvation.
“obey” = tereo, to guard (from loss or injury, prop. by keeping the eye upon
The Navigator
A navigator when they sailed by the stars at nighttime. The sailor could keep his course by keeping the stars.They would plot the heavens. And the man with his chart would look at the heavens and keep his hand on the rudder, or his hand on the wheel, and he would sail by the stars.
Now, to you as a child of God, those stars are the commandments of God. That is what you steer your life by.
Now, a sailor might go to sleep at the wheel. He might get distracted. He might have his attention diverted. He might get blown off course. But when he recognizes it, he goes right back on course. Because the desire of his life is to steer according to that course.
And that's the way it is with a child of God. Yes, sometimes we get blown off course. Yes, sometimes we take our eyes from the stars. Yes, sometimes we may fail. Yes, sometimes we may over steer or under steer, but the great desire of our life is to keep the commandments of God.
(Luke 6:46) "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
2B. The Fellowship Test
Our relationship with God is...
Demonstrated and validated by our fellowship with His people...
1 John 3:14
This fellowship is based and built on our love for God...
1 John 4:7, 20; 5:1
This fellowship is based on Christ’s relationship to the Church and our relationship to Him
The body of Christ - Cannot love the head and hate the body.
The bride of Christ - You cannot love the groom and not love his bride
The building of Christ - Christ is the foundation upon which we are built.
3B. The Relationship Test (5:11-13)
Key “believe” = not past tense, present tense...
Does not refer primarily to a past experience but to a present relationship
Not as important that you know a day and time as it is important that you know now that you are walking with God.
You cannot have a present reality without a past experience.
The big question is not did you believe in Jesus but are you believing in Jesus.
Going to Atlanta by airplane. You fly to Atlanta. And get off the airplane. Now, did you cross the state line? Did you know when you crossed the state line? Why? You didn't know when you crossed the state line.
You drive to Atlanta, you cross the state line. Do you know it? Yes! Now, you crossed the state line two separate ways. How do you know you crossed the state line? If you get out at the Atlanta airport, beyond a shadow of any doubt, you had to of crossed that line.
If a person sitting in this auditorium right now is saying with all of my heart and soul, I am trusting Jesus. I may not know exactly when it happened, but I know I have a relationship with the Son of God. You see, it is not some distant experience that you had. It is a present reality. It is a relationship.
Not theology. You say, well I know the plan of salvation. Well, you're not saved by the plan of salvation. You're saved by the man of salvation.
APPLICATION
How is your Lordship?
How is your Fellowship?
How is your Relationship?
Follow the A B Cs....
Admit you are a sinner
Believe that Jesus died for your sins
Confess Jesus personally and publicly!
! Lesson 7: What We Believe about Salvation - Class Notes
1 John 5:11-13
INTRODUCTION
1A. YOU CAN BE SAVED - HOW? (1)
Admit that You are a Sinner
Believe that Jesus Christ Died and Rose Again to Pay the Penalty for Your Sin
Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior
2A. YOU CAN BE SURE YOU ARE SAVED
1B. The Lordship Test (2:3-4)
2B. The Fellowship Test
3B. The Relationship Test (11-13)
APPLICATION
Lesson 8: What We Believe about the Church - Overview
Matthew 16:13-19
INTRODUCTION
What is the Church?
What is the purpose of the Church?
Lot’s of confusion...
I heard about a old fellow who was standing on a street corner one day with a rope in his hand. Somebody came up to him and said what's the matter old fellow, he said I'm confused. He said I can't figure out if I have lost a mule or found a rope.
One country boy was filling out a form and it said church preference, he said red brick
What the Church is not...
A social institution
A political institution
A recreational institution
A educational institution
A cultural institution
What the Church is... A spiritual institution
Ekklesia = ek-”out of” “kaleo” - verb of keliss the noun which means call out or called out one. So a church in the New Testament is a group of called out ones.
Now we are not talking about a building
It was about 300 years in the history of the Christian church before they had church buildings
!! 1A. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH (Matthew 16:13-19)
Scriptural Background
Six months before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ has been training the twelve.
