Our Beliefs
What is the Gospel?
Being a Christian is more than saying, “I am a Christian” or “I go to church” or “I read the Bible.” Listen to James 2:19— “even the demons believe.” The Bible is clear on how someone can be saved and the Bible is equally clear on what it means to be saved. The acronym below is a simple explanation of the Gospel message:
God created us to be in relationship with Him. God is the Creator (Genesis 1-2; Psalm 19; 139) of the heavens and the earth. The Bible also states that Jesus created everything (John 1:3; Col 1:16) that He owns everything (Psalm 103:19). God has complete rule and reign over everything in the universe, including you and me. God is Holy, Righteous, Perfect, True, Pure, Good, and Blameless (Isa 6:3; James 1:13; 1 Peter 1:16). For the believer, as the Bible mentions, God is Father. He is one God in three persons—God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, God the Holy Spirit.
Our sin separated us from God. We were born in sin and are sinners by our very nature. Every human being is guilty of sinning against a Holy God (1 Kings 8:46; Romans 1-3; 1 John 1). The Bible says we are born as children of wrath, helpless to save ourselves. We are completely dead in our sin and cannot seek God on our own (Rom 3) unless God first draws us near to Him (John 6) and makes us born again. This sovereign act is called regeneration (Ezek 36; Jn 3).
Sin cannot be removed by good deeds. Many human beings are capable of some measure of good works, but those works cannot save them (Eph. 2:1-11). God’s holiness demands that you be perfect as He is (Matt. 5:48; 1 Pet 1:13-16); He says we must come through the narrow gate; however, we cannot meet that standard on our own. Just one sin committed in thought, word, or deed, will condemn us. We do not just need “help.” We are dead in our sin (Eph. 2). We need to be made alive. We all deserve death (Rom. 6:23). We deserve hell. Hell is a place where God punishes the wicked and unsaved forever for the sins committed (2 Th. 1:9; Rev. 20:10).
Paying the price for our sin, Jesus died and rose again. Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” God in His grace and mercy sent Jesus to die in our place (Eph. 2:1-10). Instead of us dying and perishing for all eternity, Christ took the wrath of God for us (1 Cor 15; 1 Peter 3:18). His death satisfied God’s demands for justice and His perfect life satisfied God’s demand for holiness. Jesus gave us all of His perfection and we gave Him all of our sin (2 Cor 5:21). God declares us righteous by faith. God is both Just and the Justifier (Rom 3:26). He is both merciful and just. What an amazing exchange! Christ’s Substitutionary Atonement means that God treats Jesus as if He lived the sinful life we lived and God treats us as if we lived the sinless life of Jesus. This happens when we trust what Jesus did for us by faith alone.
Everyone who trusts in Christ alone receives eternal life. When someone trusts in Christ for salvation, Jesus also becomes their Lord. Jesus is both Savior and Lord. The believer must repent of their sin (Luke 13:3, 15; Acts 2-3; 1 Th. 1:9) and turn away from anything evil. He becomes a slave to righteousness (not a slave to sin as he once was before trusting Jesus). He is a new creation (2 Cor 5:17) and desires to please and obey God. We are set apart in the truth and sanctified (John 17:3; 1 Thess 4). There will be genuine fruit on the life of a believer. 1 John outlines the believers’ assurance of salvation.
Life starts now and lasts forever. One day He will come back for us (Acts 1; Matt 24; 1 Th. 4-5). And if we die before He comes back, we have assurance that we will see Him just as He is (as John mentions in his letter: 1 John 3:2). In the meantime, we live a life that is pleasing to Him (Phil 1-3). A fruitful life (Gal 5:22-23), loving God with whole-hearted devotion (Matt. 22:37); continually repenting from sin (1 John 1:9; 2:1; James 5:16); modeling genuine humility (Phil 2:1-11); engaging in prayer daily (Matt 7; Luke 11; 18); and loving others sacrificially (John 13:34; 1 John 4:19-21); remaining separate from the world system; obeying quickly cheerfully, and completely as we daily read God’s Word—our ultimate authority in this life (2 Tim 3:15-16; 2 Pet 1:19-21; Heb 4:12; Ps 19; 119). This mark of a resurrected life is the visible fruit on our lives proving our transformation in Christ (Gal 5:22-23).
The Bible (Bibliology)
1. The Word of God is inspired. God is the author of all 66 books of the Bible. Every Word is breathed out by God and was written by men who were carried by the Holy Spirit. God used their personalities, circumstances, backgrounds, and settings to write what He wanted to communicate about Himself (2 Pet 1:19-21).
2. The Bible is inerrant and infallible. The Bible contains no errors and has no possibility of errors, because God’s character and instruction is perfect. The Bible is the final rule of practice in our life. The only source of truth, which needs to be defended (Jude 1:3; John 17:17).
3. The Bible is authoritative. Since the Bible is inspired and inerrant, the Bible has total authority over our life (Joshua 1:8; Ezra 10:1-4; 1 Th. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 4:12).
4. The Bible is sufficient and effective. The Bible is able to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us in righteousness and godliness (2 Ti 3:15-17). The Bible should be studied, lived out and boldly preached (Ezra 7:10). Ask for the Holy Spirit to illuminate our minds to understand the Word and to empower us to live it out. We are taught by godly men who exposit the Word regularly to teach the meaning of the text and application of the message. The Word is powerful enough to save, sanctify, and transform our lives. The objective truth of Scripture is more powerful than the subjective experiences we may have and therefore we must test everything against Scripture. (1 Th. 5).
5. The canon of Scripture is set at 66 books and nothing should be added or taken away. The Bible is preserved forever (Deut 4:1-2; Matt 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; Rev 22:18-19).
6. We believe in the literal and grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture. Believers are responsible to study the Scripture, its background, and its context. We do not stand in judgment of the Scripture, but rather the Word stands in judgment of us. The meaning does not change as the culture changes; rather, the meaning in the original context remains the same. The question isn’t, What does this passage mean to me? but What does it mean to God?
7. We believe in a literal 6-day creation as affirmed in Genesis 1 and Exodus 31. We come to this conclusion from the Scriptures, not what science might say regarding the subject.
8. For more information on the Bible, consult: Can I Trust the Bible? A Call Back to the Word by John Curiale.
9. More Scriptures: 1 Cor 2:7-14; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Tim 3:15-17; 2 Tim 4:1-5; 1 Thess. 2:13; Ephesians 6:10-20; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 19; 119; Acts 17:10-11; Heb. 1:1-2; Joshua 1:1-9.
