I’d like to talk to you about an experience I had as a young father many years ago. It began when my youngest son, William, came home from school one day feeling a little low.

The teacher sent home a long list of things that had been forgotten, ignored and left incomplete. I lectured him about the importance of schoolwork and how critical 5th grade was in the proper development of a normal human being. The look on his face when he left the kitchen told me he wasn’t convinced.

A little later I went upstairs to see him for a “lap talk.” The lecture method had failed so I tried taking him into my arms and sitting him on my lap for further conversation. While I held him, he told me about the offending lapses in his performance, the teacher’s demands, and then he revealed the real problem behind all of the fuss – he had made no “buddies” yet at his new school.

I had forgotten that two weeks is a long time to go without friends and the loneliness was showing itself in his work. After some reassuring words, a little help in finishing assignments and a visit from one of his friends from the old neighborhood, he was okay. Will’s experience reminded me of the importance of friendship and how the lack of meaningful relationships can make us depressed and even ineffective in our work.

This is our reason why the fellowship that Christians enjoy at worship is so important. Church life is a great opportunity for us to be with our friends, make new friends, extend friendship to those who are lonely and introduce your friends to each other. Let’s take advantage of the Lord’s day to do any or all of these things with our friends. I’m sure Will would have benefited from such an approach if they’d had it at his school.

I start with a question today: do people become more religious with age?

I ask this because many times it seems that older people are the ones who are interested in religion and younger ones have little time for spiritual things.

Two doctors at Duke University studied this phenomenon by surveying a group of older people over a twenty year period to see if they had become more religious with time. What they found out was that for these older people, their faith remained the same as they grew older.

Some activities dropped off because of illness, etc., but their attitude towards religion stayed the same as they grew older (same at 60 as at 80).

As they reviewed their findings they came to some surprising conclusions.

Findings

1. The first thing they found was that the faith of these older people did not change as they grew older. There was no relationship between increased/decreased faith and age.
2. They learned that if a person was religious in early life he/she would also likely be later on. Conversely, if there was no interest in religion early on, increased age was not the factor that sparked interest as a person grew older. Getting older does not automatically make one interested in spiritual things.

The general conclusion of the study was that habits learned when young are not easily forgotten and habits not learned when young are difficult to acquire when old.

Application

These studies confirm what Solomon wrote long ago:

Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
– Proverbs 22:6

Many parents seem to think that this passage means: if you teach them about Christ and religious things when young, they will never depart from it.

Of course when they do we end up being discouraged and wondering if the Holy Spirit meant that this was true for everybody else’s kid except yours.

I think that this study is a little closer to the truth: if you train the child the right way (and if he sticks to it, the part understood but not spoken) then when he is old, he will not lose his way.

This is an exhortation to parents not to neglect teaching their children from a young age about the faith because that seed of faith sewn at youth will still be blooming in old age. King David, Solomon’s father said:

¹²The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree,
He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
¹³Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴They will still yield fruit in old age;
They shall be full of sap and very green,
¹⁵To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
– Psalms 92:12-15

Does this mean that it is too late for old people to hear the gospel? No, the gospel can breathe life into anyone willing to hear. The point of this lesson is that we should take care to teach our people while they are young and receptive because both the Bible and modern research confirm that what we teach at youth remains for a lifetime, good or bad.

If we neglect to teach while young, it will be a much greater task to teach the very same people at full maturity.

Walking by faith is like riding a bike, you never really forget how to do it once you learn, and you feel very awkward and suffer great difficulty if you have to learn as an adult.

A couple of practical points for parents to remember:

1. Let us teach our children now while they are flexible and eager, what we give them now will last a lifetime and beyond.
2. Let us teach by example. You cannot teach to read the Bible if they never see you reading your Bible. You cannot teach them to obey all things if they do not see you trying to obey all things. You cannot teach faithfulness: it can only be demonstrated. When it comes to faith, everything you do or do not do is a message to your child about the relationship that you yourself have with the Lord. Make sure that they can see you in Him and see Him in you.
3. Let us not be too hard on ourselves when we teach and provide an example but our child wanders away.

The Bible says that if they remain faithful they will enjoy the faith and not depart from it when old. God was perfect and created a perfect man but he disobeyed God, yet God did not blame Himself. Can we imperfect people producing imperfect sons and daughters guarantee success? What makes us think that we should succeed more perfectly than God?

Let us stop blaming ourselves for the failures of our children. God is not! My prayer is for the peace of Christ to enter and remain in your homes and bless your families. Take care. See you next week, Lord willing.

Over the years I’ve learned that each child has specific needs and, as a father who knows his children, I often pray for God to bless them in particular ways.

If I had but one prayer to make, however, there would only be three things I would ask God to grant all four of my children. In these, I am confident that they would find every good thing that life could offer.

1. A Hunger for Righteousness

Children can’t always do the right thing. However, if God would put the desire to do so in their hearts, I’m sure that the pattern and rewards of righteous living would eventually be established in their lives. As Jesus says:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
– Matthew 5:6

2. A Faithful Heart

Fidelity to the scriptures, to a spouse or one’s duty, is becoming a rare quality these days. What joy to know that my children could be counted on to establish Christian homes and a strong church after I’m gone. They need to be reminded of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 24:13.

But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved.

3. The Ability to be Grateful

There’s no guarantee of health or success in this life, but, I have learned that happiness is based on how grateful you are not how much you have accumulated. I know that Paul, Julia, Emilie and William will know how to be happy if they practice being grateful. As Paul said:

⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:6-7

I’m not going to give up asking for good health and happy families for my adult children but if God answers this one request, the time in prayer will have been well spent.

In the Old Testament the word for trusting faith was a Hebrew word that meant a rope. In other words trust was like a rope. It expressed what a rope did for you. It provided security; tied you to another person in safety, something you could depend on, at that time. If you tied something down with a rope, it was secure.

This is why this word was used to convey the idea of trust. I’d like to use this imagery to explain something about how trust is built and how trust is destroyed.

1. Making a Rope is like Building Trust

Building trust is very much like making a rope. A rope is made by intertwining many strands together. The more strands, the stronger the rope. The better quality strands, the stronger and more dependable the rope.

Trust between two people is built in the same way. Each person shares a part of their life with the other. The more they share, the stronger the tie of trust. The deeper their service, their intimacy, their sacrifice the more dependable the relationship is to withstand wear and tear through usage. A well made rope can be used over and over, a well-made relationship is able to go through many trials.

2. Destroying a Rope is like Breaking Trust

Destroying trust works very much like destroying a rope, you do it by cutting one strand at a time. This is how we destroy trust with each other, one lie at a time, one unkindness at a time, one harsh word at a time. Eventually all the ties that hold people together are severed. Not in one climatic moment but over a period of months or years, one little cut at a time.

So, here are a couple of lessons derived from our rope analogy:

A. Ropes are important.

You only have one trusting relationship with a person – if you cut it away another one will not grow back in its place automatically. Trust is the hardest thing to produce, the easiest thing to lose and almost impossible to replace once it’s gone.

B. Everybody needs a rope.

Some people think they don’t need any ropes, but that is because they’ve never been in trouble. When trouble comes (and it does come) you’ll be happy that there are strong ropes of trust to hang on to while you go through life’s challenges.

C. Of course the strongest of these ropes is the one that ties us to God.

We don’t tie ourselves to God with our rope of honesty, purity and service because it would soon be cut and frayed by sin. To guarantee that we remain safe and secure, God ties us to Himself with Jesus Christ. The Lord is God’s rope that ties us to Him. With Christ as our rope we know it will never break because He never lies and is always kind and true.

I encourage you to build strong bands with each other with cords of compassion, honesty, service, kindness, and love. If you’ve broken these, ask for forgiveness and try again.

I invite those who are not yet bound to God with the cord of Christ to tie themselves to Him now through repentance and baptism, or through repentance and restoration, whichever is appropriate for you.

God bless you with the peace that surpasses understanding as you stay tightly bound to Him through Jesus Christ our unbreakable bond.

In Matthew 6:9, Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray.

“Pray, then, in this way:”

This was not so much the teaching of what words to say because the Jews were trained to memorize the psalms and were experienced in offering praise and worship at the temple. What Jesus was teaching them was how to pray effectively. In other words, how to pray so that their prayers would be heard by God; accepted by God; and most importantly answered by God. In this regard he taught them some basic things about effective prayer:

1. Pray to the true God if you want to be heard

‘Our Father who is in heaven, (vs. 9a)

From the beginning of time people have tried to communicate with the spiritual world. Only those who pray to the Father who claims Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, as His sons and Jesus Christ as His only divine Son are praying to the being who truly is God.

No amount of prayer, no degree of sacrifice, no elaborateness of ceremony can substitute for praying to the only God that exists, the creator of the world, the one who is called Father by Jesus.

Every other prayer will be a prayer, but not one directed to or heard by God, the Father, the eternal One Who is in heaven.

2. Pray with respect if you want to honor God

Hallowed be Your name. (vs. 9b)

Prayers offered to God must also be offered with the proper respect if they are to be effective. The Jews knew who God was, they were not pagans, but much of the time their prayers were not acceptable because they lacked respect for the God they were praying to:

This people honors Me with their lips
But their heart is far from Me
But in vain do they worship Me.
– Isaiah 29:13

Respectful prayer requires not only words that honor God (well-spoken prayers) but also lives that are in harmony with the words. Some prayers are ineffective because we are careless in what we say, or repetitious or we do not mean or believe what is coming out of our mouths.

Other times our prayers come before God without any effect because our lives are full of unrepented sins and attitudes that make a mockery of what we are asking in prayer.

3. Pray and then plan, if you want your prayers answered

10‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
11‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Many times we try to use God like a genie in a bottle: someone to grant us our wishes. We lay out in front of Him in prayer everything we want and we ask Him to give it to us. Then if we get it we say thank you and if we do not we figure He did not want us to have it.

Jesus said we need to ask God to tell us what He wants first, then ask for His blessing in meeting our needs, not our wants.

We need to pray first, then plan, not make our plan, then pray.

• If we pray first then God will give us the plan.
• If we pray first, then God will help us prioritize our lives.
• If we pray first, then God will lead us away from temptation; in other words, help us to avoid plans and traps that will cause us to sin.

If we pray before planning then the plan will be God`s plan and He will provide for it; He will receive the glory for it; we will become fruitful because of it; and others will be blessed by it.

Summary

One way we can tell if our prayers are heard and honor God, is if they are answered. James says that,

…the effective prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
– James 5:16

That is to say that there is a relationship between how we pray and whether or not God answers our prayers.

Has God been answering your prayers lately?

• Perhaps it is because your attitude in prayer has not been sincere and reverent. You are not praying like you really mean it.
• Maybe your life and your prayers do not quite match.
• Perhaps it is because you are not asking for God’s plan for your life, you are merely asking Him to finance your own plan for your life.

One thing I do know is that the first item in God’s plan for your life is that you become a Christian by believing in Jesus, repenting of your sins, being baptized in His name (Acts 2:38).

I also know that the last item in His plan is that you remain faithful until the end (Matthew 24:13).

Several years ago, a Christian woman asked me what she could do for her father, who was not a Christian, and who was dying of cancer. After prayer, and some serious soul-searching, I provided her with three suggestions for helping her unsaved father pass.

1. Be kind

Dying without Christ is a terrible, frightening experience. Not having the comfort of the gospel leaves one alone to face death. Being helpful and compassionate even to those who refuse Christ is not wasted because Christian love glorifies God in every circumstance. In this regard, Jesus said:

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
– Matthew 5:16

2. Pray

For recovery, comfort, repentance, mercy. As a Christian, you are the only one who has access to God in prayer so take advantage of this privilege that we have in Christ. As the writer of Hebrews explains:

¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
– Hebrews 4:15-16

3. Do not give up on urging the person to become a Christian

If the lesson of the thief on the cross teaches us anything, it teaches us that God’s love is much deeper than we realize. He is prepared to accept sinners who truly repent at any time. So, never stop pleading with them to be saved. Be ready to share the gospel with them, right to the end.

In the summer of 1992, I watched a girl from Oklahoma, Shannon Miller, rise to the lead in the individual gymnastics competition at the Olympics and then win her medals. They interviewed her coach and told a story about his coaching career and style.

As I watched her performance and his coaching from the sidelines, I noticed one very important thing he continually did for her and her teammates. He kept them focused on what they were doing. He continued to talk to them from the sidelines, shouting encouragement, and clapping his hands, but what he was doing was helping them to tune out the noise and music coming from the other events, eliminating distraction from the applause and cheers of the crowd, and focus in on what they had come there to do.

