Know What You Believe - Lesson 13 Local Church Ordinances and Last Things!

       Our study of the doctrine of the Church shows that the New Testament church was God’s plan from the beginning.   Jesus declared “I will build my church” and He is the foundation (rock – Matt. 16:18) upon which the church is built.  He established two ordinances for the church to observe; believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  We may define an ordinance as an outward rite appointed by Christ to be administered in the church as a visible sign of the saving truth of the Christian faith.   

        In this lesson we will take a look at the ordinances of the church as well as a brief review of what we call “Last Things.”    Both are important because the first provides a means of affirmation and obedience.  The second provides motivation for ongoing sanctification in the believer’s life.       

        

Article III:  DECLARATION OF FAITH 

 Section F. The Church     

4.      The Church Ordinances.

a.      Baptism. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water to show forth in a solemn and beautiful symbol our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour.  We believe that Christian baptism is incumbent upon each believer (Matt. 28:19, 20; Col. 2:12). 

1.       Why should every believer determine to be scripturally baptized?  See Matthew 3:13 -15; 28:19 – 20.

2.      What does water baptism symbolize?  See Romans 6:3 – 6.

b.      The Lord’s Supper.  We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of Christ’s death until He comes; that the elements are symbolic of the broken body and the shed blood of the Lord Jesus.  Only believers should partake, and the partaking should always be preceded by a solemn self-examination (1 Cor. 11:23 – 28).

3.      When did the observance of this ordinance begin and who started it?  See Matthew 26:26 – 30.

4.      How do we know that the church should practice the Lord’s supper?  See 1 Cor. 11:23 – 28.

Section G.  Last Things

1.      The Blessed Hope.   We believe in the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His Bride, the Church (1 Thess. 4:13 -18). The believer will then appear before the judgment seat of Christ to be rewarded according to his works (1 Cor. 3:12 -15).

5.      What does “imminent” mean? 

6.      Rather than looking for signs we should be listening for sounds.  What three sounds will accompany the Lord’s return for His church?  See 1 Thessalonians 4:13 -18. 

7.      Who will be present at the judgment seat of Christ and what will take place there?  See 2 Corinthians 5:10 & 1 Corinthians 3:12 – 15.

2.      The Second Advent.  We believe in the personal visible, premillenial coming of Christ to restore the Throne of David and to reign a thousand years (Rev. 19:11 – 16). 

8.      The Latin equivalent for one thousand years is millennium.  How long will Jesus reign on the earth on David’s Throne?  See Isaiah 9:6 and Revelation 20:4 -6. 

9.      What does “premillenial” mean?  When will Jesus come to the earth as King of Kings?  See Revelation 19:11 – 16.

3.      The Doom of Satan.  We believe that the Devil and his followers are to be cast into the Lake of Fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20:10). 

10.  Who will already be in the lake of fire and brimstone when the devil is finally cast into it?  See Revelation 20:10. 

4.      The Great White Throne.  We believe in the final resurrection of the unjust to stand before God at the Great White Throne judgment and whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:11 – 15). 

11.  Who will be present at the Great White Throne judgment?  See Revelation 20:12 – 15.

12.  What is the purpose of this judgment? (Rev. 20:12,13)

5.      Eternity.  We believe in the glorious eternal reign of God (1 Cor. 15:24 – 28).

13.  The time period following Christ’s millennial reign on earth is often called the “Eternal State.” Who will be in supreme authority?  See 1 Corinthians 15:24 – 28.

14.    What will be new?  See Revelation 21:1 – 2

 Conclusion:   When Jesus comes in the air for His church you will want to be ready.  You will want to know that you are saved from your sin.  You will certainly want to demonstrate your love for the Lord by being obedient in believer’s baptism.  A believer’s great hope is the return of the Lord.  We read in  1 John 3:2 & 3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  Are you listening for the shout?

What do you believe about the local New Testament Church? Lesson 12

       There are many things in the New Testament that indicate the importance of the doctrine of the Church.  For example, we are told that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:25); that the primary purpose of God for this age is the building of the Church (Matt. 16:18); that Paul considered it his greatest sin that he had persecuted the Church (1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13); and that this Apostle suffered many things for the Church (Col. 1:24). 

       The word “church” is the English rendering of one word ekklesia, made up of two Greek words meaning “out from among” and “to call.”  It is therefore “a called-out assembly.”   This word has secular, ethnic, or religious meaning, depending upon its context.  Its secular meaning concerns a public assembly of people (Acts 19:32, 39, 41); with ethnic meaning it twice refers to Israel (Acts 7:38; Heb. 2:12); and with religious meaning it refers to groups of Christians: one, a local congregation of professing gospel believers (Acts 2:47; 8:1); two, the totality of gospel believers in a region (Acts 9:31); and three, our Lord’s invisible church, which is His mystical body (Eph. 1:22 – 23) and bride (2 Cor. 11:2). 

