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Home , Shield of the Trinity, Theology proper

DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

u BRO. RAY SMITH

u PHONE: 313-820-4675

u EMAIL: [email protected] u SHORT SERIES (6) UNITS Introduction u NO TEXTBOOK IS REQUIRED to Christian u FORMAT: u INTRODUCE THE DOCTRINE u SET IT IN CONTEXT u DEVELOP IT FROM SCRIPTURE u BRING IT TO BEAR ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE THERE WILL BE A RECOMMENED SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORIZATION FOR EACH SUBJECT CATEGORY What is Theology

“Theology is a discipline of study that seeks to understand the revealed in the and to provide a Christian understanding of reality. It seeks to understand God’s creation, particularly human beings and their condition, and God’s redemptive work in relation to humankind.” Erickson, Millard J., 2nd Edition, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI 1998. Pg. 17 Why Study Theology

• Obedience to the Great Commission: • Matthew 28: 19 – 20

• It will Help us grow as Christians: • 1 Timothy 6: 3 - 5; Titus 1: 1 Why Study Theology – cont’d u Theology is important because correct doctrinal beliefs are essential to the relationship between the believer and God. u Theology is necessary because truth and experience are related. u Theology is needed because of the large number of alternatives and challenges presented by culture at the present time. (3) Normative Questions that Theology Answers Orthodoxy Orthopraxy Orthokardia THE HEAD THE HANDS THE HEART What we What we What we ought to ought to ought to desire/love believe practice What we should value How We Issue of having the ought to live right “heart” What is

A branch of Christian theology that seeks to develop an orderly, rational, and coherent account of the doctrines of the Christian faith. It attempts to construct what we ought to believe from Scripture for today, to critique other theological ideas within the , and also the false ideas of non-Christian worldviews. The goal is that we learn to live more faithfully under the Lordship of . uApologetics is considered a subset of Systematic Theology

Apologetics, is the intellectual defense of the truth of the Christian faith (doctrine). What is Christian Doctrine The English word, “doctrine,” comes from the Latin word doctrina. It can be defined as, “teaching or instruction.” Christian doctrine simply means the beliefs of Christians. uAnother term for doctrine would be “catechism.” u https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/stewart_don/faq/bible-basics/question2-what-is- christian-doctrine.cfm u DOCTRINE OF THE BIBLE - BIBLIOLOGY Christian u DOCTRINE OF GOD – Doctrines u DOCTRINE OF MAN - ANTHROPOLOGY u DOCTRINE OF - HAMARTIOLOGY u DOCTRINE OF CHRIST - u DOCTRINE OF SALVATION - SOTERIOLOGY u DOCTRINE OF THE - u DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH - u DOCTRINE OF END TIMES - UNIT I DOCTRINE OF THE BIBLE – BIBLIOLOGY 2 TIMOTHY 3: 16 - 17

DOCTRINE OF GOD – THEOLOGY PROPER Hebrews 11: 6 Key Terms: Revelation Doctrine of Inspired the Bible Infallible Inerrant u THERE ARE ONLY TWO OPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO KNOWLEDGE OF A DIVINE CREATOR: REVELATION OR SPECULATION. u EITHER HE SPEAKS TO US, OR WE GUESS. Revelation

u General Revelation- God's revelation of himself that is available to all people at all times in all places

u Special Revelation - specific truths about God, his will, and his redemptive purposes that are given to specific people in specific places Questions only the Bible can Answer Adequately

ORIGIN MORALITY MEANING DESTINY The three ’I’s of Scripture

uInspired- God is its ultimate author uInfallible - It is incapable of error and will accomplish exactly what God wants. uInerrant- God used human authors to write exactly what He wanted without error Why do you believe the Bible? Reasons to Believe the Bible

uJesus believed the Bible – Matthew 5:18 uInternal Evidence for Inspiration of the Bible – Psalm 19: 7 – 11 uThe Testimony of Fulfilled Prophecy uExternal Evidence Follow up from Week 1 uThe question of origin - Where did I come from? uThe question of morality - How shall I live? uThe question of purpose - Why am I here? uThe question of destiny - Where am I going? Genesis 1: 1 uIn the beginning, God created the and the earth.