Doctrine of God
1. There is one living and true God (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 45:5-7; 1 Cor. 8:4).
2. God is infinite, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient (John 4:24). He is perfect in all His attributes and completely holy (1 Sam. 2:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
3. God is one in essence, eternally existing in 3 Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14).
4. God is worthy to be worshiped, praised, obeyed, submitted to, loved, and enjoyed.
God the Father (Theology Proper)
1. God the Father, the first Person of the Trinity, orders and arranges all things according to His own purpose (Ps. 145:8-9; 1 Cor. 8:6).
2. God is the Creator of all things (Gen. 1; Eph 3:9).
3. God is the only absolute and omnipotent Ruler in the universe, He is sovereign in creation, providence, and redemption (Ps. 103:19; Rom. 11:36).
4. God is Creator-Father to all people (Eph. 4:6).
5. God is a Spiritual-Father only to believers (John 1; Rom. 8:14; 2 Cor. 6:18).
6. God is sovereign (Hab. 1:13; John 8:38-47; Eph 1:11).
7. God upholds, directs, and governs all creatures and events (1 Chron 29:11).
8. God judges rightly (1 Peter 1:17).
9. God has graciously chosen from eternity past, those whom He would have as His own (Eph 1:4-6).
10. God saves His people from sin by sending Jesus to die in our place. He adopts us as sons and daughters when we place our trust in Christ (Jn 1:12; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:4-7). He disciplines us as His legitimate children (Heb 12:5-9).
11. Other Scriptures: Gen 1:1; 2:7; Ex 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11.; 20:1; Lev 22:2; Deut. 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chron 29:10; Ps 19:1-3; Isa 43:3, 15; 64:8; Jer. 10:10; 17:13; Matt 6:9; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Rom 8:14-15; 1 Cor 8:6; Gal 4:6; Eph 4:6; Col 1:15; 1 Tim 1:17; Heb 11:6; 12:9; 1 Pet 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
God the Son—Jesus Christ (Christology)
1. Jesus Christ is the second Person of the Trinity.
2. Jesus is fully divine and He is coequal, consubstantial, and coeternal with the Father (John 10:30; 14:9).
3. The Bible teaches that God the Father created everything according to His own will, through His Son, Jesus Christ, by whom all things continue in existence and in operation (John 1:3; Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:1-2).
4. The Incarnation of Christ (Jesus being born in human flesh) does not in any way alter the divine nature of Christ. He fully embodied the divine attributes, but He also made Himself of no reputation by taking on human flesh (nature), like our own, yet He had no sin (2 Co 5:17-21; Phil 2:5-8; Heb 4:15; 7:26) as He lived perfectly on earth.
5. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:35; Gal 4:4-5). Jesus has 2 distinct, whole, perfect natures—human and divine. There is no separation or division. Jesus is both God and man and this belief is necessary for salvation because He is the only Mediator between God and mankind.
6. Christ fully possessed His divine nature, attributes, rights on earth (Col 2:9; Luke 5:18-26; John 16:30; 20:28).
7. Jesus concealed some of His glory behind the veil of His genuine humanity (Matt. 17:2; Mark 13:32; Phil 2:5-8).
8. Jesus fully submitted to the Father (John 4:34; 5:19-30; 6:38). He was reliant on the Spirit (Isa. 42:1; 61:1; Matt 12:28; Luke 4:1, 14).
9. Jesus used His authority and power as the eternal Son (John 1:14; 2:11; 10:37-38; 14:10-11).
10. Christ accomplished our redemption through the shedding of His blood and sacrificial death on the cross. His death was voluntary, vicarious, substitutionary, propitiatory, redemptive (Jn 10:15; Rom 3:24-25; 5:8; 1 Pet 2:24).
11. The believer is declared righteous based on the work of Christ on the cross and is free from the punishment, penalty and the power of sin and death based on the work of Christ; becoming now and forever a part of the family of God (Rom. 3:25; 5:8-9; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18).
12. The believer’s justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. Christ has ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He now mediates as our Advocate and High Priest (Matt 28:6; Lk 24:38-39; Acts 2:30-31; Rom 4:25; 8:34; Heb 7:25; 9:24; 1 John 2:1).
13. Christ’s resurrection from the grave confirmed His deity and gave proof that God has accepted the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Jesus’ bodily resurrection is also the guarantee of a future resurrection life for all believers (John 5:26-29; 14:19; Rom 1:4; 4:24; 6:5-10; 1 Cor 15).
14. Christ will return to receive the church, which is His Body, unto Himself at the rapture, and then, with His church in glory, He will establish His millennial kingdom on earth (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 20).
15. Christ will judge all mankind (John 5:22-23): Believers (1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10); those on the earth at His return (Matt 25:31-46); and the unbelieving dead at the Great White Throne (Rev 20:11-15).
16. Christ is the Mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5). He is the Head of the Church Body (Eph. 1:22; 5:23; Col. 1:18). Christ will rule and reign for all eternity and will Judge all those who do not believe (Isa 9:6; Luke 1:31-33; Matt. 1:21-23; Matt. 24:46; Acts 17:30-31).
17. Other Scriptures: Isa 7:14; 53; Matt 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21- 22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Rom 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Cor 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Cor 5:19-21; 8:9; Gal 4:4-5; Eph 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Phil 2:5-11; Col. 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thess. 4:14-18; 1 Tim 2:5- 6; 3:16; Tit. 2:13-14; Heb 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15, 24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 1:7-9; Rev. 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
God the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)
1. The Holy Spirit is an eternal divine Person, possessing all the attributes of personality and deity; He is not a force.
2. The Holy Spirit has intellect (1 Cor. 2:10-13), emotions (Eph 4:30), will (1 Cor 12:11), eternality (Heb 9:14), omnipresence (Ps 139:7-10), omniscience (Isa 40:13-14), omnipotence (Rom 15:13), truthfulness (John 16:13).
3. The Holy Spirit is coequal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son (Matt 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 28:25-26; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14; Jer. 31:31-34 with Heb 10:15-17).
4. The Holy Spirit was active in creation (Gen. 1:2), the incarnation of Christ (Matt 1:18), the revelation of the written Word (2 Pet. 1:19-21), and the work of salvation (John 3:5-7).