It's time for the final exams and there's one question on it.
1B. It’s Founder - Jesus Christ (18)
1C. He is the head of the church
(Ephesians 1:22) And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
(Ephesians 5:23) For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
2C. He is the husband of the church
(Ephesians 5:25) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
2B. It’s Foundation (18a)
Peter = petros - movable rock
Rock = petro - rock ledge or mountain immovable
Therefore we must build on Christ alone!
!! 2A. THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHURCH
1B. Based on the Scriptures (Philippians 1:5)
“Partnership; fellowship”
(1 Corinthians 1:9) God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
2B. Blessed by the Spirit (Philippians 2:1)
(2 Corinthians 3:17) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
3B. Bought by Sacrifice (Philippians 3:10)
It cost God everything!
It will cost you...
Time, Talent...
What has it cost you?
APPLICATION
What is your relationship to the founder of the church?
What is your role in fulfilling the function of the church?
What is your response to the fellowship of the church?
! Lesson 8: What We Believe about the Church - Overview
Matthew 16:13-19
INTRODUCTION
1A. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH (Matthew 16:13-19)
1B. It’s Founder - Jesus Christ (18)
2B. It’s Foundation (18a)
2A. THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHURCH
1B. Based on the Scriptures (Philippians 1:5)
2B. Blessed by the Spirit (Philippians 2:1)
3B. Bought by Sacrifice (Philippians 3:10)
APPLICATION
! Lesson 9: What We Believe about the Church - The Purpose and Function
Philippians 3:12-14
INTRODUCTION
It is Difficult to Keep Focused...
In our Jobs
In our Marriages
In our Families
In our Church
Paul Accomplished much Because He Remained Focused...
He kept the main thing the main thing!
What is the Main Thing?
Matthew 22:37-39; 28:19-20
Three Major Tasks...
Exalt the Savior
Equip the Saints
Evangelize the Sinner
Let’s see how and why we are to do these...
!! 1A. EXALT THE SAVIOR - WORSHIP (Mat. 22:37)
Turn to...Hebrews 10:19-22 - “Magnification”
1B. What Worship Is...
Loving God with all that I am!
Drawing near to God
(Psalms 34:3) Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
2B. How We Worship (19-21)
We come to church primarily to meet the Lord!
Worship is coming into God’s Presence through Jesus Christ!
The Temple Picture How This Works...
The Holy of Holies = God’s presence
The curtain (veil) = Jesus Christ
White linen = purity
Crimson = humanity/sacrifice
Blue = deity
Purple = Royalty
You must go through the curtain to get to the Holy of Holies
3B. Why We Worship
Because He is worthy
(Revelation 5:12) ... "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
Because you become like what you worship
(2 Corinthians 3:18) And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever‑increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
(Matthew 4:10) ... 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Worship always precedes service!
!! 2A. EQUIP THE SAINTS - WORK
1B. Membership - “Baptize them” (Matthew 28:19)
“As Christians we’re called not just to believe, but also to belong” Rick Warren
(Hebrews 10:25) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another‑‑and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
(1 John 2:19) They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.
Baptism symbolizes salvation and fellowship!
(Ephesians 2:19) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,
2B. Maturity - “Teach them to obey...” (Matthew 28:20)
Ephesians 4:11-16
3B. Ministry - “Love your neighbor...” (Matthew 22:39)
“Ministry is demonstrating God’s love to others by meeting their needs and healing their hurts.” Rick Warren
Every Christian is a minister!!
(Ephesians 4:12) to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
!! 3A. EVANGELIZE THE SINNER - WITNESS
“Go and make disciples.” - Missions (Matthew 28:19)
(Acts 1:8) "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.""
1B. The Power To Evangelize (8a)
(John 12:32) But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
(John 6:44) "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him,...
(Philippians 4:13) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
2B. The Promise To The Evangelist (8b)
God has told us that we will be witnesses!
3B. The Place Of Evangelism (8c)
Must Begin at Home
Then it is can spread to the World!