This is usually the secret of success in any sport or enterprise: focusing on what you are doing. “Keep your eye on the ball” is what good instructors and batting coaches teach their players. Keep your eye on that margin of profit, businessmen are told. Learning to find and keep your finger on the pulse is the main instruction given to those who are learning CPR.

In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul, a spiritual coach, tells us what we, as Christians, need to focus on. He writes:

¹Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. ³For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Basically, he is saying that if you are a Christian, you will go to heaven. Keep your eye focused there. This life will provide many distractions in the form of riches or troubles, the pleasures of youth, and the problems of growing old and dying. But throughout all of this, in order to win the prize we must keep our eye on our eventual resurrection and final destination in heaven.

In addition, Paul explains how we stay focused on our goal in the last part of chapter 3. Basically, he says three things. To keep our eyes on heaven, we need to

1. Deal with the sin in our lives on a daily basis (Colossians 3:5-11). Do not let sin blind you, to the point where you cannot see heaven anymore.
2. Develop a loving and submissive attitude towards each other in the church and those outside the body (Colossians 3:12-15). This helps get your eyes off of yourself.
3. Learn to continually be thankful for everything in your life (Colossians 3:15b-17). It keeps your vision clear.

Shannon won, and I felt a surge of pride every time they mentioned her name and her hometown on international television. More importantly, I hope we win the prize that is set before us, and we will if we keep our eyes focused on heaven no matter what.

How? Deal with sin, grow in love and be thankful.

That’s it for today. God bless you as you keep your eyes focused on things above, not things below.

I’d like to share some basic facts about prayer.

Fact #1 – Only Christians have access to God in prayer.

John says,

We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him.
– John 9:3

And the author of Hebrews writes:

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
– Hebrews 11:6

God created all things, knows and hears all things, even sends rain and sunshine on all men, but sinners and unbelievers have no access to His throne of grace through prayer. That is why, we believers in Jesus Christ, those who have access to God in prayer, we must pray for others. Since no one else has the privilege that we have.

Fact #2 – Our prayers do make a difference

James says,

¹⁵and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. ¹⁶Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
– James 5:15-16

The Holy Spirit assures us that our prayers are heard and that they are effective. Now, if the Bible says so, that is enough for me, but an interesting piece of research highlights the truth of what James is saying.

Dr. Rudy Roundtree, who was a featured speaker at the Oklahoma Christian University lectureship one year, reported on a study that had been conducted on prayer:

He explained that a researcher, fed up with claims about the effectiveness of prayer, decided to conduct a study to debunk this whole idea. He acknowledged that maybe a one on one prayer at the bedside of a sick person might have some therapeutic or psychological effect, but this business of a prayer list or prayer board where a group prays for a person, especially a person far away or one they did not know, this was nonsense, superstition.

Well, in his class Dr. Roundtree went on to describe how after a long and thorough survey the researcher came to exactly the opposite conclusion:

The more prayer there was, the more healing there was. The more people who prayed the greater rate of healing and improvement.

As Christians we do not need research to confirm God’s word, but it is very encouraging when unbelievers have their eyes opened to see what we have seen all along by faith: prayer works!

Fact #3 – God commands us to pray

• Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7).
• Luke says that Jesus, when He taught His disciples, said that “… men ought always to pray” (Luke 18:1).
• Paul said, “…continue in prayer” (Colossians 4:2).
• And again in I Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”

Over and over again we are commanded, taught, urged to pray and always to pray. When we gather for worship or devotionals, we pray because God commands us to pray.

And so even when we are discouraged or our faith is weak or what we ask for may seem too great, remember, we do not come to God as an idea born inside of us, no we come to Him because He has commanded us to do so.

Summary

I could go on and talk about the great joy and privilege it is to pray and discuss the various types of prayer. Suffice to say that most of our prayers are intercessory (meaning on behalf of someone). Let us take advantage of our relationship with God through Christ; our numbers willing to pray, and our understanding of God’s will in the matter of prayer. Let us take advantage of these things to minister effectively for those on our hearts as well as the church’s prayer list.

And for those of you who may have specific needs, whether it be a prayer for someone else or yourself; whether it be a prayer for illness or forgiveness; whether it be a prayer of thanks or whether it be the prayer of faith in confessing Jesus in the waters of baptism, let us take advantage of the mighty power of prayer whenever we need or want to.

I’ll be praying for you and ask that you remember our BibleTalk.tv ministry in your prayers as well.

In Colossians 2:20-23, Paul teaches that the denial of the flesh does not necessarily decrease the power nor the attraction of the flesh. Simple denial, he says, for its own sake profits nothing – not the flesh, not the spirit. It merely leads to pride.

With asceticism which is the severe restriction of the body’s appetites the spirit gains no insight, no greater knowledge of God’s will or purpose for one’s life or life in general. Many religions use this tactic (e.g. Buddhists) but have not discerned God’s revelation through it, only what Paul calls,

…the appearance of wisdom in self made religion…
– Colossians 2:23

Self-denial within Christianity, however, is the denial of sinful desires, not legitimate ones like, food, comfort, or intimacy. This type of denial (of sin) does profit the spirit and the flesh if done in Christ.

When we deny the temptation to sin, we provide a witness that our faith is true and demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We also give the lost world a glimpse of what the kingdom of heaven will be like when Jesus returns.

So, let’s not be taken in by the pretensions of false religions that make the debasing and rough treatment of the body a key to spiritual power and insight. Let us rather witness to the Light by denying ourselves the works of darkness that tempt us each day.

As many of you know, I come from Montréal, a city in the French part of Canada. Aside from the two-cheek “kiss,” Montréal is best known for its hockey madness. When the Canadiens are in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup Championship, there is a total media blitz about the team and its chances of scoring the biggest prize in hockey.

In addition to the news coverage, there is also a sense of brotherhood that this sport has fostered among the people of this city. Haitian cab drivers, Polish firefighters, Russian engineers, and political rivals all sport the Canadiens flag on their cars. There is no need for compromise when it comes to winning the Cup. Everybody cheers when the Habs win because there is nothing that brings all Montrealers together like Cup fever.

It is interesting to note that one other place I see this coming together is the local congregation in the south-central part of the city called the Ville-Émard Church of Christ. People from different cultures and languages enthusiastically praise, serve, and share their Lord. There is no need for special committees or laws to maintain peace and foster respect; only one rule is necessary:

Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
– Luke 6:31

Of course, as exciting as the competition for the Stanley Cup might be, I am confident we have the better deal. If the Canadiens win, only the team will receive the reward, and we will remain spectators. In the church, however, each one will receive the crown of eternal life, not just the star players.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
– I Peter 5:4

Oh yes, and another thing: the excitement will be over if the Habs lose somewhere along the way. Jesus Christ has already won the victory that guarantees our crown in the church. So, our unity and enthusiasm are based on what we already have, not what we might win.

Have a great week filled with blessings from God as we say in French, a bientôt.

To all those who are beginning (and those who have seen the work it takes), here are a few things to consider in helping you keep the vows made on your special day. Remember that:

1. Vows are easy to make, but hard to keep.
Young people need to realize that there is more to marriage than just saying “I do.” Because we are human, we often fail to do the things we promise or would like to do. If we realize that there will be adversity, challenge, disappointments and surprises that make the keeping of our vows difficult, then we are better prepared to hang in there when the going gets difficult.

2. Live one day at a time.
Don’t think good or bad lasts forever. So many quit because they believe that their difficulties will never end. God says that He will not tempt (test) us beyond what we are able to bear (I Corinthians 10:13) and that includes the amount of time we can hold out as well. God provides what we need to keep our vows, but He does so one day at a time.

3. Give more than you get.
If you decide to give your all, even if it amounts to more than your partner is willing or able to give, you have overcome the greatest obstacle to a happy marriage – selfish pride. Your vow to love is truly complete when you are able to love unselfishly like Christ loves His church. This usually means that you are willing to give more than you receive (Philippians 2:3-11).

With time, people may not remember what their vows were, but God always remembers and always expects us to keep them until the end.

Discussion Questions
1. For unmarried people, write down three vows you would make on your wedding day. For the married, write down three vows you would make if you were renewing your vows.

2. Aside from fidelity, which vow do you find hardest to keep? Explain why.

3. Name several things required to enable a person to keep a vow.

His life consisted of Him simply doing the things the Father sent Him to do. He knew God’s will, He did God’s will, nothing more or less. Perhaps we need this type of discipline in our lives; to know the will of God and have single-minded devotion to doing it.

Most of us have plans, dreams, ideas and things that need to get done. But Jesus’ example shows us that regardless of what we want to do, the important thing to accomplish with our lives is God’s will. Our dreams and accomplishments can never replace His will and purpose.

Jesus could have done more but He invested His endless power and ability into, what seemed like, a futile act. All that talent wasted in a humiliating and avoidable death on a Roman cross. He could have done so much more but chose instead to do the Father’s will and in so doing saved mankind.

When we examine what we could be or would like to be doing, let’s pause to consider if we are actually doing God’s will rather than our own. Our life will count, even if we don’t do all we could have done, so long as we do what we should have done in obeying the Lord.

Discussion Questions

1. In your opinion, what is the best way to know God’s will for your life on a daily basis? Explain.
2. How do you know what isn’t God’s will? What are the signs that help you know that something or someone is not from God?
3. What do you do when you have to make an important decision but have not been able to discern God’s will?

Have you ever noticed that Jesus spoiled every funeral He attended? When Jesus was at a funeral, the person they were mourning returned from the dead.

Luke tells of a woman who was about to bury her only son when Jesus felt compassion for her and brought the man back from death (Luke 7:11-17). In Matthew 9:18, Jesus comforts the man who has lost his daughter by returning her to life and the arms of her father. In John, we see Jesus bringing Lazarus back from the grave even after he had been in the tomb for four days! (John 11:38-40)

As a matter of fact, Jesus spoiled His own funeral by resurrecting three days after He was pronounced dead and carefully buried.

Jesus doesn’t seem to have funerals, and His reaction to them teaches us some important facts about death.

1. Jesus can overcome death, His and yours.

The repeated examples of Jesus’ defeat of death are God’s way of reassuring us that Jesus does have this power, has used this power, and will use this power on our behalf.

2. Only dead people live in tombs.

You don’t have to live in your tomb because, with Jesus, you have life. Therefore, we should live like people who will live forever, not people whose final stop is the grave.

3. God wants to resurrect you.

The entire plan of God throughout history has been that, ultimately, He will resurrect you through Christ. Have a little faith — stop worrying about what could go wrong. God won’t forget or make a mistake. He will accomplish what He has set out to do since time began.

Remember, when you make your final arrangements, invite Jesus to your funeral.

I have noticed something about our teens lately that is quite encouraging: they are not embarrassed by us older Christians.

Going to church, singing spiritual songs, being among so many adults, this is not exactly cool. Yet every week, I see one or more of our teens bring a friend of theirs to church. This tells me that they are not afraid to acknowledge their Lord; they love and respect their youth minister enough to introduce their friends to him; and, all in all, they must think that the rest of us are okay since they are not worried that we will embarrass them in front of their guests. Of course, they are not the only ones who bring friends to church. I see many others who do so, and I encourage you to continue practicing this type of evangelism.

Today, I would like to make a couple of suggestions for those who regularly bring friends to worship services. Bringing them to church is a great first step, but you need to add a few other things to help their faith grow.

1. Make sure your conduct outside the church building is the same as your conduct inside the church building.

If it is not, your poor conduct outside the church will merely reinforce the widely held concept that Christians are hypocrites.

2. Let your friend know that the church is your priority.

If you are with your friend when you should be in church when you are in places with your friend that you know church people ought not to be, you are showing your friend that church is not really that important, that God’s word does not mean what it says. If the church is important to you, your friend will grow to respect that and hopefully want this as a priority in life.

3. Be concerned for your friend’s spiritual life, not just your friendship.

True friends want what is best for each other. For example, if you find a bargain, you want to share it. If you discover a great new song, movie, or restaurant, you want your friend to experience it.

If Jesus Christ is changing your life, transforming your character, and filling your heart with peace, joy, confidence, and knowledge, would you not want your friend to have all these things, too?

Your friend will eventually discover that spiritual things are important to you, and they will also need to discover that your spiritual well-being is important to them.

There are ways of demonstrating this to them:

1. Let them know you are praying for them and are willing to pray for specific needs.
2. Continue to invite your friends to church so that they feel comfortable here and begin to develop friendships with Christians.
3. Love your friends with pure, kind, forgiving, fair, and generous Christian love. They will know Christ by experiencing His love in you.
4. Invite your friend to study the Bible with you. The word of God is most powerful when it comes from a friend’s lips. In Bible study, the key issues of salvation will come up, and your friend will be brought to the decision whether to accept Christ or not.