       How do you fit into God’s church?  How should the local visible church function?  Let God’s Word teach you on this important topic.

Article III:  DECLARATION OF FAITH 

 Section F. The Church     

1.      We believe that the scriptures teach that the true or invisible church is composed of all who are born again and that by the same Spirit we are all baptized into one body (1 Cor. 12:12 -27; Eph. 4:3-6; Col. 3:14 – 17)

1.         The true or invisible church consists of all who were saved and added to the church from Pentecost (Acts 2) until the Rapture (1 Thess. 4:16, 17).  How is the group identified in the following scriptures?  1 Corinthians 12:12, 27; Eph. 4:3 -6; Col. 3:15. 

2.      Visible. We believe that the visible church consists of local congregations of believers (3 John 9; 1 Cor. 1:1-13, 4:17, 14:23; Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; Acts 8:1, 11:21 -23); associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel (Acts 2:4, 42, 47; 1 Cor. 5:12, 13); observing the ordinances of Christ      (1 Cor. 11:2); governed by His laws (Gal. 6:2; Matt. 28:20; John 14:15, 15:12; 1 John 4:21; 2 John 6;  1 Thess. 4;2; all the Epistles); and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His work (Eph. 4:7) and seeking to extend the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Matt. 28:20). 

2.      How do the following scriptures indicate that the visible church consists of local congregations? 

·         1 Corinthians 1:2

·         1 Corinthians 4:17

·         Romans 16:5

·         Acts 8:1

3.      Read Acts 2:41 – 47.  In what activities do we find the early church participating?

4.      What laws of Christ should the local church be concerned with?

·         Galatians 6:2

·         Matthew 28:20; John 13:34

·         1 John 4:21

5.      Why should believers be concerned about keeping the Lord’s commandments?  See John 14:15.

6.      What has been given to every believer and to what end was it given?  See Ephesians 4:7, 13.

3.      Relationships.  We believe that the local visible church of Christ is a voluntary and independent autonomous group of believers; (Matt. 18:15 -18, 23:8 – 10; 1 Peter 5:3); that functions not as a pure democracy, but as a body under headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the pastor as the under-shepherd with the counsel of the deacons (1 Peter 5:1 – 5; 1 Tim. 3:8 – 13).  Determinations of the internal affairs of this church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the church’s own rules and procedures (1 Cor. 5:4 – 5, 13; 2 Cor. 2:7 -8).  The pastor shall oversee and or conduct all aspects of this church.  The deacons shall give counsel and assistance to the pastor as requested by him (Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Thess. 5:12; Titus 1:5). 

7.      When problems arise between believers in the church, what steps are to be taken to resolve them?  See Matthew 18:15 – 18. 

8.      Who is the Chief-Shepherd and who is the under-shepherd of a local church?  See 1 Peter 5:1 – 5.

9.      The local church has the authority to do what?

·         1 Corinthians 5:4-5, 13

·         Acts 6:3 -6

·         Jude 1:3

10.   How is the church member to respond to his pastor?  See Hebrews 13:7, 17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13.

 Conclusion:    In Acts 2:41 we find that, immediately after their salvation and baptism, believers were added to the local assembly in Jerusalem.  Membership in a Bible-believing, Christ-honoring church in your community provides inspiration of fellowship with other believers and opportunities to do your part in the propagation of the Christian faith.  Every believer should be an active member of a local church. 

*The gray highlight is addition to the Bylaws.

What Does the Bible Say About Sanctification? Lesson 11 Know What You Believe Series

“Follow after peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14.  This Bible verse emphasizes the importance of the doctrine of holiness or sanctification.  Note that this Scriptures does not so much stress the realization of absolute holiness of life, as the pursuit of it.  Understanding the three aspects of the doctrine of sanctification 1) Positional, 2) Progressive, and 3) Final sanctification, will help us to appreciate the part every believer plays in their own sanctification. 

Article III:  DECLARATION OF FAITH 

 Section E.  Salvation:

7.      Sanctification.  We believe that at the moment of conversion each believer is sanctified or made holy by his position in the body of Christ (1 Cor. 1:30).  We further believe that a lifelong process of sanctification, involving victory over sin and spiritual growth in grace is begun at the time of regeneration and is carried on in the hearts of believers by the Person of the Holy Spirit whose purpose is to reveal Christ in the Christian (Gal. 5:22 – 25).  The believer’s part in this work is to present his body a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1), and to reckon himself to be dead indeed unto sin (Rom. 6:11), that is, to rest in the finished work of Christ for victory in every temptation.  The believer’s final perfection will be realized when Jesus comes for His church (I John 3:20).     

1.       Positional sanctification is dependent upon our salvation relationship with Christ and not our spiritual maturity.  Explain how the following Scripture references support this truth:  1 Corinthians 1:1-2, 30; 3:1 – 4.

    

2.       Positional sanctification declares that God has set the believer, i.e. the church apart for himself.  Who is doing the cleansing and sanctifying in the following Scriptures?  1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11; Ephesians 5:25 – 27.

