Church Questions

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1. Are the heathen lost?

All heathen are lost. All people have sinned. Rom 3:23 Rom 10-12 This includes the heathen. Rom 1:18-32 Everyone has inherited sin from Adam. Rom 5:12 Also everyone has chosen to sin. Isa 53:6 This includes those who haven't heard the gospel. Sin causes death. Rom 6:23 Eze 18:4 Jam 1:15 Isa 59:2 Those who haven't heard die as well as those who have heard. Rom 2:12 The wrath of God is on these because they chose to worship what God had created rather than God Himself. Rom 1:18-32 Eph 4:17-19 No one can be saved apart from Christ. Act 4:12 He is the only way of salvation. Joh 14:6 To be saved, one must hear the gospel. Rom 10:13-17 Jam 1:21 Rom 1:16 Faith can only come after hearing the Word of God. Rom 10:17 The heathen do not seek after God. Psa 14:2,3 Rom 3:10-12 They don't even think about God. Psa 10:4 If anyone could get to heaven without the gospel, we shouldn't take them the gospel, because if they rejected it after hearing, they wouldn't go to heaven. If everyone who hasn't heard the gospel will be in heaven, then they are much better off than those who have heard the gospel and are held accountable for accepting or rejecting it. The gospel was given to save those who believe out of all that are condemned. It was not given to condemn most who have it because they disbelieved it, and who would have been better off left alone because they all were on their way to heaven because of ignorance. Jesus came to save, not condemn. Joh 3:17 The law condemns. Joh 3:18,19 Rom 3:20 The great commission is a message of salvation, not condemnation. Mar 16:15 Luk 24:47 Act 1:8

Christ who is fully God and fully man died on the cross for our sins as the prophets said He would. Rom 1:3,4 Php 2:5-8 Joh 19:15-37 Rom 5:8 Isa 53:3-12 Psa 22:1,6-18 He was buried and rose from the dead the third day as the prophets predicted. Joh 19:38-42 Joh 20:1-29 Psa 16:8-10 The only requirement for salvation is faith in Christ. Repentence is included in faith. Luk 13:3,5 Act 20:21 Repentance is a change of mind about God, sin, and self. We must turn to God's way of salvation, which is by faith in Christ and Him alone. Eph 2:8,9 We must turn away from trusting in, any religious acts or self-righteousness for salvation. Rom 3:28 We must have faith in Christ for salvation. Eph 3:17 Saving faith is accepting for yourself that what God says concerning Christ is true; trusting in Him alone for salvation from your sins.

As a Bible study taught by the apostles, Act 5:42 ; 1Co 3:10 new believers should start meeting together as soon as several have been won to Christ in a village. As a New Testament church, they should start meeting together after qualified elders 1Pe 5:1-3 ; 1Ti 3:1-7 ; Tit 1:6-9 and deacons 1Ti 3:8-10,12 have been ordained. The purpose of local church meetings is to edify the believers 1Co 14:26. There should be teaching, (by those who have the gift of teaching) 1Ti 3:2 ; 1Co 12:28 exhortation, edification, comforting, 1Co 14:3 ; Heb 10:24-25, and fellowship with God and one another 1Jo 1:3. No where in the New Testatment does it say that church meetings are to be for unbelievers; but unbelievers should be allowed to come, as they can be witnessed to by the normal New Testament church meeting 1Co 14:23-25. The only specific orders as to how a meeting is to be carried out are the instructions for the Lord's Supper 1Co 11:20-34 and the limitations put on the exercising of the gift of tongues 1Co 14:2,4-23,26-28,33,39-40 (which are not to be used once the gospel has been established in an area.)

a. The Word of God?
The Bible is the original languages (Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic) is totally without error or contradiction Rom 3:4. It is true to the facts (not therories) of science and history Psa 19:1. The translation I would give to a tribe, I would teach them as being the Word of God, but I would explain that due to my limited knowledge of their languuage and culture, that I might have to make a few corrections later as I learned more. If I taught them that my translation was absolutely infallible, it would mean that later I would have to unteach this if I wanted to make any corrections on the translation. I would teach them that the Bible is inspired and given to man 2Pe 1:21 by the Holy Spirit 2Ti 3:16 ; 1Co 2:13 to reveal God to man and explain God's plan of redemption 1Jo 5:13.

b. Prayer?
Prayer is communication with God. It involves confession of sin 1Jo 1:9, asking for others Jam 5:16 and ourselves Jam 1:5, praising God for who He is Heb 13:15 and thanking God for what He does and gives Eph 5:20. Prayer also involves meditating on His Word Psa 119:15 as we ask Him to give us guidence and wisdom Jam 1:5.

c. Water baptism?
A new believer may be baptized in water immediately after salvation Act 16:32,33. No waiting period or teaching is needed first Act 8:12,13. Water baptism today is to always come after salvation, not before. 1Co 1:17 ; Act 10:47,48 The Bible does not say to baptise babies, but children may be baptized as soon as they are saved. The only method of baptism in the New Testament is immersion, not pouring or sprinkling Act 8:38. When reading the Bible, water baptism must not be confused with Spirit baptism 1Pe 3:21. I believe water baptism to be a symbol of identification with the Universal Church Act 8:38 ; Act 10:47,48.