You see, it is not enough to bring your friend to church; you have to bring your friend to Christ if they are to be saved.

What’s interesting about this effort, aside from the fact that these people feel that they need to promote such an idea in an already secular and largely unbelieving society is that their message is not even atheistic! They say, there’s “probably” no God. This isn’t the robust atheism that declares unequivocally that there is no God, no heaven, no spiritual life. This is a meek form of agnosticism that sits on the fence, unwilling to go either way in its pronouncement.

They even have the psychology wrong. Committed believers as well as atheists don’t worry, they’re too busy believing or disbelieving. It’s the ones dithering between the two who wring their hands in stressful uncertainty. As an ad campaign this one fails miserably because it only reinforces the doubt of the ones who paid for it without winning any new converts.

I think Christians should mount a similar campaign. Only one slogan would be needed. What King David said in Psalms 14:1.

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”

May the Lord keep you and bless you this week.

Discussion Questions

In your opinion what part of the Christian faith do you find hardest to believe? Why?
In a discussion with a non-believer what argument would you feel is the strongest for belief? Why?
What do you look forward to the most about heaven? Why this?

Today, I would like to talk about the need to give God 100% and why we should not be afraid of doing so. To illustrate this point I have chosen the story of one of Israel’s kings who learned why it was important to give God your all. This king’s name was Asa.

Asa, king of Judah – Background

After the death of Solomon, Israel became a divided country with North and South Kingdoms that were either at war with each other or sometimes allied against other countries. Both North and South had their own kings.

During one of these conflicts, the Northern king attacked the Southern king and started to mount a blockade that prevented people from going into or leaving the South. The king of the Southern kingdom at the time was a man named Asa. The Bible says that Asa was a pretty good king but his one problem was that he never gave God 100%, he always held back.

Now, when Asa saw that he was being blockaded by the Northern Kingdom, he entered into an arrangement with the leaders of what is now called Syria to attack the Northern Kingdom. He paid for this military help by selling off the gold and silver from God’s Temple in Jerusalem.

This strategy worked and as a result the Northern Kingdom gave up the blockade, however, Asa in winning the battle with the enemy lost the war in the eyes of God.

In the book of Chronicles, we see what God says to Asa through the prophet Hanani about his solution to the problem. The passage reads:

⁷At that time Hanani, the seer, came to Asa, king of Judah and said to him, “Because you have relied on the king of Aram and have not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Aram has escaped out of your hand. ⁸Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim an immense army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand. ⁹For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.
– II Chronicles 16:7-9

The prophet rebukes the king because instead of relying on God for victory, instead of putting 100% of his heart into God’s hands he trusted foreign mercenaries to do the job. Hanani reminds him of former kings who were in similar situations who chose to trust God and thus won great victories.

In the next verse, he gives Asa two reasons why he should have trusted God 100%:

1. God sees perfectly

His eyes see into every heart, and situation: He weighs all the options. God makes no mistakes. If you are experiencing something or facing something, it is not because of divine error. Asa’s problem with the North was completely in God’s view and control. God had a solution but Asa did not ask for it.

Reason #2 to trust God 100% was the following:

2. God not only supports, He strongly supports (vs. 9b)

I think there is a relationship here between how much we trust God and how much help we get. The verse says that strong support goes to the ones who strongly trust in God. God helped Asa (he managed to avert the crisis by using the foreign armies) but, had he completely trusted God he would have won a complete victory over the enemy instead of a partial one. As it was, his lack of devotion was reflected in his ongoing trouble with this nation he could have defeated once for all had he trusted completely in God. Instead, he settled for a partial and temporary victory.

Summary

So, what part of your heart have you given to the Lord? Perhaps a better question would be, “what part are you still holding back?” Maybe the incomplete victories, obstacles, stress and unhappiness in your life can be traced to that portion of your heart that you still have not given to God.

To my knowledge, no one in the Bible who went all in for God was ever disappointed. I pray that God will bless you completely as you give Him 100% of your faith, hope, and love.

One of the fun things that happens at Christmas or birthdays is the giving and receiving of gifts.

When thinking about this I realize that of all the gifts I receive from man and God, the greatest of these is the gift of forgiveness. God’s entire purpose has been to order human events throughout history in order to bring Jesus on to the world scene so that He could die on the cross and resurrect from the dead and thus obtain our forgiveness. Peter explains:

He bore our sins in His body on the cross… for by His wounds you were healed.
– I Peter 2:24

The pleasure of most gifts is to unwrap and examine them. Today, I would like to do this with our most precious gift, forgiveness.

Examining Forgiveness

1. It’s something everyone needs

Just like we say when we get a new tool or watch or envelope of money, “Oh great, I really could use (or wanted) one of these!” We can say, as far as forgiveness is concerned, “I really needed this.” The Bible says that everyone sins and because of sin we are condemned to everlasting hell. (Romans 3:23; 6:23) When we receive forgiveness from Jesus we can truly say with a sigh of relief and joy, “Wow, I really needed this!”

2. Jesus is the gift giver

The note on the box says “To Susan from Jesus” or “To Bill from Jesus.” Jesus has the authority to forgive (Matthew 28:18). Jesus paid the price to purchase your forgiveness; it is completely paid for.

In Him we have redemption, through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of His grace.
– Ephesians 1:7

Because Jesus, the Son of God is the gift-giver, we can be sure that our actual forgiveness is greater than our doubts about our forgiveness ( that ” too good to be true” syndrome). Jesus said,

All things are possible with God.
– Matthew 19:26

All things are possible, even the forgiveness of every single one of your sins in the past, the present and the future. You can trust the quality, effectiveness and durability of your gift. It will not break down or be out of date. It will always function to do what it was designed to do: remove your sins and cleanse your conscience, now and forever.

3. Jesus has this gift for everyone

The sad thing about Christmas is that people celebrate the person of Jesus by exchanging gifts with others but neglect receiving the most precious gift from Jesus Himself. There are so many unopened presents on Christmas Day. Jesus offers the gift of forgiveness and the eternal life that goes with it to everyone who will receive it. John writes:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
– John 3:16

Jesus offers this precious gift of forgiveness to everyone who expresses their belief in Him by repenting of their sins, confessing His name publicly and by being baptized. He offers forgiveness and renewal to all Christians who have rejected or abused His gift with sinful living or neglect of church by simply confessing and abandoning their sins.

Would this not be a fine Christmas if you would finally receive what you really needed? Forgiveness for your sins?

I pray that you will get to open God’s most precious gift, forgiveness.

Discussion Questions

In 2007 a book “All the Rules” was published. The authors claimed it could help a woman find a man to marry her.

Several years ago the book “All the Rules” was published. The authors claimed it could help a woman find a man to marry her. The rules they listed were various approaches to dating that included manipulation and sexual politics. The book described dating as a game and marriage as a trophy for playing this game according to the “rules,” hence the name of the book.

Of course these people could have saved themselves a lot of trouble if they would have checked out the “old” rules about finding a mate contained in Exodus 20. Here are a few samples:

Rule #1 – Be Honest

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
– Exodus 20:16

Actually it says not to lie about another but the principle is there. Honesty and sincerity are the basics upon which a solid relationship can begin and grow. This includes being yourself and refusing to play games in order to gain control.

Rule #2 – Be Pure

You shall not commit adultery.
– Exodus 20:14

Sexual purity is the best guarantee against physical, emotional and spiritual harm. Mom and dad were right – if they don’t respect you before marriage, they won’t after.

Rule #3 – Be Holy

“Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
– Leviticus 19:2

If we are dedicated to God and search for a like partner we will preserve our faith and increase our chances for a successful marriage.

There are many new rules being invented concerning relationships these days, however, the “old” rules still produce the things we truly desire – happy, lasting marriages and peaceful homes.

Discussion Questions

1. What quality in a man/woman is most important to you? Why?
2. What “rules” would you add to the ones already mentioned in this devo?
3. What advice would you give someone who is contemplating a serious relationship with an unbeliever?

Punctuality is a common problem in churches. In this lesson, Mike looks at the question, why is being on time for worship services a problem?

In order to have a good name there are two things necessary regardless of what you wear or who you know.

Several years ago my daughter and I were discussing some of the “popular” people in her school. I was amazed at the time and expense that some of these teenagers would go to be noticed and well-liked by their peers. According to my daughter, who was a keen observer of the fast life and times of teenage girls, it seemed that much of the effort at popularity was spent on fashion, make-up and hanging around with the “right” people.

Many centuries ago Solomon recognized the need to be esteemed by our peers when he wrote,

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth,
Favor is better than silver and gold.
– Proverbs 22:1

But the Bible teaches us that this need is not fulfilled through style or social status. In order to have a “good name” two things are necessary regardless of what you wear or who you know.

1. Keep your word

You forget what a person was wearing or who he was with at a certain time, but you never forget the person who breaks their word to you. Jesus said,

Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
– Matthew 5:37

A person who keeps their promise, a person who is there when they say that they will be, a person who follows through, that person is going to be popular with me!! …And I do not care who else likes them or not.

In Psalm 15, David asks the question, “Who may abide in Thy tent” meaning who is worthy before God, and he answers this by stating many qualities that one should have. In verse 4 he mentions that one quality of this person is, “He swears to his own hurt, but does not change”. In other words, a person who gives his word and then things change which puts him on the short end or losing end, but he does not change or back out because he gave his word. His word is more important than his advantage.

What the world would not give for a leader who would keep his or her word.

If you want to be popular, have a good name. Make sure that your word is the most precious thing you can give to someone else.

2. Keep your standards

In the race to be popular, some people are willing to become whatever it takes to be accepted and admired.

For some, this is easy because they have no sense of who they are. They simply become whatever is required to achieve popularity. They are chameleons. Others, however, know who and what they are but many times disguise themselves or change their standards in order to fit a certain mold.

In Romans 12:1-2, Paul reminds us that as Christians, we belong to God exclusively and he encourages us not to be molded by the pressures of this world to look like it, but rather to exert pressure the opposite way so that the world recognizes us for who we really are!

¹Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. ²And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
– Romans 12:1-2

There is something appealing about someone who knows what they are about and whose actions are consistently in line with their beliefs.

When people know what you stand for and see you stand for it consistently, they will stand with you regardless of the fads and the fashions. Politics and popularity come and go but men and women of principle remain.

Summary

I have told my children that when I die they may not inherit great wealth but what I hope they will receive from me will be a good name. If they have a good name cultivated by a lifetime of keeping their word and keeping their standards, people may not see them as being “famous” or “popular” but they will be considered as dependable, trustworthy and persons of integrity. Qualities sought after by those who are looking for friends, employees, marriage partners, yes even governors and presidents.

How is your reputation? Have you been a person of your word? Have you let the world force you to act in non-Christian ways? Have you pretended that you were a Christian but have not yet obeyed the gospel and been baptized?

Why not put that name of yours stained by broken promises and sinful behavior, before the Lord and let Him wash it clear with His blood, and He will give you a new name: forgiven! That will make you popular with God and millions of angels.

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12 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go up to this mountain of Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the sons of Israel. 13When you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was; 14for in the wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against My command to treat Me as holy before their eyes at the water.” (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)  – Numbers 27:12-14

After having led the people in the wilderness for 40 years; after bringing them to the point of entering into the Promised Land that they had waited for so long, Moses is told by God to go to the top of a mountain and look at the land that the people would go to but he would not.

God tells him that he will not enter into the Promised Land with the people because of one sin that he had committed earlier in the desert. In Numbers 20:1-13 we read that while they were in the wilderness the people lacked water and they threatened to rebel if they did not get any. Moses asked God for help and the Lord said to Moses that he should speak to a rock and the water would come forth. In his anger and pride, Moses struck the rock twice with his rod instead. God caused the water to flow anyways but charged Moses with disobedience.

Because of this one sin, Moses was prevented from entering the land that he had led the people towards for 40 years. Moses was the greatest Jewish leader, he received the 10 commandments, he interceded for the people time and time again but because of this one transgression he did not enter in. This ending to his life teaches us several important lessons about how God feels concerning sin:

1. God is so holy that even one sin keeps you out of His presence.

The Promised Land was symbolic of the promise of heaven, and this episode shows us that God will not tolerate sin in His presence. God will receive only those who are sinless into the promised land of heaven.

2. There is no such thing as a small sin or harmless sin.

Moses did not rape or kill; he tapped the rock instead of speaking to the rock. And yet, God denied him entrance because of it. God hates all forms of sin, no type of sin is less despicable or tolerable in His sight.