3.      What is the believer’s sanctification based upon? See Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2; and Acts 26:18.

4.       How long will this positional sanctification last? See Hebrews 10:10, 14.

5.      According to our statement of faith, what is involved in progressive sanctification or the “lifelong process of sanctification”? 

6.       What is God’s desire for us as we mature in the Christian life? See 1 Peter 1:15, 16; 1 John 2:1; Matthew 5:48 and Colossians 3:8 – 10, 12. 

7.      What part does the believer have in progressive sanctification or our spiritual growth in our daily life?  See 2 Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1.

8.      How do the words “knowing, reckon, and yield” apply to victory over sin?  See Romans 6:1-3, 6 – 11, 13. 

9.      Read Romans 12:1 – 2.  What action is expected from the believer and to what end?

10.  When will the believer’s final perfection be realized?  See Philippians 3:20 – 21; 1 John 3:2; Jude 24; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.   

 Conclusion:     An interesting comparison was presented in Practical Theology:

Positional Sanctification:                         Practical Sanctification:

It relat It relates to our st   It relates to our standing in Christ.	It relates to our condition of daily life
It occurs at our salvation.	It occurs throughout our lifetime.
It is God’s instantaneous work.	It is God’s progressive work.
It is complete, absolute.	It is incomplete, relative.
It is the same for every saved person.	It varies with each saved person.
It makes each person a saint.	It makes each person saintly.

    

    

Know What You Believe about Salvation - What is man's part?

“Theologically, salvation is a blanket term for all that takes place spiritually in people when they trust in the Lord Jesus as their Saviour from sin.  A theological description of salvation is this:  Salvation is the gracious work of God whereby He delivers gospel believing sinners from the guilt, penalty, and ruin of their sins and from bondage to their spiritual enemies and their works; brings them into a right, vital relationship with Himself; and bestows upon them the abundant benefits of His grace.”  - Floyd H. Barackman, Practical Christian Theology, pg 329.  Kregel Publications. 

This lesson continues our look at Salvation.  We have considered God’s plan and provision for all to be saved.  Now we look at the response that is required of any who would receive “so great salvation.”                   

Article III:  DECLARATION OF FAITH 

 Section E.  Salvation:

3.      Repentance.  We believe that genuine repentance, a godly sorrow for sin and a turning from sin, is an essential aspect of the sinner’s salvation (Acts 2:37, 38).   

1.      Who in the following scriptures preached repentance?

·         Acts 2:37, 38; 3:12, 19

·         Luke 13:3, 5

·         Matthew 3:1, 2

·         Acts 20:21; 26:20

2.      Repentance involves change.  What do you think changes when someone repents and comes to God for salvation?  

4.      Faith.  We believe that personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is, faith in His atoning work for the removal of our sins) is  the only condition of salvation (John 1:12; 5:24; Acts 16:31; Rom. 4:5).    

3.       Repentance does not bring salvation, but it does indicate that a person acknowledges the need.  What does God’s require of a person who desires salvation from sin and its penalty?

·         John 1:12

·         John 5:24

·         Acts 16:30, 31

·         Romans 4:5

4.      Read Romans 10:9. From where does the faith or belief that saves  come from?  How is this different from the belief that is mentioned in James 2:19?

5.      Justification.  We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification.  This included the removal of all sin and the gift of eternal life, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:5), but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood.  The believer is judicially “declared righteous” in the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:16; 5:1; Rom. 3:20 – 25; II Cor. 5:20;     I Cor. 1:30).

5.      What part does man’s good works or own righteousness play in our justification?  See Titus 3:5 – 7 and Galatians 2:16.

6.      Upon what basis does God declare us righteous?  See                      2 Corinthians 5:21 and Romans 3:20 – 26.

7.      When we are justified we have right standing before a Holy God.  Whose righteousness gives us this right standing?                              (1 Corinthians 1:30)

6.      The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers.  We believe that once a person is saved, he is kept by God’s power and remains secure in Christ forever (John 6:37 – 40; 10:27 – 30; Rom. 8:1, 38 – 39; 1 Cor. 1:4 – 8; 1 Pet. 1:4 – 5).  We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word; which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Rom. 13:13 – 14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11 – 15). 

8.      Who is doing the saving and keeping of the believer according to Jesus?  See John 6:37 – 40; 10:27 – 30.

9.      What assurance did Paul give to the believer in Romans 8:1, 38 – 39? 

10.  What is awaiting the believer in heaven and how can we be assured we will not lose it?  See 1 Peter 1:4 – 5.

11.  How should the believer live in light of his salvation that is eternally secured?  Does this truth provide believers with a reason to then live carnally?  How do the following verses apply to these questions? 

·         Romans 13:13 -14

·         Galatians 5:13

·         Titus 2:11 – 15

 Conclusion:    How are you living in light of God’s provision of eternal salvation?