5. The Holy Spirit, who was promised came at Pentecost (John 14:16-17; 15:26) to initiate and complete the building of the Body of Christ, which is His church (1 Cor. 12:13).
6. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ and transforming believers into the image of Christ (John 16:7-9; Acts 1:5; 2:4; Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 2:22).
7. The Holy Spirit is the sole supernatural and sovereign Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13).
8. The Holy Spirit indwells, sanctifies, instructs, empowers them for service, and seals them unto the day of redemption (Rom 8:9; 2 Cor 3:6; Eph 1:13).
9. The Holy Spirit is the divine Teacher, who guided the apostles and prophets into all truth as they committed to writing God’s revelation, the Bible (2 Peter 1:19-21).
10. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer. This happens at the moment of salvation. Every believer is to be filled continually with the Spirit (John 16:13; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 5:18; Col 3:16; 1 John 2:20, 27).
11. The Holy Spirit administers spiritual gifts to the Church (Jn 16:13-14; Ac 1:8; Ro 12; 1 Co 12:4-31; 2 Co 3:18; Eph 4:11-12). He is sovereign in the giving of all His gifts for the building up of the saints. The gift of speaking in tongues and the working of sign miracles in the beginning days of the church were for the purpose of pointing to and authenticating the apostles and their message of the Gospel and God’s Word. They were never intended to be characteristic of the lives of believers today (1 Co 12:4-11; 13:8-10; 2 Co 12:12; Eph 4:7-12; Heb 2:1-4).
12. Other Scriptures: Gen 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Ps 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isa 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matt 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16- 17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1- 6; Rom 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Cor 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Gal 4:6; Eph 1:13- 14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:19; 1 Tim. 3:16; 4:1; 2 Tim. 1:14; 3:16; Heb. 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Rev. 1:10; 22:17.
Doctrine of Man (Anthropology)
1. Man was created by God in His image and likeness. Man was created free of sin with a rational nature, intelligence, freewill, self-determination, and moral responsibility to God (Gen 2:7-25; James 3:9).
2. As the Westminster Catechism says, “Man was made to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” We enjoy fellowship with God and glorify Him by living out His purposes obediently (Isa 43:7; Col 1:16; Rev 4:11).
3. Adam’s sin against God and disobedience against His Word caused all men to lose their innocence. These actions incurred the penalty of spiritual and physical death. We became subject to the wrath of God, and became inherently corrupt and utterly incapable of choosing or doing that which is acceptable to God apart from divine grace. Man is hopelessly lost apart from God’s power and grace. Man’s salvation is thereby wholly of God’s grace through the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ (Gen 2:16-17; 3:1-19; John 3:1-19; Rom 3:23; 6:23; 1 Cor 2:14; Eph 2:1-3; 1 Tim 2:13-14; 1 John 1:8).
4. All men were corrupted by Adam’s sin. His sin has been transmitted to all men of all ages, with Jesus Christ being the only exception. All men are thus sinners by nature, by choice, and by divine declaration. No man seeks after God and desires Him apart from His divine work. Men have the truth but end up suppressing it in unrighteousness (Psalm 14:1-3; Jer. 17:9; Rom 1:18-32; Rom 3:1-23; 5:10-12) and going their own way. God disciplines humanity by eventually giving them over to what they want and then giving them a deluded mind (Rom. 1:18-32).
5. Other Scriptures: Gen 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Ps 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isa 6:5; Jer 17:5; Matt 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Rom 1:18-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Cor 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Eph 2:1-22; Col 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
Salvation (Soteriology)
1. We teach that salvation is by God’s grace alone on the basis of the redemption of Jesus Christ, the merit of His shed blood, and not on the basis of human merit or works (Jn 1:12; Eph 1:7; 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Salvation includes: regeneration, election, justification, sanctification, and glorification. Salvation happens by faith alone.
Regeneration
1. Regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. Regeneration is also known as the new birth (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the Word of God (John 5:24). When the repentant sinner, enabled by the Holy Spirit, responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation, he is born again. Genuine regeneration is manifested by fruits worthy of repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct. Good works and spiritual fruit are the result (1 Cor 6:19-20; Eph 2:10; Gal 5:22-25) and will be experienced to the extent that the believer submits to the control of the Holy Spirit in his life through faithful obedience to the Word of God (Eph 5:17-21; Phil 2:12; Col 3:16; 2 Peter 1:4-10). This obedience causes the believer to be increasingly conformed to the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).
2. The new birth and salvation are climaxed in the believer’s glorification at Christ’s second coming (Rom 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:2-3).
Election
1. Before the foundation of the world, God chose those whom He graciously regenerates, saves, and sanctifies and preserves (Rom 8:28-39; Eph 1:4-11; 2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim 2:10; 1 Peter 1:1-2).
2. Sovereign election does not contradict, negate, or deny human responsibility. Man is required to repent and trust Christ as Savior and Lord (Ezek. 18:23-32; 33:11; John 3:18-19, 36; 5:40; Rom 9:22-23; 2 Thess. 2:10-12; Rev 22:17). Sovereign grace includes the means of receiving the gift of salvation (faith) as well as the gift itself.
3. All whom the Father calls to Himself will come in faith, and all who come in faith the Father will receive (John 6:37-40; Acts 13:48; James 4:8).
4. God grants unmerited favor toward sinners. There is no reason why God does this. There is nothing in us or any potential in us that God would want to save us based on any merits (past, present, future). It is by His grace and mercy alone that He saves us (Eph 1:4-7; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:2).
5. God is not only sovereign, but he is omniscient, just, holy, wise, gracious, loving at the same time (Rom 9:11-16).
Justification
1. Justification before God is an act of God alone (Rom 8:33) by which He declares righteous those who, through faith in Christ, repent of their sins and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Isa 55:6-7; Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; Rom 2:4; 10:9-10; 1 Cor 12:3; 2 Cor 4:5; 7:10; Phil 2:11).
2. We can do nothing to earn this justification (Rom 3:20; 4:6). God imputes our sin to Christ (Col 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24) and God imputes Christ’s righteousness to us (1 Cor 1:30; 2 Cor 5:21). God is both the just and the justifier of the believer (Rom 3:26).