3. Coming “close” is not good enough when it comes to heaven.

Moses came close, he was on the border, he could actually see the land, but he did not enter in. Being a nice guy, being a moral person, doing your best will only get you close to heaven. Moses was all these things; the Bible says he was the most humble man in the world. But one sin kept him out of the Promised Land and nothing could change that.

Here’s my point:

Like Moses and the children of Israel, we are on a long journey. Our journey is through the wilderness of life on this earth with its hardships, dangers and struggles. Like Moses and the Jews we all want to arrive at and enter into the promised land of heaven.

My question is this: What sin will keep you out?

For many it will be the sin of disobedience. They will not obey the gospel of Christ in order to be saved. They will put it off. They will think that they are really okay and don’t need to obey. They will rely on their own religion or way of being saved that is not exactly biblical but close enough. But in the end they will be disobedient and refuse to simply confess Jesus, repent of their sins and be baptized like Jesus commands them to be in Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38. And because of this disobedience they will not enter in.

For some it will be the sin of unfaithfulness. They have travelled toward the heavenly land for a while but the cares of this world and its activities and riches of this world have distracted them and made them abandon their journey and want to settle here. Because of this disobedience they will get their wish, they will stay here and enjoy the pleasures of the world for a while but they will be destroyed along with it in the end.

Are one of these sins going to keep you out of the heavenly home that God has prepared for His faithful children? If so, be rid of it so you can enter in when the time comes.

Stop your disobedience and be baptized for the remission of your sins. Stop your unfaithfulness and laziness and be restored to a right relationship with God by confessing your sins and praying that God forgive you. Don’t let anything stop you from entering in. This is my prayer for you this week.

Discussion Questions

1. What “small” sin in your life is hard to overcome?
2. God doesn’t require perfection, but what does He require when it comes to our sins?
3. Describe the struggle and solution that every Christian experiences that Paul explains in Romans 7:14-8:1.

Click here do download workbook.

Think on one virtue that, more than any other, leads to happiness and why is that?

As for me, I believe that gratitude leads to happiness, and ingratitude leads to darkness, pride and ultimately separation from God. Paul, the Apostle, makes this very point:

21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.  – Romans 1:21-23

Ingratitude is the first sin, weakness, failing, lack of wisdom that leads to the rest. It is the tipping point, where you “trip” into the rest. It is as if gratitude propels you towards God and lack of gratitude drives you away! It is the thing, action or lever that you control, that makes you move in one direction or another.

Gratitude helps you deal properly with the good and bad in life. Paul also writes in Philippians:

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  – Philippians 4:10-13

Paul was content (happy, satisfied) in prosperity and want. Why? He was grateful for what God provided in every circumstance. His happiness was based on his closeness and confidence in God (continually made possible by his gratitude), not how much he had or did not have. His happiness was not based on how well his life was going or how successful his ministry was (he was in prison when he wrote Philippians). His happiness was directly related to his personal relationship with God and that relationship was a close one because Paul continually gave thanks for everything in his life: great, small, hard, easy.

So, let us give thanks for this food, this day, this family, and everything else in our lives, so that through grateful hearts we may grow closer and closer to God who promises us eternal happiness and joy in Christ.

As Paul says in Ephesians:

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;  – Ephesians 5:15-20

Discussion Questions

1. What one event, person or attitude leads you to personal unhappiness? Why?
2. How would the ideas in this lesson help you if applied?
3. Name three things, people or events in your life that bring you happiness today. Give thanks for these.

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Author Robert Morely said that the main rule for catching bass is letting the fish run with the bait. You want to make sure that the fish feels no resistance so it will think it has the worm with “no strings” attached. The bass will be lulled into a false sense of confidence so he can feel safe enough to swallow the entire bait, hook and all. Once this happens, you just give a strong tug on the line and bring him in. When the hook sinks in, there is no way for it to get away, start the fire, it’s fillet time!

There is a disturbing parallel here in the way Satan works in luring us into destruction. First, he dangles the bait, and like bait for fish, human bait is always particularly desirable. It can be the promise that we will be noticed as first among others, pleasure of some kind, or easy gain, but whatever it is, the bait is always designed for our weaknesses.

Next, and most importantly, he will allow us to run with the bait thinking we can enjoy ourselves with “no strings” attached. The Bible clearly says that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) but in various ways, we are enticed into believing that we can actually disobey God and not suffer the consequences now, or later.

Then, when we least expect or want it, we feel the yanking of the line that brings us to the awful realization that we are “hooked” by sin and must face the prospect of losing our freedom and our souls. For some, the hook will only sink in when they are before God at judgment.

Fish never seem to learn between real food and bait. Let’s be smarter than they are. If it’s according to God’s Word, it’s a blessing, if it requires disobedience, it’s bait. Knowing which is which will make a reel difference to our eternal lives.

Discussion Questions

1. What factors tend to make us more susceptible to temptation? Name three.
2. In your opinion, why do some people repeatedly give in to the same temptation?
3. What three things can Christians do to strengthen themselves to successfully resist temptation?

Click here do download workbook.

In our world, everyone is searching for something. If you are searching for answers to questions regarding God, Jesus, hope, happiness, faith, life after death, good and evil, the church, the Bible, God’s plan for you, or Jesus’ love for you, the answers to these can be found in this series of programs.

Did you know that on average, 107 people die every minute? That’s a staggering number. As much as we might like to go on living, all of us will face death. But what happens to us when we die? Does life after death exist? If so, what kind of life? Does heaven exist? Does hell exist? And if so, what will happen to you when you die? More importantly, will it matter what you believed or how you lived in this life?

Let’s begin with the foundation of the Church of Christ. The bedrock of this church is Jesus Christ Himself, as clearly stated in Matthew 16:18, where Jesus says, “Upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” This profound declaration by Jesus predates the church’s establishment, which only comes to fruition after His resurrection and ascension, as we witness in Acts chapter 2.

In discussing the Church of Christ, it is crucial to discern its founder. Unlike denominations that can trace their origins to human founders like Wesley, Eddie, Russell, or Smith, the Church of Christ is founded solely by Christ. This is pivotal because a church’s legitimacy hinges on its founder. Is Christ the cornerstone, or is it someone else?

The term “denomination” itself is not biblical. It signifies a division or a part of a whole, often implying a divergence from the original intent. The rise of various denominations, each with unique doctrines and practices, raises a vital question: How can these be aligned with the church Christ founded, especially when teachings diverge?

Moving back in history, let’s reflect on the Reformation. It was a period of reforming existing religious structures, notably the Catholic Church. Protestant denominations emerged during this time. However, the Church of Christ takes a different approach. Instead of reforming, it seeks restoration – returning to the first-century church as depicted in the New Testament. This means worshiping and functioning as the early church did, unaltered by the doctrines and traditions that emerged later.

The prophecies in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, point towards the establishment of Christ’s church. Contrary to the expectations of a physical kingdom like David’s, Christ established a spiritual kingdom, His church. Key passages like Mark 9:1 and Colossians 1:13 affirm this truth, indicating that Christ’s kingdom, the church, was indeed realized in the first century.

The word “church,” derived from the Greek ‘ecclesia,’ means ‘the called out.’ It refers to a gathering of individuals, not a building. This concept is vital to understand. The church is about people called out to follow Christ, not about the physical structures where they meet.

In exploring denominationalism, it’s clear that while many claim Jesus as Savior, their doctrines and practices often differ significantly, raising questions about their alignment with Christ’s teachings. A critical aspect of denominationalism is the belief in salvation without obedience to God, a viewpoint that stands in contrast to the teachings of the New Testament.

As we delve deeper into this series, let’s keep an open mind and heart. Let’s turn to the scriptures to test these teachings, to see if they align with God’s Word. Our goal is to follow Christ as closely as possible, adhering to the teachings and practices of the New Testament church.

I invite you to engage with these teachings, to send in your questions, and to join us for further discussions. Remember, following Jesus and aligning with His teachings is the most significant endeavor we can undertake in our lives. Let us seek guidance, wisdom, and forgiveness from God as we continue this journey together.

Let’s pray for wisdom, understanding, and the courage to embrace the truth as revealed in God’s Word. I look forward to exploring more about the Church of Christ with you in our upcoming sessions. Thank you for your time and attention. God bless.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. Who is the founder of Christian Science? Who is the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? Who is the founder of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society? Who is the founder of the church of Christ?

• Mary Baker Eddy founded Christian Science. Joseph Smith founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Charles Taze Russell is the founder of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.  Jesus Christ is the founder of the church of Christ.

2. Why is Alexander Campbell not identified as the founder of the church of Christ?

• Campbell was the most influential of a generation of Christians who made up their minds to throw off denominational mantles and attempt to restore the work and worship of the church to its New Testament roots. His efforts did not found that which was 1800 years old but helped to burn away the chaff created by Catholic traditions and sectarian creeds.

3. What event marked the foundation of the church of Christ?

• The church was founded on the day of Pentecost when 3000 souls were converted to Christ and added to the collection of the called out.

4. How did Christ connect the church and the kingdom in Matthew 16:16-18?

• Christ promised to build His church and give the keys of the kingdom to Peter and the other apostles. The terms seem to be used interchangeably.

5. What prediction was made in Mark 9:1? Did the church come with power (Luke 24:49, Acts 2:1-13)?

• Jesus predicted that some of his audience would not taste death until the kingdom came with power, which it did when the Holy Spirit endowed the apostles with tongues on Pentecost.

6. The coronation of the Messiah to David’s throne is an important part of the kingdom prophecy. How do we know Jesus ascended that throne (Acts 2:29-33)?

• Peter taught that Jesus was resurrected and ascended in answer to David’s own prophecy about his throne.

7. Describe the four kingdoms Daniel foresaw before the kingdom of God could be established (2:36-45).

Try to identify all four kingdoms.
1. golden head Babylonian
2. silver chest and arms Medo-Persian
3. bronze thighs and belly Greek
4. iron legs and iron/clay feet Roman

8. When would the kingdom of God come? Was the church established in this era?

• During the reign of the last great empire, that of the Romans. Yes.

The story of the two sons in Matthew 21:28-31 serves as a powerful illustration of obedience to God’s Word. It highlights the importance of hearing God’s commandments and acting upon them. This narrative sets the stage for our discussion on recognizing and adhering to the Bible’s authority.

We emphasize the need for scriptural backing for our beliefs and practices in the Church of Christ. The New Testament provides the foundation for our church’s doctrine and worship. It’s not about personal preferences or traditions; it’s about aligning ourselves with what the scriptures instruct.

A key aspect of understanding Bible authority involves looking at examples and inferences in the New Testament. For instance, Acts 20:7 gives us a clear example of the early Christians breaking bread on the first day of the week. This practice forms the basis of our observance of the Lord’s Supper each Sunday, demonstrating how we derive our practices directly from scriptural examples.

However, recognizing Bible authority goes beyond just following explicit commands and examples. It also involves making necessary inferences from the scriptures. For example, while the New Testament does not prescribe specific methods of spreading the Gospel, it commands us to evangelize (Matthew 28:19-20). Therefore, we use various means available today–whether technology, print media, or personal interactions – to fulfill this command.

This concept of Bible authority also means we reject human traditions or doctrines that aren’t rooted in the New Testament. This stance can sometimes be challenging, especially in a religious landscape where traditions and human creeds often hold significant sway. But our commitment remains steadfast to the Bible as our sole authority.

As we continue in our series, we invite everyone to reflect on the role of Bible authority in their lives. Are our beliefs and practices in line with what the scriptures teach? Are we open to letting go of traditions and ideas that aren’t grounded in the New Testament?

Let us strive to be like the son who, despite initially refusing, ultimately did the will of his father. Let our actions and lives reflect our commitment to following God’s Word, recognizing and respecting its authority in all aspects of our faith. Let’s embrace this journey together, continually seeking to align ourselves more closely with the teachings of the New Testament.

May God bless our continued study and application of His Word.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. What principle can be gleaned from Noah’s obedience to God’s command to build the ark with gopher wood? How might this principle affect the way we view God’s command to sing in Ephesians 5:19?

• We learn that God’s specific instructions cannot be altered if we hope to do just as God commands us. Explicit instruction is not open to interpretation. In Ephesians 5:19, God says to sing and to substitute “play” for sing is to reject God’s will for our own.

2. Does the fact that God did not explicitly forbid milk and cookies in the Lord’s Supper allow us to
make the substitution? Why, or why not?

• God does not need to specify everything forbidden for when he commands one thing, it necessarily
eliminates every other possibility.

3. What are some examples of things done in the name of religion that is defended against questions of authority as being good works, too good to neglect? How does the case of Uzzah affect this principle?