d. Communion - (Lord's Table)?
Communion is to be a way of remembering Jesus' death 1Co 11:24-26. The contents of the cup are to symbolize Jesus' blood 1Co 11:25 and the bread (or closest substitute to be found in a culture) is to symbolize Jesus' body 1Co 11:24. There are no specific instructions as to how often communion is to be observed, so we have freedom in this area. Anyone who is a believer may take communion if they do it in an orderly manner, remembering the Lord's death in it 1Co 11:27-34.

e. Witnessing?
Every believer is to be a witness for Christ Act 1:8 ; Act 8:1,4. Every member witnessing is the work of the ministry Eph 4:11,12 and the preaching Act 8:4. The primary job of an elder is to teach all believers how to be witnesses for Christ 1Ti 3:2 ; 1Ti 5:17 ; 2Ti 2:2 , 2Ti 2:24.

f. Individual ministry?
When a Christian is overtaken in a fault, another Christian who is spiritual should go to him and try to help him. This should be done in a meek spirit, realizing that he could easily fall into the same sin Gal 6:1. All believers should also encourage and comfort each other 1Co 14:26. If someone sins, go and tell him. It should be between you and him alone. If he won't listen, take one or two others with you to tell him his sin. If he still won't listen, tell it to the whole church and consider him an outsider Mat 18:15-17.

g. Family Relationships?
The husband is to love the wife as Christ loved the Church when He gave Himself for Her Eph 5:25-33. The wife is to obey her husband Eph 5:22-24 and love him Tit 2:4,5. The children are to obey the parents Eph 6:1-3.

h. Discipline in the home and local church?
Parents are to use the rod (or something else) to discipline disobedient children Pro 23:13 ; Pro 22:15. Fathers are not to provoke their children to wrath by either disciplining them too much or not enough Eph 6:4 ; Col 3:21. Parents should be consistant in their discipline and always discipline in love, not wrath Pro 19:18-19; Pro 13:24. In a local church, if a member persists in sin, such as sexual immorality, covetousness, idolatry, slandering, drunkeness, or extortion, he is to be put out of the church. Satan will then have permission to kill him if he doesn't repent 1Co 5:1-13. If someone causes division, after the first and second admonition, he is to be put out of church fellowship Rom 16:17,18; Tit 3:10 ; 2Jo 1:10,11. A lazy believer is not to be supported or fed by the other believers. Don't fellowship with him 2Th 3:10-15.

After qualified elders and deacons have been appointed and the Church is self-supporting 1Ti 5:17,18, self-propagating Heb 5:12, 1Pe 3:15 and self-governing 1Th 5:12,13. It should be carrying on all its own discipline 1Co 5:11,12, financing, and most of it's own teaching (with an occasional visit from an evangelist, apostle or prophet) Eph 4:11.

To become a member of the Body of Christ, all one has to do is be saved 1Co 12:13. At that instant, he is in the Body of Christ. To become a member of a local church, a person has to attend the meetings of the church and be recognized as a member by the elders in whatever manner they choose to receive members.

The completion of the Body of Christ Act 15:14-18; Rev 5:9,10.

By following indigenous New Testament church methods 2Ti 3:16.

God has called every Christian to be involved in some way in fulfilling the great commission 2Ti 1:9 ; Rom 8:30 ; 1Th 2:11,12; Act 1:8 ; Act 8:1,4.

Without faith, we cannot please God Heb 11:6. We cannot pray effectively Jam 1:6,7. We cannot be Spirit-filled. Without faith, we wouldn't take the gospel to those who have never heard. What is not of faith is sin Rom 14:23, and living in a state of sin, we cannot evangelize the world.

The elders Tit 1:5,7; 1Ti 4:14 ; Eph 4:11 ; Act 20:28 (also called pastors, bishops, overseers, shepherds, and presbyters.)

a. What are their qualifications?

He must desire the office. He must be above reproach (not sinlessly perfect). If he is married, he must have only one wife. He must be vigilant, (living thoughtfully) sober-minded, of good behavior, given to hospitality, and have the gift of teaching. He must not be a drunkard, not combative, not greedy for money, patient, not a brawler, not covetous, not self-willed, not soon angered, a lover of hospitality and good men, just, holy, temperate, holding and teaching sound doctrine, ruling his house well (if married) having children that are believers, (if he has children) children not accused of riotous living or unruliness, not a novice, and having a good reputation among the unbelievers. 1Ti 3:1-7; Tit 1:6-9

b. What are thier duties and ministries?
They are to oversee and feed the church. Act 20:28 He is to guard and guide the church, be an example 1Pe 5:3, teach 1Ti 3:2, admonish, council, and warn believers 1Th 5:14. He is to watch over the believers' souls Heb 13:17, annoint and pray for the sick Jam 5:14-16, and ordain the church officers and leaders Act 13:1-4; 1Ti 4:14 ; Tit 1:5.

Deacons and deaconesses 1Ti 3:8-12.

a. What are their qualifications?