3. We are fully acquitted of all sin (past, present, future). This justification brings us into a peaceful relationship with God. God treats us as if we had never sinned. God treats us now as if we lived the perfect life of Jesus (2 Co 5:21)
Sanctification
1. Every believer is sanctified (meaning: set apart for God). This sanctification is a positional status and instantaneous but it is also progressive. Positional sanctification has to do with the believer’s right standing, not his present walk or condition (Ac 20:32; 1 Co 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Th 2:13; Heb 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Pt 1:2).
2. Progressive sanctification—we are set apart for God’s purposes. We are becoming more like Jesus. We are slaves to righteousness and no longer slaves to sin. Through obedience to the Word of God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, the believer is able to live a life of increasing holiness in conformity to the will of God, becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17; Rom 6:1-22; Phil 1:6; 2 Cor 3:18; 1 Thess. 4:3-4; 5:23).
3. Every believer is involved in a daily conflict—the new creation in Christ doing battle against the flesh—but adequate provision is made for victory through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The struggle remains with the believer all through this earthly life and is never completely ended (Rom 7). All claims that sin will be completely removed in this life are unbiblical. It is not possible, but the Holy Spirit still provides for victory over sin (Rom 8; Gal 5:16-25; Eph 4:22-24; Phil 3:12; Col 3:9-10; 1 Pet 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9).
Glorification (and security of the believer)
1. Believers cannot lose their salvation. Once saved, believers are kept by God’s power forever. They are fully secure in Christ for all eternity (John 5:24; 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom 5:9-10; 8:1; 1 Cor 1:4-8; Eph 4:30; Heb 7:25; 13:5; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 1:24).
2. Although believers enjoy eternal security, the Bible clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for sinful living (Rom 6:15-22; 13:13-14; Gal 5:13, 25-26; Titus 2:11-14). Grace and security isn’t a license to sin.
3. Many will commit apostasy in the last days. There are many false converts in the church (Matt 7:21-23; Heb 6; 1 John 2). Worldliness will increase and the love of many will grow cold (2 Cor 6:14—7:1; 2 Tim 3:1-5; Matt 24). God demonstrated His love toward us, and it cost Him everything to send His Son to die in our place. We should never take advantage of God’s grace. We should want to live holy lives because of what He has done for us. God wants us to be separated from sin and renew our minds daily in the truth (Matt 5:1-12; Rom 12:1-2; 1 Cor 5:9-13; 2 Th. 1:11-12; Heb 12:1-2, 14; Tit 2:11-14; 1 John 2:15-17; 3:1-10; 2 John 1:9-11). If a person leaves the faith later in life, it wasn’t so much that they lost their salvation as much as it proves they were never saved or born again to begin with. If you could lose salvation, it shows that your power to leave is greater than God’s power to save.
4. Glorification is the completion of the salvation process. We will be sinless in that final state in heaven.
Other Scriptures regarding Salvation: Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30- 31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6- 2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
Other Scriptures regarding God’s Grace: Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18- 19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44- 45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
The Church (Ecclesiology)
1. All believers in Christ are placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual Body, the church (1 Cor. 12:12-13).
2. We are the bride of Christ (2 Cor. 11:2; Eph 5:23-32; Rev 19:7-8).
3. Christ is the Head of the church (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph 1:22; 4:15; Col 1:18). He has full authority over the church. The Scripture is our authority as well. God appoints leadership and establishes His church and calls elders to lead (Acts 20:28; Eph 4:11). There are specific qualifications for elders and deacons (1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5). The leaders lead as servants (1 Tim 5:17-22) and He has given them authority to lead. The congregation submits under their leadership (Heb 13:7, 17).
4. The formation of the church began in Acts 2:1-47, on Pentecost, after the ascension of Jesus and when the Holy Spirit came in the Upper Room. It will be completed when Jesus comes back (1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).
5. The church is a unique spiritual organization designed by Christ and made up of all born-again believers in this present age (Eph 2:11—3:6). The church is distinct from Old Testament believers in Israel (1 Cor 10:32; Rom 9-11). The mystery of the church was revealed in the New Testament (Eph 3:1-6; 5:32) and continued from the first century until now (Acts 14:23-27; 20:17. 28; Gal 1:2; Phil 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1).
6. We are commanded to assemble as a local church and not neglect the church gathering (1 Co 11:18-20; He 10:25)
7. Discipleship and Lifegroup (meeting house to house in Acts 2:42-47) are crucial to the health and growth of the Body (Mt 28:19-20; 2 Tim 2:2). God wants us to be accountable to one another (Mt 18:5-14). Situations may arise that need more attention than a small group can provide, this is where the church leaders may be required to exercise church discipline (Mt 18:15-22; Ac 5:1-11; 1 Co 5:1-13; 2 Th 3:6-15; 1 Tim 1:19-20; Tit 1:10-16).
8. There is autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5). Churches cooperate with each other for the presentation and spread of the Gospel. Each local church, however, through its elders and their interpretation and application of Scripture, should be the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. The elders should determine all other matters of doctrine, membership, policy, discipline, benevolence, and government (Acts 15:19-31; 20:28; 1 Cor 5:4-7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
9. The purpose of the church is to glorify God (Eph 3:21). We glorify God by building each other up in the faith (Eph 4:13-16), by the teaching of the Word (2 Tim 2:2, 15; 3:15-17), by loving fellowship (Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3), by having communion, by baptizing believers, (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42) and by sharing the Gospel in our city and the nations (Matt 29:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42).
10. All believers are to serve the Body (1 Cor 15:58; Eph 4:12; Rev 22:12). God gives spiritual gifts to His people so that they can build each other up in the faith (Eph 4:7-12; Rom 12:5-8; 1 Cor 12:4-31; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
11. Throughout the history of the Church and to this day, the Holy Spirit has given ministering gifts in order to equip believers for edifying one another. There were two kinds of gifts, however, that seemed to be given somewhat exclusively to the church: the miraculous gifts of divine revelation and healing. These were given temporarily in the apostolic era for the purpose of confirming the authenticity of the apostles’ message (Heb 2:3-4; 2 Cor 12:12). He also gave ministering gifts, given to equip believers for edifying one another. With the New Testament revelation now complete, Scripture becomes the sole test of the authenticity of a man’s message and confirming gifts of a miraculous nature are no longer necessary to validate a man or his message (1 Cor 13:8-12). Although God still can heal and do miracles today (and we should contend and pray for the sick; the gifts are not normative today or as frequent). The miraculous gifts can even be counterfeited by Satan to deceive even believers (1 Cor 13:13—14:12; 2 Thess. 2; Rev 13:13-14). The only gifts in full identifiable, reproducible, and regular operation today are those non-revelatory equipping gifts given for edification (Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Cor. 12; Rom 12:6-8).