• Orphan homes, retirement homes, colleges, recreational facilities, banquet facilities, homeless programs, etc. Uzzah had good intentions in reaching for the ark but violated the law when he did.

4. What things are done in the name of religion that can only be traced to personal preference, rather than scriptural mandate? What does the case of Nadab and Abihu add to this concept?

• Instrumental music, denominational names, modern worship forms, etc. Nadab sought what was either more convenient or personally pleasing in offering perverse fire to God and were condemned.

5. Summarize what each of the following passages contributes to an understanding of Bible authority:

a. Matthew 28:18: All authority belongs to Christ, not mere men with their creeds and traditions.

b. Matthew 15:7-9: Christ forbids us to teach as doctrines the commandments of men.

c. James 4:12: God is the only lawgiver for the church; no man has the right to amend the Bible.

d. 1 Peter 4:11: We should only speak as the word of God reveals, not according to our wills.

e. Col. 3:17: Whatever we do should be by Christ’s authority.

6. Why are denominational creeds unnecessary? What does Catholicism claim as additional authority to the Bible?

• They claim to interpret the Bible but in fact, are amendable documents that change as society reconsiders various matters of morality like remarriage, homosexuality, and women’s roles. Catholicism claims oral tradition from its succession of popes as an additional authority.

7. Why is it improper to appeal to the Old Testament to use instrumental music, animal sacrifice, and the burning of incense (Gal. 5:3, James 2:10)?

• The Old Testament was nailed to the cross with Jesus and so is no fit authority in the age of the last will and testament of God’s son. To pluck one of these from the Old Testament would require keeping them all.

8. Give an example of a direct command as the authority in the New Testament.

• The Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11), the great commission (Matt. 28), the collection (1 Cor. 16).

9. Give an approved example as authority for action in the New Testament.

• Lord’s supper on the first day of the week, assembling on the first day of the week, traveling by boat.

10. Give an example of necessary inference as the authority in the New Testament.

• The command to assemble necessarily implies a place in which to assemble; the command to go preach necessarily implies a means of transportation.

The divisive nature of denominationalism, which became prominent during the Reformation in the 16th century, is contrary to the unity for which Christ prayed. When we declare ourselves as members of the Church of Christ, we do not align with a denomination but rather identify with the original church established in the New Testament. Our goal is to be Christians only, without the addition of man-made doctrines or titles.

To understand the Church of Christ’s stance on denominations, let’s consider the concept of a “sect.” A sect is a group with somewhat different religious beliefs, typically a group that has branched off from a larger religion. The rise of various sects or denominations reflects divergences from the core teachings of Christianity as outlined in the New Testament.

The undenominational nature of the Church of Christ is significant. We emphasize that we don’t “go to” a church; we are the church. This statement underlines our commitment to being a part of the body of Christ, as described in the New Testament, without the additional labels and divisions that denominations bring.

Let’s delve into some well-known denominations and their beliefs, contrasting them with the Church of Christ’s adherence to New Testament teachings:

1. Presbyterian: Following the Calvinist doctrine, particularly the concept of predestination.
2. Methodism: Characterized by the “four alls” doctrine, which includes scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
3. Baptist: Known for their emphasis on believer’s baptism but differing in their understanding of its purpose and significance.
4. Lutheranism: Stemming from Martin Luther’s teachings, focusing on salvation by faith and the authority of Scripture.

The Church of Christ, in contrast, seeks to restore New Testament Christianity. This restoration involves returning to the practices and beliefs of the early church, as closely as possible, based on scriptural guidance.

In the Church of Christ, we recognize Jesus as the head, acknowledging His authority as conveyed through the New Testament. Our practices, such as the observance of the Lord’s Supper and baptism, are rooted in New Testament examples and teachings. We reject doctrines and practices not found in the New Testament, aiming to unite all believers under the banner of simple New Testament Christianity.

This lesson highlights the importance of understanding the origins and beliefs of various religious groups. As members of the Church of Christ, we are called to be unified in Christ, adhering to the teachings of the New Testament and rejecting the divisions brought about by denominationalism. Let us continue to strive for this unity and purity of faith, as we seek to live out our commitment to Christ and His teachings.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. In what era did denominationalism take hold? Was it before or after the advent of the Roman Catholic church? Should church members of Christ be considered part of a denomination?

• Denominationalism took hold during the Protestant Reformation when Luther and others failed to reform the Catholic Church. Members of the church of Christ are not part of any denomination.

2. Who does Jesus identify as the vine in John 15:1-8? Whom does he identify as the branches?

• Jesus is the vine, and the apostles are the branches who bear fruit.

3. Give four reasons why this passage does not authorize or predict the division of Christ’s church.

a. Since Christ was speaking to the apostles, you have to believe that the twelve would leave Jesus and begin teaching different doctrines as modern denominations do (Gal. 2:6-10)

b. Christ was kidding when he said that abiding in him was a condition of faithfulness, for one denomination today will contend that the doctrines of all others contain at least some unscriptural
element (John 15:9-11)

c. The bitter divisions that exist between many denominations actually glorify God

d. Finally, you must accept that Christ’s prayer for unity (John 17:17-21) was wishing the impossible

4. The seeds of denominationalism were present in first-century Corinth and the apostle Paul did what he could to dig them up (1 Cor. 1:10-13). On what basis were they dividing? What does Paul advise instead of sectarianism?

• The Corinthians were dividing behind their preferred preachers and perceived differences in doctrinal emphases. Paul told them to speak the same things instead and just be Christians.

5. Is it possible to be saved from your sins without the benefit of a denomination or eventual membership in one? If not, how could the early saints have been saved then? If so, why do we need denominations at all?

• It is eminently possible to be saved without even the existence of a denomination. Therefore, we have no real need for them at all.

6. Martin Luther begged his followers not to call their discipline after him, and yet they are known to even today as Lutherans. Charles Spurgeon openly wished for a day when there was not a Baptist on the face of the Earth, but only Christians. What is the effect of wearing denominational brands like these?

• Unassailable division results from these denominational brands because they foster and maintain division. They also subjugate Christ’s name to others.

7. What would be thought of a woman who opted not to be called after her husband but his best man instead? Is this not the case with the Baptist church, since the church is to be the bride of Christ (John 3:25-30)?

• Such a woman would be thought bizarre since John, their unwilling namesake, is only the groomsman, not the bridegroom.

8. How does the Holy Spirit refers to the church in these Scriptures?

a. 1 Corinthians 1:2: church of God c. Ephesians 1:22-23: the body of Christ

b. Romans 16:16: church of Christ d. 1 Timothy 3:15-16: house of God

9. Give the designation and its meaning by which Christ’s followers were called in these scriptures.

a. Acts 11:26: Christians (Christ-like) d. Acts 16:1: disciples (followers)

b. Acts 26:28: Christians (Christ-like) e. Colossians 1:2: brethren (family)

c. Philippians 4:21: saints (set apart) f. 1 Peter 4:16: Christians (Christ-like)

In the New Testament, every church was autonomous, self-governing, and not beholden to a central authority like the Vatican in Catholicism or a national or regional board in many Protestant denominations. This autonomy is a distinctive feature of the Church of Christ, rooted in the practices of the early Christian church.

Ephesians 4:11-12 serves as a foundational scripture for understanding church roles: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Each role serves a specific purpose in edifying and equipping the church community.

1. Apostles: In the first century, apostles like Peter played significant roles, but the concept of a ‘Pope,’ as seen in Catholicism, is alien to the New Testament.
2. Prophets: These were individuals with the gift of prophecy, often manifesting through miraculous gifts, crucial in the early church’s growth and development.
3. Evangelists: Evangelists or preachers, distinct from pastors or elders, focused on spreading the gospel. The role of an evangelist, as highlighted in scriptures like 2 Timothy 4:1-5, is primarily to preach the Word, reprove, rebuke, and exhort.
4. Pastors: Also known as elders or bishops, pastors are akin to shepherds of the congregation. Their authority is confined to their local congregation, and they are selected based on specific New Testament criteria (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1). They are not infallible and can be corrected as per scriptural guidelines.
5. Teachers: These roles involve imparting biblical knowledge and understanding to the church community.
6. Deacons: Deacons perform various service roles as helpers and administrators within the church.
7. Members: Each member of the Church of Christ is likened to a body part, playing a unique role in the church’s life (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Active involvement and contribution to the church’s work are expected from every member.

The Church of Christ emphasizes a structure that mirrors the organization seen in the New Testament. This means no external governing body or hierarchical system like in denominational churches. Each congregation is self-governing, with elders, deacons, and members collaboratively working in their respective roles, guided by the New Testament.

Understanding these roles and the scriptural basis for each is crucial in grasping how the Church of Christ operates. It’s about aligning as closely as possible with the New Testament model, ensuring that all practices and organizational structures adhere to biblical teachings. This commitment to scriptural accuracy and avoidance of man-made hierarchy and creeds sets the Church of Christ apart in its organization and function.

Discussion Questions and Answers                                                                                                          7

1. Who is the head of the church of Christ (Eph. 1:1:22-23)? Who is the head of the Catholic Church?

• Christ is the head of his own body, the church; the “pope” is the head of the Catholic Church.

2. How has Protestantism mimicked the unscriptural organization of the Roman Catholic apostasy?

• Denominations have regional, national and universal hierarchies that tap into the authority of the local church to direct its own work and expends its own treasury.

3. What does “local congregational autonomy” mean?

• It is the concept of self-rule, according to the New Testament pattern in which each local church was authorized to make its own decisions apart from any organization’s power.

4. Does the history of the church of Christ include apostles and prophets (Eph. 2:19-20)?

• Yes, but all the apostles are dead and the offices unfilled and the absence of miraculous abilities makes prophecy impossible.

5. Consider 2 Timothy 4:1-5. What are evangelists to preach? What does it mean to be “ready in season and out of season”?

• They are to preach the Word and stand fast when their message is popular and when it is not.

6. Some churches forbid their preachers to do any secular work while others demand it. What is the proper scriptural position?

• Preachers may supplement their income with secular work but also may expect to earn their keep from the members of the church.

7. Give the four terms that can be used interchangeably with “pastors”. What is their role, according to 1 Peter 5:2-3? What does this include?

• Elders, presbyters, bishops, and overseers. They are to shepherd local churches and be examples to the flock. It includes providing spiritual feed, corrective discipline, and watching out for wolves.

8. Catholicism appoints one bishop to rule all the churches of a region. Give the scripture that authorizes this plan.

• There is none.

9. Why is it important for the elder to be married and have children (1 Tim. 3:4-5)?

• We learn from this part of his life how he will manage the church of God.

10. How does the church deal with preachers who teach error?

• They should be rebuked and exposed if they will not correct their error.

11. Would the concept of congregational autonomy be violated if many churches sent their funds to one centralized eldership who made decisions about how to spend it? Why or why not?

• Autonomy would be violated because the authority over the treasury of all these churches would be shifted to an outside eldership.

12. Do you have a copy of the official creed of the church of Christ? What is it called?

• The church’s creed is called the New Testament.

13. Give the scripture that requires preachers to be schooled and ordained by some artificial standard.

• There is none.

The Church of Christ is divinely designed, just as God masterfully created the universe and all within it. This purposeful and precise design leaves no room for human alterations or improvisations. The church’s creation is a testament to God’s wisdom, as depicted in scriptures like Psalm 19:1 and Ephesians 3:8-10. It stands as a beacon of God’s design, untainted by human modifications.

In the same vein, the Church of Christ’s primary mission is to proclaim the Gospel. This task surpasses all others in importance, aligning with directives in 1 Thessalonians 1:8 and Acts 2. It’s about reaching souls with the message of salvation, a duty that supersedes all worldly concerns or endeavors. The focus is on spiritual nourishment rather than just physical sustenance.

Furthermore, the Church of Christ operates on a biblical model of leadership and service, as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-12. This model includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, each uniquely edifying the church. Typical titles like popes or cardinals are absent, reflecting a structure based purely on scriptural roles and functions.

Members of the Church of Christ, each likened to a body part, play a significant role. They are called to active service, supporting and edifying one another in accordance with 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Each member’s participation is vital, contributing to the church’s overall health and effectiveness.

Regarding aid and charity, the Church of Christ prioritizes its members, especially those who are widows, orphans, and the needy. However, this support is not indiscriminate. It is guided by principles laid out in scriptures like 1 Timothy 5:3-16, focusing on those genuinely in need and part of the church community. This approach ensures that aid is meaningful, targeted, and reflective of the church’s mission.

The Church of Christ also encourages self-reliance and personal responsibility in extending support. This ethos is evident in passages like 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10, where the emphasis is on working and contributing rather than solely relying on church support. It fosters a community of mutual support and individual accountability.