APPLICATION
If Every Member of our Church was just like you...
Would we meet on Monday Nights?
Would we gather on Wednesdays?
Would we have Worship tonight?
Would we study God’s Word?
Would we pay our bills?
Would we have a Church?
Would we go to heaven?
! Lesson 9: What We Believe about the Church - The Purpose and Function
Philippians 3:12-14
INTRODUCTION
1A. EXALT THE SAVIOR - WORSHIP (Mat. 22:37)
Hebrews 10:19-22 - “Magnification”
1B. What Worship Is...
2B. How We Worship (19-21)
3B. Why We Worship
2A. EQUIP THE SAINTS - WORK
1B. Membership - “Baptize them”
2B. Maturity - “Teach them to obey...”
3B. Ministry - “Love your neighbor...”
3A. EVANGELIZE THE SINNER - WITNESS (Acts 1:8)
“Go and make disciples.” - Missions
1B. The Power To Evangelize (8a)
2B. The Promise To The Evangelist (8b)
3B. The Place Of Evangelism (8c)
APPLICATION
If Every Member of our Church was just like you...
Would we meet on Monday Nights?
Would we gather on Wednesdays?
Would we have Worship tonight?
Would we study God’s Word?
Would we pay our bills?
Would we have a Church?
Would we go to heaven?
! Lesson 10: What We Believe about the Church - The Ordinances and Polity
Acts 2:40-47
Introduction
Two Ordinances in the New Testament Church
Baptism - Lord’s Supper
Definition of Terms
Christians agree universally that baptism and the Lord's Supper were instituted by Christ and should be observed as "ordinances" or "sacraments" by His followers. Neither ordinance or sacrament is a biblical term. Some interpreters believe sacrament conveys the concept that God's grace is dispersed almost automatically through participation in the Lord's Supper. Others believe ordinance stresses obedience in doing that which Christ explicitly commanded.
Ordinance - statute or law, ammonition
!! 1A. BIBLICAL BAPTISM
Baptism is the first step of obedience for the Christian.
To be scriptural it requires several things...
1B. A Scriptural Candidate (Acts 8:36-38)
One who has already been saved
Baptism is not essential to salvation.
Salvation is essential to baptism.
2B. A Scriptural Method (Romans 6:4-6)
1C. Three Methods Are Commonly Practiced
Sprinkling
Pouring
Immersion
2C. Why We Practice Immersion
Because of what it symbolizes; death, burial, and resurrection
Because of what it means; "baptize" from "Baptizo" which means to immerse
3B. A Scriptural Motive (Romans 1:16)
It is not to help God save us.
It is to show that we have been saved.
4B. A Scriptural Mandate (Matthew 28:19-20)
It is not the preacher.
It is the Church's authority and responsibility.
!! 2A. THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord's Supper Is Rich In History And Meaning
1B. The Relationship of the Lord’s supper to the Passover (Exodus 12:1-14)
The Passover Was Instituted By God (1)
The Passover Was Intended For God's Chosen People (2-3)
The Passover Required A Spotless Sacrifice (5)
The Passover Symbolized The Lord's Salvation (12‑13)
The Passover Was To Be A Commemorative Meal (14)
2B. The Replacement of the Passover by the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-20)
A Chosen Time
The tradition of an empty place - Christ sat in the empty place and iniated the Supper
A Changed Tradition
1 Corinthians 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast‑‑as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
1 Corinthians 11:28 ‑29 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
!! 3A. CHURCH POLITY
The Church is a Theocracy - Christ is the Head
(Colossians 1:18) "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy."
The Church has Two Offices
Both are male-only roles (1 Timothy 3:1-13)
The Pastor - main tasks...
Equip the saints
(Ephesians 4:11‑12) "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, {12} to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up"
Watch over the flock
(Acts 20:28) "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
Preach and Pray
(Acts 6:2) "So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables."
The Deacon - servant
To do ministry and maintain harmony (Acts 6:1-6)
The Church Family has Final Authority
Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit we agree together to do God’s will and his work. We must agree or we will not walk together.