12. The gift of tongues was a supernatural ability to speak a human language that had not previously been learned by the one speaking. The speaking of tongues in the early church gatherings required that there always be a direct interpretation, and was to be conducted in an orderly way (1 Cor. 12:7; 14). The sole purpose of this gift was to edify the body and therefore, Tongues was never intended to be a personal or private prayer language. The gift of tongues seemed to have ceased as Paul described in 1 Cor. 13:8, but love is eternal and will never fade. He says tongues will cease when perfection comes in heaven, but also prior to heaven. Further evidence of the ceasing of Tongues would be, that the letter to the Corinthians was written between AD 55-56 and the last recorded miracle in Acts 28:7-10 was penned around AD 58. The latter epistles, namely the letters of John and Revelations, were written between AD 56-95, none of which had any recorded miracles or mention of tongues. Peter, James, and Jude likewise never mention tongues. 2 Corinthians 12:12 and Hebrews 2:3-4, shows that God used miracles to confirm the message. After the apostolic age, the church fathers considered tongues as obsolete. Montanus, who was later declared a heretic, was the only one to mention this gift up until the 17th and then 20th centuries when others rose up and began to practice speaking in tongues and prophesying. Even so, much of what was being prophesied in those times was filled with blatant contradictions or were otherwise proven false; these groups eventually fell apart over time. Tongues were meant to be a sign to unbelieving Israel (1 Co 14:21-22; Is. 28:11-12) that the barriers were broken down and God was now speaking to all nations in all languages. He was judging Israel for their unbelief and turning to the Gentile world to save them. The gift of tongues seemed transitionary and can be strongly assumed that it was not meant to last forever. Now that we have the full canon of Scripture to rely on, there is no need for tongues.
13. A word of wisdom (1 Cor 12:8) is referring to a speaking ability. Now that we have the full canon of Scripture, there isn’t a need for new revelation. However, wisdom is needed to understand God’s will and wisdom to apply it (Matt. 11:19; 13:54; Mark 6:2; Luke 7:35; Acts 6:10; James 1:5; 3:13, 17; 2 Pet. 3:15). It is the supernatural ability to make practical application of God’s truth in situations. This can also be seen in biblical preaching and when answering questions—wisdom to know what to say from the Word of God.
14. The Word of Knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8). Knowledge comes before wisdom. It is an understanding of the truth of God’s Word. God gives us supernatural knowledge to understand the context, words, truths, meaning of the Scriptures as we study them. With this knowledge we can apply it and teach it to others. Teachers, preachers and counselors have this gift, while others in the church rely on them to understand the meaning and the interpretation of the text.
15. The gift of faith (1 Cor. 12:9) is distinct from saving faith or the daily faith by which the believer lives his or her daily life. This is a special faith given by the Holy Spirit to believe God in an intense situation or difficult circumstance. This gift is expressed in prayer. Jesus spoke about this, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you’” (Matt 17:20; 1 Cor. 13:2). Believers with the gift of faith believe God in a special way for His promises (James 5:16-18). Paul modeled this in his shipwreck, calming the passengers (Acts 27). Abraham also modeled faith as well. Many missionaries throughout church history have modeled extraordinary faith.
16. The gifts of healing (1 Cor. 12:9). No one solely possesses a distinguishable and authoritative gift of healing today, but God does hear and answer the prayer of faith and will answer in accordance with His own perfect will for the sick, suffering, and afflicted (Luke 18:1-6; John 5:7-9; 2 Cor 12:6-10; James 5:13-16; 1 John 5:14-15).
17. The gift of miracles (1 Cor. 12:10). There is a difference between providence a miracle. A miracle is a supernatural intrusion into the natural world and its natural laws, explainable only by divine intervention. However, providence is when God works through circumstances and natural laws to bring about blessings for the believer (Rom. 8:28). Miracles, and even providence is to display God’s glory. The “sign” points to something greater—Jesus. Miracles are performed by the apostles so that people would believe in Christ and be saved (John 20:30-31; Acts 2:22). Jesus performed miracles during His earthly ministry. The disciples were commissioned to do the same to authenticate the Gospel message (Acts 14:3; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:3-4). Jesus made wine, made food, walked on water with Peter, took a coin from the mouth of a fish, disappeared from a hostile crowd, and ascended in a cloud to heaven. All those miracles were related to nature and were done only by Him. No disciple is ever reported to have done a miracle of nature. A miracle was also in the form of casting out demons (Luke 4:36; 6:18; 9:42; 10:17-19). Paul and the other leaders in the apostolic age performed miracles to authenticate the message (Acts 6:8; 8:7; 13:6-12). Others misused the gift and performed exorcisms on their own strength and paid the consequence (Acts 19). Those signs accompanied God’s Word only so long as He was revealing the Word. When revelation stopped at the end of the apostolic age, the sign gifts stopped. B. B. Warfield wrote, “These miraculous gifts were part of the credentials of the apostles, as authoritative agents of God in founding the church. Their function confined them distinctly to the apostolic church, and they necessarily passed away with it.”
18. The gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 12:10). This is not a revelatory gift, but rather a gift of edification. It means to speak forth, to proclaim publicly. This is not about making future predictions over people, situations, or places. Most of the OT prophets proclaimed God’s Word in exhortation, comfort, encouragement, which is what Paul was referring to in 1 Corinthians 14:3. Other times the prophets revealed the Word of the Lord, but now that we have the canon of Scripture, there is no need for new revelation. The prophet today acts as a teacher, proclaiming the truth that has already been revealed. Some should desire the gift of teaching and pursue training in order to proclaim God’s Word effectively. Other believers should desire that this gift be practiced among them so that they can be edified in the Word. Romans 12:6 also highlights the gift of prophecy. In this case, Paul is encouraging the one with the prophetic gift to exhort according to the faith—Jude 1:3, the sound doctrine of the Christian faith and Gospel. It is objective faith, not the subjective kind. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, meaning prophecy is the Word of God concerning Christ (Rev. 19:10). The Bible is the testimony of Jesus (John 5:39). The prophecy comes from the Lord’s commandments (1 Cor. 14:37). So, as believers, we are not to despise these teachings from the Word of God (1 Th. 5:20). In service, you may see people going around the room during worship. They are praying for each other and reading Scripture to each other (Eph 5; Col 3).