The Church of Christ also engages in supporting other congregations, especially during times of need, as seen in the early church’s response to a famine in Acts 11:28-30. This inter-congregational support is a testament to the church’s unity and commitment to helping fellow believers.

In summary, the Church of Christ is a divinely designed institution with a clear mission: to spread the Gospel and nurture its members in faith. Its structure and functions are rooted in the New Testament, focusing on spiritual growth and community support. The church prioritizes aiding its members, especially the vulnerable, while also encouraging self-reliance and active participation from all its members. This approach ensures that the church remains true to its biblical foundation, fulfilling its role as the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. How are the elders of a local church to provide for the edification of the flock among them?

• They must feed the flock by providing strong teaching and watching out for the souls.

2. What part does assembling play in edification (Heb. 10:24-25, Col. 3:16-17)?

• It is a time for fellow saints to edify one another and stir up love and good works in each other. Our songs are intended to instruct and admonish one another.

3. What authority does a local church have to provide a meeting place?

• The church is commanded to assemble and must implicitly have a place in which to obey this command, for they cannot meet apart and usually cannot meet in quarters owned by a member.

4. What authority does the church have to pay someone to preach?

• God commands that those who preach the gospel may earn a living from the gospel.

5. What is to be made known by the church (Eph. 3:10)?

• The manifold wisdom of God to the principalities and power in the heavenly places.

6. What does Paul mean by saying that he robbed other churches in 2 Corinthians 11:8-9?

• He was supported by churches other than Corinth while he labored there so that he could provide them the gospel at no charge.

7. How did he sum up the preacher’s importance in Romans 10:14-15?

• He quoted the prophecy of Isaiah that asserted the need for a preacher to bring the gospel to those who should hear and believe.

8. What is a missionary society? What is a sponsoring church? Are they scriptural methods? Why?

• A missionary society is a separate organization from the church that is supported by a number of churches to do what should have been the work of the local church in the first place. The sponsoring church is a system in which one church receives contributions from a number of churches, in order to evangelize on a greater scale. These are unscriptural. When a church desired to support evangelism in other places, the funds were disbursed directly to the preacher, not some middle man or organization.

9. Does the church’s mission to evangelize the lost justify the use of banquet facilities, dramatic presentations, entertainment features, and exercise rooms to lure people (John 6:6:26-27, Rom. 1:16, 1 Tim.4:8)? What may be true of the religion and conversions of those so drawn?

• No, they are unscriptural elements of the social gospel, and only the pure gospel of Christ will save souls. These conversions may be only of the stomach and the religion may be a worship of the flesh.

10. In what ways is a congregation limited in its work of benevolence?

• A local church only has the example of providing benevolence to needy saints, not to those without the body of Christ. Furthermore, she is limited when considering widows for continual aid, in that only widows indeed may be enlisted.

11. How may benevolence funds be disbursed?

• Directly to the needy saint or to the elders in a particular area that needs help.

12. Who holds the first responsibility in cases of benevolence needs?

• The family of the indigent saint.

The complexity of the Bible, rather than being a hindrance, serves a purpose. It reflects the depth and richness of God’s message and our need to engage with it earnestly. In 2 Timothy 2:15, we are encouraged to be diligent, to exert ourselves in understanding the Word of God. This diligence is not just a scholarly pursuit; it is a journey toward a closer relationship with God. It’s about transformation – a change in how we think and live.

The Bible is not a collection of isolated instructions or fragmented doctrines. It is a cohesive narrative, a revelation of God’s will, encompassing everything from the creation to the end of times, and the intricate plan of salvation. Each part of the Bible contributes to this grand story, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of God’s nature and His expectations of us.

Discussing salvation, the Bible doesn’t offer a simple, one-verse formula. Instead, it provides a rich tapestry of teachings across both the Old and New Testaments. From Genesis to Revelation, we see the unfolding of God’s plan for humanity’s redemption. This approach requires us to study the entire Scripture, understanding each part in the context of the whole.

The process of salvation, as described in Hebrews 10:22-23, encompasses several steps – drawing near to God, believing, repenting, confessing, being baptized, and remaining faithful. Each of these steps is an essential component of the journey toward salvation, and they are interwoven throughout the Scripture. This passage in Hebrews encapsulates the essence of salvation, presenting it in a manner that is both comprehensive and profound.

Understanding the Bible and its teachings on salvation is a journey that requires effort, commitment, and an open heart. It’s about more than just intellectual understanding; it’s about allowing God’s Word to transform us. The Scripture is clear and accessible to those who seek its wisdom with a sincere and earnest heart.

As we study the Bible, let us embrace the richness of its teachings. Let us not be daunted by its complexity but be inspired to delve deeper into its pages. For in doing so, we draw closer to understanding the heart of God and His incredible plan for us. Each verse, each chapter, each book of the Bible is a step on the journey towards a deeper understanding and a stronger faith.

The Bible, in its entirety, is a testament to God’s love and His plan for our redemption. It calls us to a lifelong journey of faith, learning, and growth. As we embrace this journey, let us do so with a heart willing to learn, a mind open to understanding, and a spirit eager to follow God’s leading. May we find joy in discovering the truths within its pages and the courage to live out those truths in our daily lives.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. What is the source of Calvinism (its originator and logic)?

• Calvinism was taught by Presbyterian John Calvin, a contemporary of Martin Luther. Both believed in salvation by faith only as a reaction to the Catholic doctrine of personally earned salvation.

2. Is salvation by faith (Eph. 2:8-9)? Is salvation by faith only?

• Salvation is by faith, but not faith only.

3. What does it mean for a sinner to be justified? Could one be justified and sent to hell anyway?

• Justification means made right in God’s sight. There is no way one could be justified and condemned.

4. Calvinism pushes something called the sinner’s prayer to obtain salvation. Is calling Jesus “Lord” sufficient for obtaining salvation?

• No, one must do God’s will.

5. What do the following passages say about obedience to the gospel?

Romans 10:15-17: Although many hear, not all obey the gospel, for they do not have faith.

2 Thess. 1:8: God will take vengeance in a flaming fire on those who do not know him or do not obey.

1 Peter 4:17: Judgment will be unkind to those who do not obey the gospel of God.

6. Is one who works out his own salvation in fear and trembling trying to earn his salvation?

• No, such a one is heeding the Holy Spirit who knows that faithfulness means compliance to his will.

7. From whence does faith come (Rom. 1:16, 10:17)?

• Hearing the gospel, the word of God.

8. Should infants be “baptized” as is done in Catholic services? Why or why not?

• Babies should not be baptized, for they cannot believe and do not have any sin.

9. Is confession necessary to salvation (Rom. 10:9)? Is it a work that merits salvation, then?

• Confession with the mouth is unto salvation. It does not merit salvation, but is part of the obedience to the gospel that brings one into God’s grace.

10. Why did some “believers” refuse to confess Christ during his ministry (John 12:43-44)? Will they be saved anyway (Matt. 10:32-22)?

• They refused to confess because they wanted the praise of men more than God. Jesus says that he will deny them on the last day; they will not be saved.

11. Is repentance being sorry you were caught? What is repentance (2 Cor. 7:8-11)?

• Repentance is not sorrowing over being caught, but the response of godly sorrow over sin and a decision to cease it at once.

12. What do the following passages say about the necessity of baptism for salvation?

Mark 16:15-16: He who believes and is baptized will be saved.

Romans 6:3-4: Baptism brings one into Christ.

Acts 22:16: Baptism cleanses the soul and precedes salvation.

1 Peter 3:20-21: Baptism is an appeal to God for a cleansed conscience, and does save us.

13. Can a Christian be lost (Gal. 5:4)?

• Yes.

The Church of Christ, known for its simplicity and adherence to scriptural directives, offers a distinctive experience in worship. This simplicity is not a lack of depth but a reflection of our commitment to follow Christ’s teachings and the examples set by the early church. Our worship is not shaped by modern trends or personal preferences but by a steadfast dedication to what Christ has established.

Central to our worship is the nature of our music. The Church of Christ embraces singing as a form of musical worship, devoid of mechanical instruments. This choice stems from our understanding of New Testament teachings, particularly Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, which encourage singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord. This form of worship, known as a cappella, aligns with the practices of the early church and focuses on the purity of vocal expression in praising God.

Our approach to giving is another aspect that sets us apart. Unlike the Old Testament practice of tithing, the New Testament does not specify a fixed percentage for offerings. Instead, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 9:7, our giving is to be as we have prospered, a heartfelt response to God’s blessings, given willingly and cheerfully, not out of obligation but out of gratitude and recognition of God’s providence.

The observance of the Lord’s Supper holds a special place in our worship, adhering to the pattern of the New Testament church. We partake in this sacred memorial every first day of the week, as exemplified in Acts 20:7, remembering Christ’s sacrifice through the bread and the fruit of the vine. This regular observance deepens our connection to Christ and His ultimate act of love.

Preaching, an integral part of our assembly, is rooted in the faithful exposition of God’s Word. Guided by passages like 2 Timothy 4:2, our preaching aims to instruct, encourage, and sometimes challenge, always with the goal of aligning our lives more closely with God’s will. Our commitment is to speak where the Bible speaks, ensuring that our teachings are not merely pleasing to the ear but transformative to the heart.

Prayer, a vital component of our worship, is a time for personal and communal communion with God. As instructed in 1 Timothy 2:8, our prayers are an expression of our dependence on, gratitude to, and reverence for our Heavenly Father. It’s a time to lay our petitions, praises, and thanksgiving before God, drawing us closer to Him in spirit and truth.

The role of women in our worship is guided by the teachings of 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34. While women are invaluable members of our church community, contributing in various meaningful ways, our worship services are led by men in accordance with the scriptural directives we uphold.

In summary, our worship at the Church of Christ is a reflection of our commitment to following the New Testament pattern. It is grounded in simplicity, guided by scripture, and focused on honoring God above all. As we continue in our journey of faith, let us cherish and uphold these principles, always seeking to align our worship and our lives with God’s divine will.

May our worship always be a sweet aroma to Him, and may our lives reflect the love and grace He has so generously bestowed upon us.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. How do we know that the church is supposed to assemble for worship?

• Hebrews 10:24-25 upbraids individuals who forsake assembling. Paul commanded the Corinthian church to withdraw from a brother when they came together. The Troas church assembled on the first day of the week for worship.

2. What did Jesus mean by demanding worship be “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24)?

• Worship should not only be from the heart with sincerity, but also according to revealed truth.

3. How would modern forms of worship like dramas, puppet shows, and performances fit into Christ’s condemnation of the Pharisees in Matthew 15:3-9?

• They are teaching as commandments the doctrines of men.

4. Does the church of Christ have music?

• Yes.

5. What is the New Testament pattern for musical worship?

• We are commanded to sing and give examples of singing. No instruments are present in the early church, or for hundreds of years after. Singing words allows us to admonish one another and praise God.

6. Why is the Old Testament not an authority for instrumental music in the worship of the church?

• That law was taken away. If it is used as authority for instruments, then it also would demand animal sacrifice, the Sabbath, and incense burning.

7. What pattern for giving is in place, now that the tithe has been removed?

• One must purpose in his heart what he will give according to how God has prospered him.

8. While God appreciates a cheerful giver, what two attitudes does he disdain?

• Grudging and giving out of a sense of pure necessity.

9. What do the two elements of the Lord’s supper represent? When was this commemoration instituted?

• The juice represents the blood of Christ; the bread represents his body. It began on the night Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot.

10. What should the partaker be careful to observe during the communion?

• He should be careful to examine his worthiness and eat as a memorial of Christ’s death until he returns.

11. Why is the Lord’s supper taken only on Sunday? Why does the church not observe the Sabbath?

• The supper is taken on the first day of the week, after Paul’s pattern in Acts 20. The Sabbath was not reinstituted in the New Testament and it is clear that Sunday began to take precedence as the day Christ was resurrected.

12. What is the preacher to preach (1 Peter 4:11, 2 Tim. 4:1-5)? What is he not to do (Rom. 16:18)?

• The preacher should preach the word while refraining from tickling itching ears with smooth speeches. He must speak as the oracles of God.

13. Why is it wrong for women to lead prayer, teach, or take any other lead in worship?

• Women are told to keep silent in the churches by Bible command and that they may not teach or take authority over men in such a sphere of activity.