(Amos 3:3) "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?"
! Lesson 10: What We Believe about the Church - The Ordinances and Polity: Class Notes
Acts 2:40-47
Introduction
1A. BIBLICAL BAPTISM
1B. A Scriptural Candidate (Acts 8:36-38)
2B. A Scriptural Method (Romans 6:4-6)
3B. A Scriptural Motive (Romans 1:16)
4B. A Scriptural Mandate (Matthew 28:19-20)
2A. THE LORD’S SUPPER
1B. The Relationship of the Lord’s supper to the Passover (Exodus 12:1-14)
2B. The Replacement of the Passover by the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-20)
3A. CHURCH POLITY
The Church is a Theocracy - Christ is the Head
The Church has Two Offices
The Church Family has Final Authority
! Lesson 11: What We Believe about the Second Coming
Acts 1:9-11
INTRODUCTION
First and Second Comings predicted
40% of the Bible was prophetic when it was written...
Enoch
Jude 1:14 (NIV)... "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones
David
Psalms 102:16 (NIV) For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory.
Daniel
Daniel 7:13 (NIV) "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.
Zechariah
Zechariah 14:4 (NIV) On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,
Jesus
John 14:3 (NIV) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Revelation 22:20 (NIV) "Yes, I am coming soon."
1A. WILL BE A VISIBLE RETURN (11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)
Five Important Aspects...
The redeemer
The resurrection
The rapture
The rewards
The revelation
1B. The Redeemer (16a)
“This same Jesus...”
(Hebrews 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
DOCTRINE OR PERSON
Not so much concerned with the return of Christ as I am the Christ of the return. Return of our troops after the Gulf War. No one kissed the plane or the pilot. They all ran to him. They were not so much caught up with the event of his return as they were the return of a person.
2B. The Resurrection (16b)
Three times Jesus shouted ‑ each time resurrection occurred...
Before the tomb of Lazarus
On the cross and the saints came out of their graves
In the sky some day and the dead shall rise
(1 Corinthians 15:55) "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
3B. The Rapture (17)
Noah and Lot - 2 Peter 2:4-9
Punishment (4,6,9b-10) Great Tribulation
Protection (5,7, 9a)
4B. The Rewards
Bema - Judgement seat
(2 Corinthians 5:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Marriage supper of the Lamb
(Revelation 19:9) ...'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'"...
When He comes he'll catch us up,
He'll take us to the Judgement Seat and clean us up
He'll take us to the Marriage Supper and cheer us up.
5B. The Revelation
“Will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven...” Acts 1:11b
(Zechariah 14:4) On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.
2A. WILL BE A VICTORIOUS RETURN
1B. Sin and Satan will be Condemned
Revelation 20:10-15
2B. Sovereignty will be Confirmed (21:3)
(1 Corinthians 15:24) Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
3B. Salvation will be Completed
For the physical world (21:1)
(2 Peter 3:12‑13) as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. {13} But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
For the Christian (21:3-4)
Richard The Lion‑Hearted
The return of Richard the Lionhearted was one of the thrilling epochs of the English people. All of England loved Richard. He was a great leader of men. He was a wrestler, a runner, a poet, and a general. While Richard was away in the Crusades, his kingdom fell on hard times. His wicked brother, John, sought to capture the throne. John was a selfish, cruel, wicked man. The people suffered, and they longed for Richard's return.
Richard returned. He landed on the shores of England and marched straight for his throne. The castles of John tumbled like bowling pens. None dared stand in his place and he marched straight to hi throne, there to reign again. The bells of London rang, the people shouted, " The Lion is back. Long live the King!"
3A. MAY BE VERY SOON!
(Mark 13:32) "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
APPLICATION
The Ten Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13
No Second Chances
2 Thessalonians 2:1-13
(2 Thessalonians 2:10‑12)... They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. {11} For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie {12} and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
Today may be your last chance!
[COMMENT1]This page intentionally left blank