19. The gift of discernment (or distinguishing spirits) is found in 1 Cor. 12:10. This is a very important gift that God gives the church to protect it from error and perversion. The enemy will continue to use lies in order to lie to the church (John 8:44). There are counterfeit messages in the church the enemy uses to lead God’s people astray. We are to test every spirit to see whether it is of God or a lie from the devil (1 John 4:1). We use the Word to test these spirits (Acts 17:11; 2 Cor. 10:3-5). The ones who possess the gift of discernment have a special ability by the Spirit to recognize lying spirits. Some things people say seem true on the surface, but once you dig deeper, you see that it is a lie. The discerners have insight into where the information and message come from. They protect the church from error and lies. We cannot believe every message just because it comes from a pastor or a Christian. There is much mixture in the church today (mix of Bible, psychology, philosophy, humanism, popular culture) or false teaching. We need discerners.
20. The gift of helps (1 Cor. 12:28). This gift supports and helps the Body accomplish the purposes of God. Those who possess this gift enjoy serving others (Rom. 12:7). They take the burden off of others as they serve the church. They come alongside the other gifts to alleviate their burden (Phil 2:25, 30). Even though the gift of helps is more of a “behind the scenes” work, it is not any less valuable.
21. The gift of administrations (1 Cor. 12:28) is the gift of leadership. It means to steer the ship. They can lead teams and operate systems. They get the job done with leading others to share the burden of the task at hand.
22. Baptism is one of two ordinances in the church (Ac 2:38-42). Preferably in a public setting, the Christian baptism, by immersion in water (Ac 8:36-39), is the solemn and beautiful testimony of a believer showing forth his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. The believer is then united with Christ in death to sin and in resurrection to a new life (Rom 6:1-11). It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible Body of Christ (Ac 2:41-42). No one is saved by baptism and it is not a requirement of salvation; but baptism is something that the Lord commands us to do (as a fruit and a sign of salvation and a way of identifying with Christ and His church).
23. The second ordinance is the Lord’s Supper (Communion). It is the commemoration and proclamation of Christ’s death until He comes and should be always preceded by solemn self-examination (1 Cor 11:28-32). The elements of Communion are only representative of the flesh and blood of Christ. The participation is an actual communion with the risen Christ, who indwells every believer, and so He is present, fellowshipping with His people when we commune together and break bread (1 Cor 10:16). Just as with baptism, no one is saved because of Communion. Communion is commanded by the Lord in Scripture as a sign and remembrance of what He has done for us.
24. Other Scriptures regarding the church: Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22- 32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
Church Discipline
The Bible gives us clear directions on what the church should do when a believer falls into willful and unrepentant sin. God calls us to lovingly reach those believers with the truth of Scripture. Sometimes the believers who are in sin, wander away from the Body of Christ; for those, there should be a desire to restore the believer back to fellowship, bring the believer back to biblical repentance, and strengthen them. We never just want to throw people out of the church or embarrass them. The goal isn’t to control people either. The purpose must be restoration and repentance because that is always the purpose for God’s discipline (Heb 12). There will always be joy when a wandering saint comes back to the fellowship. Church discipline is the process of bringing the believer back to the church restored (Matt 18; 1 Cor 5).
In Matthew 18:15, Jesus says, “And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.” The word won means to gain back something valuable. When a believer sins and doesn’t repent, a valuable treasure is lost, and the church should not be content until he or she is restored (Gal 6:1).
In Matthew 18:15-17, there are 4 steps to biblical church discipline: (1) Private rebuke regarding their sin; (2) A rebuke with 2 or 3 witnesses if in the first meeting he/she doesn’t repent; (3) A public rebuke in front of a lifegroup or even church if he/she doesn’t repent after the first 2 steps; and then (4) treat him as an outsider if the first 3 steps fail.
1. “If your brother sins, go and reprove him in private” (Mt 18:15). The believer is to go to a brother who is in sin, privately (alone) and confront him in a spirit of humility and gentleness. This confrontation involves clearly exposing his sin so that he is aware of it and call him to repentance. If the brother repents in response to the private confrontation, that brother is to be forgiven and restored. It may take some time to build trust back.
2. If the unrepentant brother or sister refuses to listen to the one who has confronted and rebuked him privately, the next step in the discipline process is to take one or two more godly believers along to confront him again (Mt 18:16). Here is God’s wisdom with taking others into the next meeting: “by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.” The witnesses are present not only to confirm that the sin was committed but also, to verify that the sinning brother or sister was properly rebuked and that he has or has not repented. This covers everyone involved. The witnesses can see both parties in how the meeting was handled. They need to confirm the repentance or lack thereof. This increases the pressure so that it doesn’t escalate to the next step and be a more public matter. Hopefully the brother or sister repents at this step and is fully restored.
3. However, if the unrepentant brother or sister refuses to listen to the leaders and witnesses (give some time for this and be patient), those witnesses in the meeting are to tell the issue to the whole church (Mt 18:17). This is most appropriately done by bringing the matter to the attention of the elders/pastors, who in turn oversee its communication to the whole church.
4. We need to be absolutely certain that the person is unrepentant before moving to step 3 and 4. We need to be very clear with the person that the next step is telling the church and considering the unrepentant brother or sister is an unbeliever (one who is unable to participate in the fellowship and blessings of the church). This can happen in the Lifegroup level or the entire church on Sunday (depending on the severity of the issue and how widespread it is). Even after the person has left, if he or she decides to repent and come back, he or she is to be fully restored to the fellowship (not any leadership position).
In 1 Cor 5, Paul confronted the church regarding a man who had an incestuous relationship with his stepmother. Paul said that the church needed to deal with this grievous sin and remove the man from the church. The believers were not even to eat with the man. He was to be treated as an unbeliever until he repented. The purpose was to protect the purity and witness of the church. Sin is serious and our people need to see this. The world also needs to witness this (Acts 5; 1 Tim 5:20). The sinning brother or sister will hopefully wake up and see how their sin has caused hurt in the church. The purpose again with church discipline is to restore, not to punish. We must admonish the brother or sister when we meet with them. The purpose of the meeting is to confront their sin in love and truth, not to fellowship (2 Th 3:14-15). God will always bring back the sinning believer, He will never abandon him or her. However, there are those that prove that they were never believers by not repenting (1 John 2:19).