Our sacred scripture, the Bible, is distinctly partitioned into the Old and New Testaments. These divisions are not arbitrary but are deeply rooted in God’s unfolding plan for humanity. The Old Testament represents God’s initial covenant with His people, a series of promises and laws that guided them through different epochs. The New Testament, however, is the fulfillment and continuation of this divine plan, brought to fruition through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

To delve deeper into this transformative shift from the Old to the New Covenant, let’s turn to the enlightening epistle to the Hebrews. This book of the New Testament eloquently illustrates the transition from God’s communication through prophets in the Old Testament to His ultimate revelation through His Son, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament. This change wasn’t an afterthought but a predestined part of God’s magnificent design, foreordained before the foundation of the world.

The pivotal moment in this divine transition was the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. In the Old Testament, the law served as a stern tutor, defining sin but offering no permanent solution for it. The sacrificial system, with its blood of bulls and goats, could not truly cleanse humanity from sin. It awaited the perfect sacrifice – the blood of Jesus Christ. His death, a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and promises ushered in the New Covenant, a testament to God’s unfathomable grace and love.

Why, you might ponder, do we still study the Old Testament? Romans 15:4 answers this with profound clarity: the Old Testament was written for our learning, offering us patience, comfort, and hope through its scriptures. These ancient texts aren’t just historical accounts or archaic laws but foundational to our understanding of God’s nature, His expectations, and His plan for salvation. They set the stage for the New Testament, where the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ offer us a path to redemption and a personal relationship with God.

As followers of Christ, we are no longer under the tutelage of the Old Law but are guided by the teachings and grace of the New Testament. This does not diminish the Old Testament’s value but enriches our comprehension of God’s eternal plan and our place within it. The New Testament, therefore, isn’t a replacement but a glorious fulfillment of the Old, a testament to God’s unchanging love and His desire for us to live in harmony with His divine will.

The division of the Bible into the Old and New Testaments is not merely a structural convenience but a reflection of God’s evolving relationship with humanity. From the law-giving and prophecy of the Old Testament to the grace and truth manifested in Jesus Christ of the New, God’s unceasing dialogue with His creation reaches its zenith. May this understanding deepen our appreciation of the Bible and strengthen our commitment to live according to its teachings.

Let us pray, expressing our heartfelt gratitude to God for His word, which guides, comforts, and enlightens us. May we continually seek His wisdom as revealed in the scriptures and strive to live in a manner worthy of His great love and sacrifice. Amen.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. How does Jesus illustrate the difference between Moses’s law and his in Matthew 19:7-9?

• Moses taught an allowance for divorce on any grounds; Jesus allows divorce only for cases of adultery.

2. Why were the things of the Old Testament written and preserved for us, who are not Hebrews?

• They were written for our instruction, that we might find comfort and patience.

3. What can we learn from the serpent’s deception of Eve in the garden (Gen. 3:1-7)?

• We learn that the devil is a liar and that we should value innocence and obedience over experimentation with sin.

4. Why was God not pleased with the exodus of pilgrims (1 Cor. 10:1-12)? Why should we care?

• They lusted, were idolaters, sexually immoral, tempters of Christ, and complainers. We should care because the same sense of complacency can overtake us and allow us to take salvation for granted and forfeit it in exchange for the passing pleasures of sin.

5. Consider Psalm 23. What is the benefit of the psalms in general?

• The psalms are beautiful expressions of faith and emotion of men in trouble, need, and gratitude.

6. Since the law of Moses has been taken out of effect, does this mean that the wisdom of the proverbs no longer applies or is useful?

• Not at all; it is timeless.

7. What is the value of the prophecies (2 Peter 1:21)?

• They help prove the accuracy of the Bible’s claim to divine inspiration.

8. How could Christ be a priest under the law of Moses? Since he is recognized as a priest, what does this prove?

• He could not be a priest under Moses’s law. The law was changed to become Christ’s, which allowed for a priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

9. What do the following passages have to say about the duration of the law of Moses?

Ephesians 2:14-15: Christ made peace between the races by breaking down the wall of separation which was the law of commandments, according to the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 2:14: Christ wiped out the handwriting of requirements by nailing it to the cross. This could be none other than the law of Moses.

2 Corinthians 3:7-8: The glory of the law engraved on stones—the law of Moses—was passing away.

Hebrews 8:7-13: The old covenant was growing old in that day and was obsolete now, ready to vanish altogether.

10. Why is it not permissible to appeal to the Old Testament for authority for instrumental music in worship, while rejecting its commands to sacrifice animals and keep the Sabbath?

• If one endeavors to keep a law, he must keep the whole law.

11. Which of the ten commandments was not reiterated in the New Testament?

• Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.

The Holy Spirit’s role is often veiled in modesty, as He chooses not to focus on Himself but rather on glorifying Jesus Christ and God the Father. He is the divine communicator, revealing God’s truth, illuminating His Word, and guiding believers in their spiritual journey. The Holy Spirit does not seek His own acclaim but works tirelessly to bring the message of salvation and God’s will to the forefront.

In understanding the Holy Spirit, it is essential to recognize His active presence in the transmission and affirmation of God’s Word. The Scriptures describe the Word of God as the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). This metaphor powerfully illustrates that the Holy Scriptures, while penned by human authors, are divinely inspired and wielded by the Spirit. The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, discerning the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). This passage affirms the Spirit’s role in using God’s Word to judge, convict, and transform.

The Holy Spirit also convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). This conviction is not a mere emotional response but a deep, transformative work that brings about repentance and aligns one’s heart with God’s truth. The Spirit leads us into all truth and empowers us to live according to God’s will. He is instrumental in our regeneration, sanctification, and spiritual growth.

Moreover, the Spirit’s influence extends beyond personal transformation to the broader mission of the Church. He empowers believers for service, bestows spiritual gifts, and fosters unity within the body of Christ. As Christians, we are called to be filled with the Spirit, which involves immersing ourselves in God’s Word and allowing it to richly dwell within us (Ephesians 5:18, Colossians 3:16).

While the Holy Spirit may not always operate in overtly miraculous or sensational ways, His work is no less supernatural and essential. He operates through the Word, guiding, teaching, and equipping believers to fulfill their divine calling. The Spirit’s work is subtle yet profound, leading us to a deeper understanding of God’s truth and a more intimate relationship with Him.

The Holy Spirit is a divine person, co-equal with the Father and the Son, deeply involved in the life of every believer. His primary role is to glorify Christ and apply the saving work of Jesus in our lives. Through the Holy Spirit, we comprehend the Scriptures, experience conviction and transformation, and are equipped for service in God’s kingdom. Let us continually seek the Spirit’s guidance and yield to His sanctifying work in our lives, for He is the Spirit of truth, leading us in the path of righteousness for God’s glory. Amen.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. When do we first see the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament? In the New Testament?

• We first see the Holy Spirit in Genesis at creation and then at the incarnation in the New Testament.

2. How does the Holy Spirit affect conversions, by direct operation or through the agency of his word (Eph. 6:17, Rom. 10:17)?

• Since faith comes through hearing God’s word and the word is the Holy Spirit’s sword, it is clear that conversions are made when people hear and respond to that word.

3. Jesus uses two other designations to describe the Holy Spirit in John 14-16. What are they?

• John 14:16: Helper or Comforter

• John 14:17: Spirit of truth

4. What would be his function, according to John 14:16?

• He would teach them all things by helping them remember what Christ had already taught them.

5. What would be his function, according to John 16:12-13?

• He would teach them all things by guiding them into all truth that Christ could not tell them then because they were unable to handle it.

6. What was the purpose of miraculous abilities of the Holy Spirit, like tongues-speaking and healing (Mark 16:20 and Heb. 2:4)?

• To accompany and confirm the preaching of the word as divine in origin.

7. List and describe the only two recorded occurrences of “Holy Spirit baptism.”

• Acts 2 records the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit fell on the apostles as tongues of fire, allowing them to speak in unstudied languages and prove the divine origin of their preaching. Acts 10 records the miracle among Gentiles and proves to Peter the divine origin of the sanction for converting them.

8. When were miraculous gifts to cease (1 Cor. 10:8-13)? Has this occurred (Jude 3, 1 Peter 1:3)?

• When complete knowledge of God’s revelation was accomplished. This occurred when the faith was completely delivered.

9. What is the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17)? What should this tell us about the relative importance of the word versus miraculous signs and wonders?

• The word of God is the sword of the Spirit; the miracles were only to verify the word.

10. What does it mean to be filled with Spirit in Ephesians 5:18-19?

• Being filled with the Spirit means being guided through his influence in the word he delivered.

11. How does the Holy Spirit dwell in us (Rom. 8:9, 13-17)?

• The Spirit dwells in us when we do God’s will and follow his word. He bears witness with our own converted spirit that we are righteous.

12. How can we show that the Spirit indwells us (Gal. 5:16-25)?

• By walking in the Spirit, abstaining from the works of the flesh, and producing the fruits of the Spirit.

In Romans 16:17, we are urged to be vigilant against those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine we have learned and to avoid them. This directive is not borne out of malice or judgmentalism but out of a deep concern for the spiritual health of the church. Similarly, in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, we are commanded to withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the traditions received from the apostles. This withdrawal is not an act of condemnation but an appeal to repentance and a return to faithful obedience.

Discipline, my brethren, is rooted in love. As we are reminded in Hebrews 12:6, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Discipline is an expression of God’s love intended to correct and guide us back to the right path. It is an act of spiritual care, aiming to restore the erring brother or sister to a right relationship with God.

In the pursuit of purity, discipline serves as a deterrent to sin and a means to preserve the sanctity of the church. A little leaven leavens the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6-7), illustrating how unchecked sin can permeate and corrupt the entire body. Thus, discipline is necessary to maintain the church’s purity and to prevent the spread of sinful behavior.

Furthermore, discipline is for the sake of self-preservation. As in Ezekiel 3:18-19, we are held accountable for warning the wicked. If we neglect this responsibility, we share in their guilt. Discipline is an act of obedience, preserving not only the individual but the entire church from the consequences of sin.

We also need discipline for self-improvement. In 2 Corinthians 7:11-12, the church’s discipline of a sinful member led to a beneficial outcome, not just for the individual disciplined but for the entire congregation. This act of discipline brought about godly sorrow, leading to repentance and a renewed commitment to righteousness.

Moreover, discipline acts as a deterrent, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:20, where those who persist in sin are to be rebuked publicly so that others may take warning. This public rebuke is not for humiliation but to instill a healthy fear of God and a desire to live righteously.

Finally, discipline is exercised for obedience. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Paul instructs the church to expel a member engaged in sexual immorality, not out of vindictiveness, but to uphold God’s standards and to lead the individual to repentance.

In all these, let us remember that discipline within the church is an act of love and care, designed not to harm but to heal, restore, and build up. It is a difficult but necessary part of our life together in Christ, aimed at helping each one of us grow into maturity in Him. Let us, therefore, approach discipline with prayerful consideration, guided by Scripture, and always seeking the restoration and spiritual growth of the one being disciplined, for the ultimate goal is to bring glory to God and to edify His church. Amen.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. All discipline is one of two types. What are the two types? Describe them.

• Proactive (warning and instruction) and corrective (reproof, rebuke, withdrawal, marking).

2. What does it take to be in the discipline (teaching) of Christ (John 8:31)?

• One must abide in Christ’s teaching to be his disciple.

3. How does a congregation receive discipline when it is assembled or in a class situation?

• Through the teaching of preachers and teachers.

4. How is this an example of the elders “feeding the flock” (1 Peter 2:2, Heb. 5:12-14)?

• They are providing the milk and meat of the word.

5. What are some practical ways in which Christians adorn the teaching of Christ (Gal. 5:22-25)?

• By obeying the word and producing fruits of the spirit.

6. How should the following types of people be treated?

a. unruly: warn c. weak: uphold

b. fainthearted: comfort d. all: be patient

7. List the steps in dealing with personal, private offenses between two brethren in which the offender does not repent (Matt. 18:15-17).

1. Go and tell the brother how he has offended you.

2. If he will not hear, take witnesses to establish every word said.

3. If he refuses to hear them, tell the church.

4. If he refuses to hear the church, withdraw from him.

8. Why did Paul demand the sinner in Corinth be withdrawn from at once (1 Cor. 5:6)?

• He was concerned about the influence of one “getting away” with indulgence.

9. What does it mean when Paul forbids them “to keep company with” such brethren?

• It means that social association must also be halted.

10. From which brother should we withdraw (2 Thess. 3:6)? By what standard of order (2 Thess. 2:15)?

• Every brother who walks disorderly against the standard of the traditions found in the scriptures.

11. How do we admonish such a brother without treating him like an enemy?

• By showing that our reproof is borne out of love, not hate.

12. What two offenses can lead to one being negatively marked (Titus 2:10-11, 2 Tim. 2:17-18)?

• Divisiveness and teaching error.