The deacons must be serious-minded, not gossips, not addicted to alchohol, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, proved first, having an unblemished character, having only one wife, (if married), and ruling their children (if any) and house well 1Ti 3:8-10,12. The deaconesses must be serous-minded, not slanderers, sober (temperate), and faithful in all things 1Ti 3:11.

b. What are their duties?
The deacons are to use the funds of the church to take care of temporal needs such as caring for widows and needy believers Act 6:1-3. The deaconesses are to help take care of temporal needs in the church. They could cook and sew for the sick, cripple, and elderly. They could also help distribute things to the needy Rom 16:1-2.

God gives spiritual gifts to those He wished to 1Co 12:11,18. We can never choose our own spiritual gifts. Every believer has a spiritual gift 1Co 12:11,7.

yes

a. Who are they?

Apostles, prophets, and evangelists? Eph 4:11 ; Act 22:21 ; Rom 15:20,21; 1Co 3:10

b. What do they do?
Apostles are sent to establish New Testament indigenous churches in areas that have not been touched with the gospel yet Act 22:21 ; Rom 15:20,21; 1Co 3:10. Prophets are to edify, exhort, and comfort believers in a church 1Co 14:3 ; Eph 2:20. Evangelists are to follow-up the work of the apostles and teach the elders more about New Testament church principles 2Ti 2:2,24,25; 1Ti 1:3-8; 1Ti 4.

By faith in Christ at the instant of salvation 1Co 12:13 ; Rom 8:9 ; Gal 3:2,14.

At the instant of salvation, the Holy Spirit baptizes us into the Body of Christ, the Universal Church 1Co 12:13.

It is not the same as baptism by the Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit means being controlled by the Spirit. We are controlled by the Spirit Eph 5:18 ; Luk 1:15. We are controlled by the Spirit by confessing all known sins 1Jo 1:9 and walking in obedience Gal 5:16,17, having presented our bodies to God as a living sacrifice Rom 12:1.

a. Is speaking in tongues an evidence of filling?

No. The Corinthian believers spoke in tongues 1Co 14:12 ; 1Co 3:1, but were carnal.

By confessing all known sin 1Jo 1:9 and walking in obedience Gal 5:16, being sure his body has been presented to God as a living sacrifice Rom 12:1.

The Holy Spirit guides us Gal 5:18 into truth Joh 16:13,14, comforts us Joh 16:7, produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives Gal 5:21,22, and the spiritual gifts as He wills 1Co 12:4-11. At the moment of salvation, we are permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit Joh 14:16-17. He baptizes us into the Body of Christ 1Co 12:13 and seals out guarantee of eternal life at the instant point of salvation Eph 1:13-14. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do everything that God wants us to do Eph 5:18 ; Php 4:13.

He convicts a lost man of sin, righteousness and judgment Joh 16:8-11; and glorifies and lifts up Christ Joh 16:14.

Acts ia a transitional book from the dispensation of law into the dispensation of grace Joh 1:17. Pentecost will never be repeated Act 2:1-5. Not all the church teaching had yet been given. In Acts, the Holy Spirit was received four different ways Act 2:38 ; Act 8:14-17; Act 10:43-47; Act 19:6. In the epistles, there is only one way Gal 3:2,14; Eph 1:13, by faith.

Women may prophesy, pray, 1Co 11:5 teach women and children and be deaconesses 1Ti 3:11. They are not to teach believing men in the church assembly or have authority in the church 1Ti 2:12.

Satan's biggest objective right now is to postpone the completion of the Body of Christ Rev 12:12. He wants to tempt a Christian to sin. He tempts through the world and the flesh and directly. He wants to cause division among Christians 2Co 11:13-15, false doctrine Joh 8:44, persecution Luk 22:31, and the death of Christians 1Co 5:5. He wants to put thoughts of discouragement and defeat in the minds of Christians 1Pe 5:8-9.

If we stay filled with the Spirit Eph 5:18, (sins confessed 1Jo 1:9, obedient Gal 5:16, submitted to God) Rom 12:1 we can resist Satan with the armour of God, which is the belt of truth, helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteous works, sword of the Spirit (Word of God), and feet shod with the preperation of the gospel of peace Eph 6:10-17; Jam 4:7.

Most churches have no New Testament evangelists, prophets, or apostles Eph 4:11. Most have only one pastor or elder, instead of plurality of leadership Tit 1:5 ; Act 20:17. Few modern churches are self-propagating Heb 5:12 ; 1Pe 3:15, self-supporting 1Ti 5:17,18, and self-governing 1Th 5:12,13. The pastor in most churches does nearly all the work of the ministry instead of equipping all the saints for it Eph 4:11,12. Many of the meetings are designed for non-Christians 1Co 14:26. Most preaching is either milk or 1Co 3:1,2 or evangelistic, not teaching the believers Act 20:28. Very few deacons 1Ti 3:8-10,12 and pastors 1Ti 3:1-7; Tit 1:6-9 are chosen by the New Testament qualifications. Often the pastor is dictator, rather than example 1Pe 5:2,3.