*The Bible begins with the assumption that God “exists.” Key Terms: Doctrine of Omnipotent God Omnipresent (Theology Omniscient Proper) Transcendence Immanence uOmnipotent – God has “unlimited” power and can do anything. uOmnipresent – God is present everywhere at the same time and cannot be defined by size or space. uOmniscient – God has all knowledge of all things past, present and future. uTranscendent – God is greater than all creation. God exists outside of time and space. uImmanent – God is present within his creation. He is nearby and we can feel his presence. God Has Personality

Biblical view of God – He is personal. He has a Name – Gen 4:26; Gen 12:8; Psalm 20:7, 9 He is not an abstract “force” or unknowable being. He is depicted in the bible as knowing and communing with humans. uHe can be approached. Implications uHe can be spoken to. Because uHe speaks to us. God is a uHe is valuable because of Person who he is, not just for what he does. uExodus 20: 1 - 3 The Goodness of God u Holiness – Exodus 15:11 u Purity or goodness – Habakkuk 1:13; Job 34:12 u Righteousness – ethical conduct – (God is the ultimate standard) Isaiah 33:22 u Justice – requires conformity to his law – Romans 6:23 u Love – I John 4:8 uThere Is Only One God That Doctrine Exists. of the Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45: 5- 6; 1 Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:5 Doctrine of the Trinity

uThere Are Three Distinct Persons Who Exist. (The Father, Son, And The Holy Spirit)

(Genesis 1:1, 26; 3:22; 11:7; Isaiah 6:8, 48:16, 61:1; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14) Doctrine of the Trinity uEach Of These Three Persons Is Called God.

The Father is God. (John 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2) The Son is God. (John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20) The Holy Spirit is God. (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16) Doctrine of the Trinity

uThe Three Persons Are The One God (The Trinity).

The Father chooses who will be saved (Eph. 1:4); the Son redeems them (Eph. 1:7); and the Holy Spirit seals them (Eph. 1:13). Council of Nicea 325 A.D.

Arianism – denies the full of the Son and the Holy Spirit. (re: Colossians 1: 15)

This teaching was condemned at the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325.

*This is the doctrine taught by Jehovah Witnesses. Modalism

uClaims that there is one person who “appears” to us in three different forms ( or “modes”). Re: John 10: 30

*Taught by United Pentecostal Church, T.D. Jakes Importance of Doctrine of the Trinity u 1. If is just a created being, and not fully God – he cannot bear the full wrath of God for all our . u 2. If Jesus is not God, can we really trust him to save us completely? Can we depend on a created being for our salvation? u 3. If Jesus is not God, should we pray to him or worship him – as the Bible instructs us to? Philippians 2: 9-11 uAccording to Mormonism, Mormonism Jesus is a created being, the first spirit to be born of the Father (Mormon Doctrine, p.129)

uAnd a celestial mother (Mormon Doctrine, p. 516) HOW CAN WE BELIEVE IN A GOD WHO IS ALL LOVING AND ALL POWERFUL WHEN THERE IS SO MUCH EVIL IN THE WORLD? u DOCTRINE OF MAN – ANTHROPOLOGY PSALM 139: 14 UNIT II u DOCTRINE OF SIN - HAMARTIOLOGY ROMANS 3: 23 uHumanity originated not The Christian through a chance process of evolution, View of but through a Humanity conscious, purposeful act by God. Theological Meaning of Human Creation

u 1. Humans have no independent existence. We exist because God so desired it u 2. Humans are part of the creation. u 3. Humans have a unique place in creation. u 4. There is a brotherhood among humans Imago Dei – the image of God Key Concept Of all the major religions of the world, only the biblical religions of Judaism and affirm that human beings are made in the image of God. Image of God uGenesis 1: 26 – 27 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. uGenesis 5: 1 5 This is the book of the generations of . On the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.2 He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them “mankind” on the day when they were created. Implications

1. We belong to God (Mark12: 13 – 17). 2. We should pattern ourselves after Jesus (the complete revelation of the image of God) (Romans 8:29). 3. We experience full humanity only when we are properly related to God (2 Corinthians 3: 18). Implications – cont’d