Church Membership
Church membership consists of being a part of a local body as modeled in the New Testament church. When we believe and trust Christ, we get baptized into one Body (1 Cor. 12:13). But not only are we a part of the universal church around the world, but we are to commit to one local church, not many. The church members participate in the life of the church: (1) spending time with Jesus every day in His Word and prayer, (2) discipleship, (3) lifegroup, (4) Sunday service, (5) missions and evangelism. The purpose of assembling and being a part of a local church is to receive godly biblical preaching to nourish your walk with Jesus (1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 4:1-5); build each other up in the faith by using your spiritual gifts (Rom 12:3-8; Eph 4:11-12; 1 Cor 12:4-31; 1 Pet 4:10-11); participating in baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matt 28:18-20; 1 Cor 11; Acts 2:38-42) and fellowshipping (Acts 2:42-47). The local church is able to implement church discipline to keep the church pure and so that they remain strong. The leaders and elders of the church are the ones who shepherd the flock (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Th 5:12; 1 Tim 3; 5:17; 2 Tim 4; Titus 1; Heb 13:17; 1 Peter 5) pray, preach the Gospel and teach sound doctrine from the Word. The local church is important in helping those who cannot help themselves and are in need of financial support (1 Tim 5:9). It also seemed that a local membership was biblical and when a believer moved to another city, his church often wrote a letter of commendation to his new church (Acts 18:27; Rom. 16:1; Col. 4:10; 2 Cor. 3:1-2). There were local congregations throughout the New Testament—Acts 6:5; 8:1; 9:26; 14:23; 15:17; 20:17; 1 Cor 5:4; 14:23; Heb 10:25. We are not to neglect the assembly of the believers (Heb. 10:24-25). The pastoral care in the church happens on a weekly basis through Lifegroup and discipleship. In order to receive this care, one would need to be present and attend. No one elder is responsible for everyone who comes to church. The congregation submits to the church elders (Heb 13:17) and the elders are to be loving and shepherd the flock faithfully (1 Peter 5). The leaders are to exercise church discipline when necessary (Matt 18:15-17; 1 Cor 5; 1 Tim 5:20; Titus 3:10-11).
Fasting
Fasting is mentioned by Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:17-18). In the NT, fasting is mentioned about 30 times. Jesus says, “when you fast”, showing that it is something Christians will do in the future. However, Jesus does not anywhere command the fast. Fasting, in general, is associated with mourning (Matt. 9:14-15), trials, spiritual need, and times of prayer for breakthrough. Many times you do not want to eat because the trial is so heavy. You refuse food in order to pray more. Many have made fasting a mystical experience (fasting to get a heightened spiritual experience, a vision, wisdom, insights, revelations). This is often used to manipulate God. Fasting doesn’t add more power to your prayers. Fasting is primarily used when there is tragedy, trial and sorrow in a believer’s life. We see this in David’s life when he lost his first child (2 Sam. 3:35; Ps. 35:13). When there is danger (2 Chron. 20:3; Est 4:16). Fasting is humbling oneself before the Lord, as they seek Him for breakthrough (Ezra 8:21-23). Repentance is a key part of fasting (1 Kings 21:27-29; Ezra 10:6; Jonah 3:5-7). People also fasted as they sought the Lord for understanding (Dan. 9:2-3, 21-22; 10:3). Jesus fasted before He launched His new ministry (Matt 4). The fasting didn’t add more power to His life, He simply refrained from food to focus on His Father and the Word. The apostles were sent out after fasting during worship (Acts 13:2-3). Elders were appointed after fasting and prayer (Acts 14:23). As seen in these Scriptures, fasting is always coupled with prayer. Fasting is not a diet. Fasting is connected with good deeds (Zech 7:5-10; Isa. 58:5-9) and not for selfish gain or spiritual piety or outward affirmation. Fasting should not attract others or to impress man. And if fasting is done right, God will reward you (Matt 6).
Biblical Leadership & Elders—Role of Men and Women in the Church
Men and women stand as equals before God, but they have different roles within the church. Elders are to be men only (1 Tim 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9). Deacons can be both men and women (1 Tim 3:8-13). Women fulfilled key roles in the church in the 1st century (Acts 1:12-14; 9:36-42; 16:13-15; 17:1-4, 10-12; 18:1-2, 18-28; Rom 16; 1 Cor 16:19; Phil 4:3; 2 Tim 1:5; 4:19). None of those women were in eldership. Paul never appointed women elders, although women helped him in the ministry. They were not to teach over the men of the church (1 Tim 2:12).
The terms overseer and elder are the same office of leadership in the church (Acts 20; 1 Tim 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9; 1 Pet 5:1-2). Each local church is to be governed by a plurality of qualified elders. In the company of wise counselors there is great victory (Prov 11:14). Paul appointed elders in each church he planted (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Paul would often address elders in a church (Acts 20; Phil 1:2; 1 Tim 5:17) and James addressed elders as well (James 5:14). There were also elders in Jerusalem (Acts 11:30; 15:2; 21:18). The writer of Hebrews calls the congregation to obey their leaders who keep watch over their souls (Heb 13:17). The Thessalonians were exhorted to do the same (1 Th 5:12).
The qualifications for elders (1 Tim 3:2-7; Tit 1:5-9) are important to the health and longevity of the church. The elder must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money, not fond of sordid gain, a good manager of his household, one who has his children under control with dignity, not a new convert, one who has a good reputation outside the church, self-controlled, sensible, able to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict, above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, loving what is good, just, and devout.
The elder is to serve the church as a manager of God’s household (1 Tim 3:5). Elders discuss doctrinal issues for the purpose of coming into further agreement with the Word (Acts 15) as they oversee and shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:1-3). They also ordain others into leadership who are biblically qualified (1 Tim 4:4). Elders lead, administrate, train, preach, teach, and pastor (1 Th 5:12; 1 Tim 3:12; 5:17; Tit 1:9). They also judge sound doctrine and correct error.
Angels (Angelology)
Holy Angels
1. Angels are created beings and are therefore not to be worshiped.
2. The angels are in a higher order of creation than man, they are created to serve God and to worship Him.
3. Angels ministered to the Lord, to Paul and the believers (Matt 4; Acts 27:21-26).
4. Scriptures: Luke 2:9-14; Heb 1:6-7, 14; 2:6-7; Rev 5:11-14; 19:10; 22:9.
Fallen Angels (satan and demons)
1. Satan is a created angel and the author of sin whom God judged him for rebelling against Him (Isa 14:12-17; Ezek 28:11-19). The devil took numerous angels with him in his fall (Matt 25:41; Rev 12:1-14) and introduced sin into the human race by tempting Eve (Gen 3:1-15).