13. Of what should faithful men be warned concerning dealing with false teachers (2 John 9-11)? Why?

• They should not greet or receive them, for to give them aid and comfort would be to share in the evil deed of teaching error.

Throughout history, our church has faced its share of controversies and divisions, from debates over instrumental music in worship to disagreements about the structuring of Bible studies. These disputes, while troubling, are often reflective of a deeper quest for adherence to the Scriptures and a commitment to preserving the purity of our worship and doctrine. In the face of such challenges, it is crucial to remember the words of Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” This scripture beautifully encapsulates the essence of unity in the body of Christ, emphasizing the need for agreement in our walk with God and with each other.

Division, though painful, can serve as a refining fire, separating what is of God from what is not. It challenges us to examine our beliefs, align our practices with Scripture, and steadfastly commit ourselves to the truth as revealed in God’s Word. As we navigate these often turbulent waters, we must do so with a spirit of love, humility, and a relentless pursuit of truth.

Remember, beloved, that unity in the church is not about uniformity in thought or practice but about a shared commitment to Christ and His teachings. As we face potential divisions, let us approach them not as a means to sow discord but as opportunities to engage in healthy, scriptural discernment. Let us strive to resolve our differences through prayer, open dialogue, and a collective commitment to Scripture.

In facing contemporary controversies within the church, we must engage them with the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that our discussions and resolutions are anchored in love, respect, and a deep reverence for God’s Word. Let us be reminded of Ephesians 4:3-5, which calls us to the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, under one Lord, one faith, one baptism.

As we move forward, let us embrace the challenges that come with being a part of the living body of Christ. Let us view these moments not as setbacks but as stepping stones towards a deeper, more authentic expression of our faith. In doing so, we honor our commitment to Christ and demonstrate to the world the transformative power of a church united in love, truth, and grace. Amen.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. What requirements were some Jewish Christians attempting to lay upon their Gentile brethren?

• They wanted them to be circumcised and keep other tenets of the law of Moses in order to be saved.

2. Why was division over this controversy generally contained to small losses in the first century?

• They did not split because they met the controversy head-on and established what God’s will was. Those who chose to violate it were clearly exposed as teaching error and division.

3. How did Paul feel about the Judaizing teachers (Gal. 5:11-12)?

• He wished they would mutilate themselves rather than innocent Gentile Christians.

4. What does Titus 2:3-5 say about the role of the woman before God? Is she inferior to the man?

• Older women should be good examples and teachers for younger women. She is not inferior at all.

5. Why cannot a woman be an elder or deacon?

• She cannot take these offices because the qualifications call for husbands and fathers.

6. Why cannot a woman take a leading role in the worship services of the church?

• She cannot exercise authority over men, nor speak in the assembly, for it is shameful to do otherwise.

7. Why is this doctrine about women’s roles controversial today?

• Feminism has led to a blurring of roles in every area of society, and the church is under pressure to mirror the world instead of the Bible.

8. How did the early church drift into centralizing authority? Why is this wrong (1 Peter 5:2)?

• The plurality of elders began to nominate one elder as supreme. Eventually, one bishop was taking prominence in an entire region, and then a pope was elected over the whole church. Instead, a plurality of elders should shepherd the flock that is among them.

9. What was wrong with the American Christian Missionary Society of the nineteenth century?

• It violated congregational autonomy by centralizing oversight and supporting an outside organization from the church treasury.

10. What was wrong with the Herald of Truth funding program in the 1950s?

• It violated congregational autonomy by having elders turn over their oversight to another eldership.

11. How far have many institutional churches gone, now a half-century later?

• They are involved in the extremes of the social gospel, fun, food, politics, and entertainment.

In our exploration, we have encountered the profound truth that unity within the Church does not arise from homogeneity but is born out of our shared commitment to Christ and His teachings. We have been reminded, through scriptural wisdom, that unity in the body of Christ is akin to the many parts of a single body, each with its distinct function, yet harmoniously working together for the greater good.

As we ponder the words of Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” we are called to recognize the importance of agreement not in mere conformity but in our shared mission to uphold the Gospel. Our unity is found in our collective dedication to the teachings of Jesus, our adherence to the scriptures, and our unwavering faith in God’s plan for us.

We have grappled with the challenges of diversity, acknowledging that our differences, be they cultural, linguistic, or experiential, are not barriers but enrichments to our shared life in Christ. It is through embracing our varied backgrounds and perspectives that we can truly embody the ethos of “E Pluribus Unum” – from many, one – in the spirit of Christian unity.

As we move towards the conclusion of this series, let us carry with us the lessons learned and the insights gained. May we continue to strive for a Church that is united in its diversity, grounded in love, and steadfast in its commitment to the teachings of Christ.

In our final lesson, we shall delve deeper into contemporary issues that challenge the Church, seeking scriptural guidance and wisdom to navigate these complexities. As we prepare for this concluding discussion, let us do so with open hearts and minds, ready to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with the topics at hand.

May the Lord bless our discussions, enlighten our understanding, and strengthen our bond as members of His Church. Amen.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. Define unity-in-doctrinal-diversity and describe why so many find it appealing (Jude 3).

• Unity-in-doctrinal-diversity is a philosophy whereby everyone’s contradictory beliefs are deemed equal, although they could not be. It is appealing because it prevents us from having to argue doctrine or contend for the faith.

2. What did Paul say in 1 Corinthians 1:10 that blunts the movement for this form of diversity?

• He called on Christians to speak the same things and be not divided.

3. Does the context of Romans 14 extend to matters of authorized liberties? What does that mean? Give examples.

• Romans 14 covers such matters, which are issues to which God is indifferent regarding participation or abstinence. Some of them are eating meats and observance of special days.

4. Does Romans 14 extend to matters of doctrine like baptism (immersion vs. sprinkling), instrumental music in worship, and divorce (for adultery vs. any cause)? Explain.

• No. Romans 14 is limited by context to things that are permissible either way.

5. Are pornography, abortion, and social drinking protected by Romans 14? Explain.

• No, they are not pure and clean, as the context demands.

6. What is the single ground given for a scriptural divorce (Matt. 5:31-32)?

• Adultery.

7. What is true of any man who marries a woman who has been put away? What is true of any woman who puts away her husband for a reason short of adultery and then marries someone else?

• In the first scenario, he commits adultery. In the second scenario, she is an adulteress.

8. According to 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, what should spouses who separate for reasons other than adultery do?

• They should remain unmarried or seek reconciliation with their spouses.

9. Since society sanctions divorce in the courtroom and culture, should the church adapt its teaching to conform to popular opinion and maintain a stronger base for conversions (1 Peter 1:24-25, 4:11)?

• No, the church should keep teaching God’s word.

10. What does repentance of making an unscriptural union require (Rom. 6:1)?

• It requires one to undo the unscriptural union.

11. Thayer’s definition of “lewdness” in Galatians 5:19 includes “indecent bodily movements” and “unchaste handling of males with females.” How would the apostle’s condemnation of lewdness in that passage touch on issues like the immodest dress, mixed swimming, and modern dancing?

• All these things involve one or the other part of the definition and so are damnable with good cause.

12. Why is it wrong to attempt to broaden the door of the kingdom (Matt. 7:14, James 4:4, Matt. 18:3)?

• The gate is narrow and difficult and making it look easy is deceptive, self-serving, and a stumbling block to souls. It is an attempt to forge a friendship with the world and look like it or the sects. It relieves people of the responsibility of being genuinely converted.

As we have learned, the Church of Christ is not a product of human invention or afterthought. Rather, it is the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose, manifested through Jesus Christ. This Church, which began on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, was birthed from a divine plan, prophesied in the scriptures, and brought to fruition through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We must understand that the Church of Christ stands unique and distinct from denominational constructs that have arisen over the centuries. These man-made institutions, though they may bear the name of Christ, often deviate from the scriptural blueprint laid out in the New Testament. They are products of human interpretation and tradition, which, perhaps well-intentioned, do not align with the Church established by Christ and His apostles.

Our allegiance, therefore, must be to Christ alone, the head of the Church. It is in His teachings, His sacrifice, and His resurrection that we find the foundation of our faith and practice. As members of His body, we are called to adhere to the New Testament as our sole authority in matters of doctrine, worship, and church governance.

This commitment to scriptural fidelity extends to all aspects of our congregational life. From our worship, which must be in spirit and truth as Jesus taught, to our organizational structure, which aligns with the New Testament pattern of elders, deacons, and members working together in unity. In all things, we strive to reflect the early Church, which was guided directly by the apostles under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern religious landscape, let us hold fast to the truth of the New Testament. Let us be wary of teachings and practices that deviate from this divine blueprint, no matter how popular or widely accepted they may be. Our loyalty is to Christ and His word; in this unwavering commitment, we find the true essence of the Church of Christ.

Let us, therefore, be diligent in our study of the scriptures, constant in prayer, and faithful in our adherence to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles. In doing so, we honor the Lord, uphold His eternal purpose, and ensure that we, as His Church, remain a beacon of truth and light in a world in need of salvation.

May God bless us with wisdom, understanding, and the courage to stand firm in our faith as we continue to serve Him in the beauty of holiness and truth. Amen.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. Give the founder and approximate date of foundation of the church of Christ (Matt. 16:16, Acts 2).
• Jesus founded his church on the first Pentecost after his crucifixion.

2. What is the relationship of the church to the kingdom (Matt. 16:18, Daniel 2:36-45, Acts 2:29-33, Col. 1:13)?

• The church is the kingdom of God from prophecy into which all saints are now conveyed and the throne of which Jesus now holds.

3. What are the three ways in which Bible authority can be established (Lesson Two)?

• Bible authority can be established through direct command, approved example, or necessary inference.

4. Should the silence of the scriptures on some matter (e.g. using milk in the Lord’s Supper) be considered authority to act as one pleases? How should the silence of the scriptures be treated?

• The silence of the scriptures is not authority to act but is a warning not to act.

5. What does the New Testament say concerning division and sectarianism (1 Cor. 1:10)?

• The Bible calls on us to be unified and condemns the division of the church into sects based on human followings.

6. What should disciples of Christ be called? How should the church of Christ be designated?

• Disciples should be called Christians, saints, brethren, or disciples. The church is of Christ or of God.

7. Define the concept of congregation autonomy as seen in the New Testament.

• Each congregation was self-ruling, and no other congregation or outside eldership could intervene or interfere in the scriptural execution of its work.

8. Does the church of Christ have any apostles or prophets?

• Yes, the twelve apostles and various prophets in the New Testament. The apostolic offices were not filled in the scriptures when holders died, save for Judas. Prophets ceased when prophecy ceased in the first century.

9. What are other terms for “elder.”

• Pastor, bishop, overseer, presbyter.

10. What are the three facets of the work of the church?

• Evangelism to the lost, edification of the saved, and benevolence toward needy saints.

11. Which of these includes authority for social gospel concepts like church-sponsored recreation and meals (1 Cor. 11:34) and benevolent programs for needy outsiders (Acts 11:27-30)?

• There is none.

12. What does the Bible say about “faith only” (James 2:24)?

• A man is justified by works and not by faith only.

13. List and summarize some passages that teach the necessity of immersion to salvation.

• Mark 16:16: He who believes and is baptized will be saved.
• Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.
• Romans 6:3-4: One is baptized into Christ and becomes reborn.
• I Peter 3:21: Baptism now saves us.

14. List the five acts of authorized worship when the church is assembled and give authority to each.

• Singing (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16), Prayer (1 Tim. 2:8), Preaching (Acts 20:7), Communion (1 Cor. 11:23-34) and Giving (1 Cor. 16:1-4).

15. What proper use of the Old Testament should we make today (Rom. 15:4, 1 Cor. 10:1-11)?

• It should instruct us through examples.

16. Why should we not use the Old Testament to derive authority or find binding law (Eph. 2:14-15)?

• The old law was taken away.

17. What is the Holy Spirit’s masterpiece (Eph. 6:17)?

• The word of God, his sword.

18. How does the Holy Spirit influence behavior and conversion today (2 Peter 1:21, John 16:5-15)?

• Through the medium of his word.

19. How does the church provide its members with proactive discipline? What is corrective discipline?

• Proactive discipline is through its teaching program (feeding the flock); corrective discipline is through reproof, withdrawal, and marking.

20. Why cannot women teach or take authority over men in the church?

• The Holy Spirit condemned it.

21. Why is it wrong for elders to assume oversight of more than one church (1 Peter 5:2)?

• Only one flock can be among them.

22. Does Romans 14 demand that we maintain fellowship with those who teach and practice error regarding divorce and remarriage?

• No, because the passage is limited by context to matters that are pure and clean and good.