4. Learning and work are good (the exercise of dominion is a consequence of the image of God). 5. Humans are valuable (Gen 9:6). 6. The image is universal in humankind. Universality of Humanity

 Race – all faces are included in God’s human family. Galatians 3: 28  Sexes – Women possess the image of God, just as does man Genesis 1: 26 - 27  Age – Lamentations 5: 12  Unborn – Psalm 139: 13 - 15  Unmarried – 1 Cor. 7:7 (special note: 1 Tim 3: 2)  Economic Status – Proverbs 22: 1 - 2 Struggle for Identity

Gender Fluidity (Transgender, LGBT)

Discrimination (Ethnic, National, Political) • Inherited Sin – Ephesians 5: 12 Doctrine of Sin – Key • Imputed Sin – Romans 5: 12 – 19 Terms • WHAT IS SIN? SIN IS ANYTHING THAT IS CONTRARY TO THE LAW OR WILL OF GOD. If God does not exist, do we have a moral basis to say something is sin (or evil)? Inherited Sin

Because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, sin has been an “inheritance” for all of their descendants. Romans 5:12 tells us that, through Adam, sin entered the world and so death was passed on to all men because all have sinned. This passed-on sin is known as inherited sin. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherit our sinful nature from Adam. Imputed Sin The term impute is used both legally and financially and means “to designate any action, word, or thing as credited to another person’s account.” Biblically, Adam’s sin was imputed to all his descendants, and they are to be dealt with as guilty. It does not mean they are personally guilty of Adam’s sin, only that his sin was credited to their account, and thus every person participates in the guilt and penalty of that original transgression. Romans 5: 18 COMPARISON OF SEVERAL ASPECTS OF SIN

ASPECT SCRIPTURE TRANSMISSION PRINCIPLE REMEDY CONSEQUENCE

INHERITED SIN EPHESIANS 2:3 GENERATION TO SPIRITUAL DEATH & GENERATION THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

IMPUTED SIN ROMANS 5:12 DIRECT FROM PHYSICAL DEATH IMPUTED ADAM TO ME RIGHTEOUSNESS

PERSONAL SINS ROMANS 3:23; NONE LOSS OF I JOHN 1: 9 FELLOWSHIP Concept of Total Depravity

In every human being there is a strong natural disposition toward evil u Genesis 6: 5 u Matthew 15: 18 – 19 u Galatians 5: 17 u In the 20th century alone, it is estimated that 60 million people lost their lives due to genocides or killings Kosovo

A series of war crimes were committed during early 1998 – 11 June 1999. The forces of the Slobodan Milošević regime committed rape, killed many Albanian civilians and expelled them during the war, alongside the widespread destruction of civilian, cultural and religious property. Bosnian Genocide 1992-1995 The ethnic cleansing campaign included extermination, unlawful confinement, mass rape, sexual assault, torture, plunder and destruction of private and public property, and inhumane treatment of civilians; the targeting of political leaders, intellectuals, and professionals; the unlawful deportation and transfer of civilians; the unlawful shelling of civilians; the unlawful appropriation and plunder of real and personal property; the destruction of homes and businesses; and the destruction of places of worship. u Somalia Systematic, state-sponsored massacre of civilians between 1987 and 1989 by the Somali Democratic Republic. Local reports estimate the total civilian deaths to be upwards of 200,000 Isaaq civilians. u Rwanda In just 100 days in 1994, about 800,000 people were slaughtered in Rwanda by ethnic Hutu extremists. They were targeting members of the minority Tutsi community, as well as their political opponents, irrespective of their ethnic origin. Crimes Against Humanity Warcrimes, murder, massacres, dehumanization, genocide, et hnic cleansing, deportations, unethical human experimentation, extrajudicial punishments including summary executions, use of weapons of mass destruction, state terrorism or state sponsoring of terrorism, deathsquads, kidnappings and forced disappearances, use of child soldiers, unjust imprisonment, enslavement, torture, rape, political repression, racial discrimination, religious persecution and other human rights abuses , sex slave trafficking • It does not mean that a person is totally insensitive in matters of conscience, of right and wrong. What (Romans 2: 15) Total • It does not mean that the sinful Depravity person is as sinful as possible Does NOT • It not mean that the sinner mean engages in every possible form of sin What Total Depravity DOES mean

• Sin is a matter of the ”entire” person (body, mind, emotions) • The unregenerate person does not have a truly free will, they are ”slaves to sin” • Even a person’s altruism always contains an element of improper motive • Sinners are completely unable to remove themselves from their sinful condition. Is there any hope for the world greater than ?

3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne:[a] Look, God’s dwelling[b] is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples,[c] and God himself will be with them and will be their God.[d] 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things[e] have passed away.5 Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words[f]are faithful and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life. Revelation 21: 3 – 6 (CSB) Why is it difficult for people in contemporary culture to even discuss the concept of sin? u DOCTRINE OF CHRIST – CHRISTOLOGY John 1:18 UNIT III u DOCTRINE OF SALVATION – SOTERIOLOGY Titus 3:5-7 Humanity of Christ Virgin Birth – Matthew 1:18 Doctrinal Implications • Salvation ultimately must come from

• Virgin birth made possible uniting of full deity and full humanity in one person - Galatians 4:4

• Virgin birth makes possible Christ’s true humanity without inherited sin – Luke 1:35 Human Weakness and Limitations

Jesus had a human body • He was born • He became tired, hungry, thirsty – Matthew 4:2 • He rose from the dead in a physical, human body Luke 24:38-39 • He ascended into in the the same human body Human weakness and limitations

Jesus had a human mind • He went through a learning process – Luke 2:52 • He had a human soul – John 12: 27; John 13: 21 • He had human emotions – John 11:35 Could Jesus have sinned? Doctrine of The doctrine that Christ could not sin is referred to as Impeccability the impeccability of Christ. Person of Christ – Sinless

The clearly affirms that Jesus was fully human, it also affirm the Jesus was without sin, and he never committed sin during his lifetime. • John 8:29 (present tense) • John 15:10 (his entire life) • John 18:38 (no fault found in him) • Hebrews 4:15 • 1 Peter 1:19-22 (without spot or blemish) Representative Obedience – Romans 5:18–19; 1 Cor. 15:45 Jesus’ full humanity was Substitute Sacrifice – Hebrews necessary 2:16–17

Mediator between God and Man – 1 Timothy 2:5 The Deity of Christ

Jesus was not only fully human, but he was also fully divine. • The word God (theos) used of Christ – Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13 • Jesus identifies himself as Lord – Matthew 22:44 • He claimed for himself the title of ”I AM” – John 8:59; re: Ex 3:14 • He call himself “the Son of Man” – re: Daniel 7: 13–14 Truth and Correspondence

The correspondence view of truth, held by the vast majority of philosophers and theologians throughout history, holds that any declarative statement is true if and only if it corresponds to or agrees with factual reality, with the way things are. Examination of “Truth”

"Jesus is Lord of the universe", is either true or false. It is not both true and false; it is not neither true nor false. This statement either honors reality or it does not; it mirrors the facts or it does not. It is not a Minds may Truth is a matter of recognize quality of subjective truth, but some feeling, minds do statements majority not create and not of vote or truth. others. cultural fashion.  Truth is true – even if no one knows it

 Truth is true – even if no one admits it

 Truth is true – even if no one agrees what it is

 Truth is true – even if no one follows it

 Truth is true – even if no one but God grasps it fully What is Soteriology?

The study of the doctrine of salvation.

Soteriology discusses how Christ’s death secures the salvation of those who believe. It helps us to understand the doctrines of redemption, , , propitiation, and the substitutionary atonement. Key Terms

• Justification - a legal term; through faith in Christ, God considers us guilt free. Romans 5:1 • Reconciled - We are made to be at peace with God because of Christ's death and our faith; brought back in to fellowship with him. Romans 5:10 • Sanctification - the progressive work of God and man that makes us more free from sin and more like Christ in our actual lives. Gal 2:20 • Penal substitution -sin placed humans legally and morally in debt to a holy God, a debt that required payment; Christ died as a substitute, a legal payment for our sins. 1 Peter 2:24 The Atonement is the work Christ did in his life and death to earn our salvation.

“IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND GOATS TO TAKE AWAY SINS” (HEBREWS 10:4). "What is the ?"

The term kenosis refers to the doctrine of Christ’s “self- emptying” in His incarnation. The word comes from the Greek of Philippians 2:7 Did Jesus give up some of his divine attributes while on earth? The “Cause” of the Atonement

 Love of God 16 For God loved the world in this way:[a] He gave[b] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Justice of God 25 God presented him as the mercy seat[a] by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. Romans 3:25 The Necessity of the Atonement uWas there any other way for God to save human beings other than by sending his Son to die in our place? Aspects of the Atonement

(4) Needs met by Christ’s (4) Effects of Sin death • Penalty (we deserve to die) • Sacrifice • Wrath (we deserve to bear • Propitiation God’s wrath for sin • Reconciliation • Separated – because of sin • Redemption • Bondage - (we are • Insures our (1 Peter Doctrinal 1:3) Significance • Insures our justification (Romans of the 4:25) resurrection • Insures that we will receive perfect resurrection bodies as well (1 Cor. 6:14) Misunderstanding Repentance

Repentance means a genuine change of mind that affects the life in some way.

Is it possible to repent but not be saved? Why do I need to be saved?

(Romans 3:23) (Psalm 51:5) (Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8).

Sin is what makes us unsaved. Sin is what separates us from God. Sin is what has us on the path to eternal destruction.

*** INHERITED *** Saved from what? (Romans 6:23). (Psalm 51:4). (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:15).

All sin is ultimately committed against an eternal and infinite God (Psalm 51:4). Because of that, the just penalty for our sin is also eternal and infinite. What we need to be saved from is eternal destruction

*** INPUTED *** How can I be saved? What do I need to do? u “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). God has already done all of the work. All you must do is receive, in faith, the salvation God offers (Ephesians 2:8-9). Fully trust in Jesus alone as the payment for your sins. Believe in Him, and you will not perish (John 3:16). God is offering you salvation as a gift. All you have to do is accept it. Jesus is the way of salvation (John 14:6).  1. Admit you are a sinner.  2. Understand that as a sinner, you deserve death.  3. Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from sin and death.  4. Repent by turning from your old life of sin to a new life in Christ.  5. Receive, through faith in Jesus Christ, his free gift of salvation. A common misconception about the way of salvation is that Jews were saved by keeping the Law. But we know from Scripture that that is not true. • Habakkuk 2:4 • Galatians 3: 11 Salvation of Old Testament Believers u Old Testament described in similar way as New Testament Saints:

• Stubbornness of heart: Deut 29: 19-20 • Vs • Stiff-necked, uncircumcised hearts: Acts 7: 51 Circumcised Hearts

Deuteronomy 30: 6 vs. Romans 2: 28-29

u True Jews were All those who were saved by faith and cleansed from within, having their hearts (‘circumcised’) to conform to the will of God (2) Differences between OT & NT Salvation

#1 u Grace in Old Testament was indirectly received. Old Testament believers did not know how that grace had been effected. Grace was mediated by priests and sacrificial rites. It did not come about through a direct personal relationship with Jesus Christ. OT vs NT cont’d

#2 u The Holy Spirit did not dwell within, but exerted and external influence, for example, through the written and spoken word. The presence of God was visibly represented by the Holy Place in the tabernacle and temple. The law was the external code speaking to the heart – (re: John 14: 26) What about those that have not heard the Gospel? God has revealed Himself to every person on earth with general revelation, which gives the definite knowledge that God exists. (Romans 1: 18-20)

Every person on earth, whether they have heard the gospel or not, is directly accountable to God, being without excuse. They know that there is a God, whether they admit it or not. It is a fact that all of mankind can tell that a creator does exist, because His creation testifies to it. This testimony is universal. Although the people have enough information that God does exist, they become willfully ignorant of the things of God because their hearts are evil. The Bible teaches that God is going to judge the world fairly and righteously. “Because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31, KJV). This means that when all the facts are in, God’s name will be vindicated and no one will be able to accuse Him of unfairness. Understanding Institution of circumcision – Circumcision Genesis 17: 1 – 14

External Sign Demonstrated by Faith Requires a Life that is “blameless” Circumcision of Heart - Acts 7: 51

In the Old Testament, circumcision was never to be regarded as a merely physical act.

• “Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live” (Deut. 30:6). Circumcision and

“In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism” (vv. 11–12). u - Colossians 2:8–15

New covenant baptism is a proximate fulfillment of the sign of circumcision. UNIT III Doctrine of the Holy Spirit – Pneumatology John 16: 8 – 11

Doctrine of the Church – Ecclesiology Acts 2: 42 He is a Person • He has intelligence: 1 Cor. Who is the 2:10-11; Romans 8:27 • He shows feelings: Ephesians Holy Spirit 4:30 • He has a will: 1 Cor 12:11, Acts 16: 6-11 Who is the Holy Spirit

He is God • : Isa. 40:13, 1 Cor. 2:12 • : Psalm 139:7 • Omnipotent: Job 33:4, Psalm 104:30

• Also see: Luke 1:35; 2 Peter 1:21; Gen. 1:2 • He is a Helper (John 14: 26) • He indwells and seal believers • He guarantees their salvation What Does (Ephesians 1: 13 & 4:30) • He assists believers in prayer the Holy (Jude 1:20) Spirit Do? • He intercedes for them (Romans 8: 26-27) • He regenerates and renews believers (Titus 3:5)  He “convicts” the world Holy Spirit (John 16: 8) and Unbelievers  He testifies of Christ (John 15: 26)

 He restrains sin (2 Thessalonians 2: 6-10) The Holy Spirit gives Wisdom

u The Spirit helps us understand God and his Word. Human knowledge alone can never replace the Holy Spirit’s teaching

u 1 Corinthians 2: 10-11; 12-23 “be filled with the Spirit” What does this mean? Ephesians 5:18 - 21 u Believers are commanded to “yield” themselves to the Spirit’s full control. This is part of the work of Sanctification in the life of the believer. The Spirit leads the believer into righteousness (Galatians 5: 16- 18) by helping us fight against the desires of the flesh Spiritual Gifts • The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers, for the building up of the church. (1 Corinthians 12:4) List of Spiritual Gifts. Romans 12; 1Corinthians 12

• Do You Have the Spiritual Gift of Evangelism? • Do You Have the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy? • Do You Have the Spiritual Gift of Teaching? • Do You Have the Spiritual Gift of Exhortation? • Do You Have the Spiritual Gift of Shepherding? • Do You Have the Spiritual Gift of Serving? • Do You Have the Spiritual Gift of Mercy-Showing? • Do You Have the Spiritual Gift of Giving? • Do You Have the Spiritual Gift of Administration? Miraculous Gifts

• Apostle 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11 • Tongues 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28, 30 • Interpretation 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30 • Miracles 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28 • Healing 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28 Enabling Gifts

• Faith 1 Corinthians 12:9 • Discernment 1 Corinthians 12:10 • Wisdom 1 Corinthians 12:8 • Knowledge 1 Corinthians 12:8 Team Gifts

• Evangelism: passionately leading others to the saving knowledge of Christ, Ephesians 4:11 • Prophecy: boldly and fearlessly proclaiming God’s truth, Romans 12:6; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28 • Teaching: making clear the truth of God’s Word with simplicity & accuracy, Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28 • Exhortation: motivating others to action, application and purpose, Romans 12:8 Team Gifts – cont’d

• Shepherding: overseeing, training, feeding, coaching/leading, Ephesians 4:11 • Serving: providing practical help both physically and spiritually, Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28 • Mercy-showing: identifying with and comforting those in need, Romans 12:8 • Giving: releasing material resources to further the work of the Church, Romans 12:8 • Administration: organizing, administering, promoting, leading, Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 12:28 • Impact of Using Spiritual Gifts

• (1) Christians will receive tremendous blessings • (2) The church will become a powerful and effective witness • (3) Church leadership is properly exhibited • (4) The church experiences the joy of unity, love and fellowship. The Church

Ekklesia in classical Greek meant an assembly of any kind. Usually used in a political sense.

Ekklesia (Septuagint) in the Old Testament (qâhâl) u Qâhâl is translated by ekklesia in the Septuagint • An assembly of any sort • An assembly for religious purposes • An assembly of the people of God Church is defined as the community of true believers for all The Nature time. (The people of God) of the • a. It is composed of all those Church whom Christ redeemed • b. It includes those saints of the Old Testament as well as those saints of the New Testament

2 Corinthians 6:16 • Ephesians 1: 22-23. • The church is a group of believers, connected to The Body of Christ Christ • Christ is the head of this Body (Colossians 1: 18)

“Twin Epistles” • Baptized by one Spirit into one The Temple body – 1 Corinthians 12: 13 • Indwelt by the Holy Spirit – 1 of the Holy Corinthians 3: 16-17 Spirit • Spirit produces a unity within the body – Acts 4:32 The ”Marks” of a true Church

Right Right Preaching Exercise of Administration of of the Word Church Discipline the • submission to • (Baptism – The • (“membership the Scriptures Lord’s Supper) controls”) Little to no true preaching of the Word (unbelief in Scripture)

False The gospel message of Churches salvation by faith in Christ alone is not known or received by the people. (works- righteousness) Worship Teaching The (Ephesians (Colossians Purposes of 5: 16-19) 1: 28) the Church

(Gathered) Fellowship (Acts 2: 46) Worship

WARNING AGAINST PRAYERS, SONGS AND THANKSGIVING THAT FAIL TO EDIFY - 1 COR. 14: 15 - 17 u Edification of the body – Ephesians 4: 12 Teaching • Instruction or teaching • Preaching – 1 Cor. 14: 3 - 4 • Christian Education – 2 Tim. 2: 2 Fellowship – “One Another”

• Suffering – Acts 4:23; 5:41 • Unity – Phil 2: 1-4. ** Special Topic: Discipline ** • Prayer – Acts 2:14, 42, 4:31 • Lord’s Supper – Acts 2: 14 • Widows, orphans, family – 1 Tim 5:8; James 1: 27 The call to evangelize is a command. However, the disciples were not sent out in their own strength.

Evangelism “Authorized and Enabled”

Matthew 28: 18 / Matthew 28: 20 The Purposes The New Testament of the church did not attempt Church to carry out its (Scattered) evangelism within the confines of a building, but out in the world. Matthew 28: 19-20 Mark 16:15 The Great Luke 24: 46-48 Commission John 20: 21 Acts 1: 8 • Immediate Vicinity • “Beyond Jerusalem” – would require establishment of All – additional congregations Inclusive • People that are the most Acts 1:8 difficult to love and the least receptive • “to the end of the earth” – No geographical restrictions A failure to practice church Special discipline undermines the Topic: preaching, discipling, and Church evangelism ministry of a Discipline church. Ministry of Discipline

Christ’s purpose for the church – Ephesians 5: 26 – 27 • Objectives in Discipline 1. 1 Corinthians 5: 6 – 8 To remove 2. Galatians 6: 1; 1 Timothy 5: 20 - To protect and challenge 3. Titus 1: 13 – To produce sound faith 4. 2 Corinthians 2: 5-11 – To restore a brother Those involved in the process of Attitudes in disciplining should show these Discipline attitudes: 1. Meekness – Galatians 6:1 2. Stand against sin – Titus 1: 13 3. Love – 2 Thessalonians 3: 9-15 4. Forgiving spirit – 2 Corinthians 2: 5-11 Principles for Discipline

The three main principles for discipline:

1. No Partiality – 1 Timothy 5:21 2. Not Hasty, but with deliberate steps – Matthew 18: 15-20 3. Goal of correction and eventual restoration – 2 Corinthians 2: 6-8 People to Be Disciplined

• An Accused elder – 1 Timothy 5: 19-20 • A Sinning brother – Matthew 18: 18-20 • An overtaken brother – Galatians 6:1 • An unruly brother – 2 Thessalonians 3:6 • False Teachers – Titus 1: 10-16 • Factious people – Titus 3: 8-11 • The immoral brother – 1 Corinthians 5 How would you respond to the following? Objections • “Jesus never turned anyone to Church away.” Discipline • “Nobody’s perfect. People make mistakes.” • “But they won’t hear the gospel if they’re not in church.” • “If we practice discipline, it will hurt the church’s reputation.”