2. Satan is the enemy of God and man (Isa 14:13-14; Matt 4:1-11; 1 Peter 5:8; Rev 12:9-10). He is the prince of this world, who has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom 16:20; Col 2). He will be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Rev 20:10).
3. We fight satan and demons, not by chasing them and yelling at them, but through the truth of the Word of God. The spiritual battle is of the mind—the intellect. The weapons God gave us are prayer, the Word, and evangelism. We wear the armor of God daily to combat the enemies lies and attacks (Eph 6:10-20; 2 Cor. 10:3-5). We resist the enemy by submitting to God and His Word (James 4) and when we choose to humble ourselves and obey the Lord, the enemy flees (1 Peter 5).
Last Days (Eschatology)
Death & Christ’s Return & Eternity.
1. Physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness (Rev 6:9-11). The believer’s soul passes immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43; Phil 1:23; 2 Cor 5:8). There is a separation of soul and body (Phil 1:21-24). For believers, separation from a body will continue until the rapture (1 Thess. 4:13-17) which will initiate the first resurrection (Rev 20:4-6). Our soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (Phil 3:21; 1 Cor 15:35-44, 50-54). Until then, believers remain in joyful fellowship with Jesus (2 Cor. 5:8).
2. There will be a bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life (John 6:39; Rom 8:10-11, 19-23; 2 Cor 4:14) and the unsaved is judged to everlasting punishment in hell (Dan 12:2; John 5:29; Rev 20:13-15).
3. Souls of the unsaved at death are kept under punishment until the second resurrection (Luke 16:19-26; Rev 20:13-15), when the soul and the resurrected body will be united (John 5:28-29). Unbelievers will appear at the Great White Throne of Judgment (Rev 20:11-15) and shall be cast into Hell, the lake of fire (Matt 25:41-46), cut off from the life of God forever (Dan 12:2; Matt 25:41-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).
4. There will be a personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 1:6-11; 1 Thess. 4:16; Titus 2:13). He takes the believers from this earth and prepares them for the next (John 14:1-3; 1 Cor 15:51-53; 1 Thess. 4:15—5:11). He will reward the believers according to their works (1 Cor 3:11-15; 2 Cor 5:10).
5. Immediately following the removal of the church from the earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18), the righteous judgments of God will be poured out upon an unbelieving world (Jer. 30:7; Dan 9:27; 12:1; 2 Thess. 2:7-12; Rev 16), and that these judgments will be climaxed by the return of the glorified Christ to the earth (Matt 24:27-31; 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 2:7-12). At that time the Old Testament and tribulation saints will be raised and the living will be judged (Dan 12:2-3; Rev 20:4-6). This period includes the 70th week of Daniel’s prophecy (Dan 9:24-27; Matt 24:15-31; 25:1-46).
6. After the tribulation period, Christ will come to earth to occupy the throne of David (Matt 25:31; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 1:10-11; 2:29-30) and establish His messianic kingdom for 1,000 years on the earth (Rev 20:1-7). During this time the resurrected saints will reign with Him over Israel and all the nations of the earth (Ezek 37:21-28; Dan 7:17-22; Rev 19:11-16). This reign will be preceded by the overthrow of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and by the removal of Satan from the world (Dan 7:17-27; Rev 20:1-7).
7. The kingdom itself will be the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel (Isa 65:17-25; Eze 37:21-28; Zec. 8:1-17) to restore them to the land that they forfeited through their disobedience (Deut. 28:15-68). The result of their disobedience was that Israel was temporarily set aside (Matt 21:43; Rom 11:1-26), but will again be awakened through repentance to enter into the land of blessing (Jer. 31:31-34; Eze 36:22-32; Rom 11:25-29).
8. This time of our Lord’s reign will be characterized by harmony, justice, peace, righteousness, and long life (Isa 11; 65:17-25; Eze 36:33-38) and will end with the release of Satan (Rev 20:7).
9. Following the release of Satan after the 1,000-year reign of Christ (Rev 20:7), Satan will deceive the nations of the earth and gather them to battle against the saints and Jerusalem. Satan and his army will be devoured by fire from heaven (Rev 20:9). Then Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10). And Christ will judge (John 5:22) all at the Great White Throne of Judgment.
10. The resurrection of the unsaved dead will be a physical one and then judgement will come. After receiving their judgment (John 5:28-29), the unsaved will then be committed to an eternal conscious punishment in the lake of fire (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:11-15).
11. After the closing of the millennium, the temporary release of Satan, and the judgment of unbelievers (2 Thess. 1:9; Rev 20:7-15), the saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God, and the elements of this earth are to be dissolved (2 Peter 3:10) and replaced with a new earth. This is a place where only the righteousness dwells (Eph 5:5; Rev 20:15; 21:1-27; 22:1-21). The heavenly city will come down out of heaven (Rev 21:2) and will be the dwelling place for all believers and God (John 17:3; Rev 21-22).
Doctrine of hell
1. Everyone will exist eternally either in heaven or hell (Daniel 12:2-3); Matt 25:46; John 5:28; Rev 20:14-15).
2. Everyone has only one life in which to determine their destiny (Heb 9:27) either in heaven or hell based on their faith in Christ (John 3:16-36).
3. Hell was made for the devil and demons (Matt 25:41; Rev. 20:10) and to punish the sin of the wicked for their rejection of Christ (Matt 13:41-50; Rev 20:11-15; 21:8).
4. Hell is a conscious torment (Matt 13:50; Mark 9:48; Rev. 14:10). It is a permanent place (Rev. 14:11; 20:14-15).
5. There is no chance to escape hell because once you die, there will be no chance to reverse the judgment pronounced (Heb 9:27). Not all people will go to heaven (as some believe with universalism). Once someone remains in unbelief and they die rejecting Christ, they are bound in hell eternally (John 3:16-36). Someone either goes to heaven or hell. We also reject annihilation (which means to die and not exist anymore). However, the Bible says that a person is eternal and will be resurrected to heaven or hell. They are conscious even as they die (John 5:28).
6. God is perfect, just, and loving (Rom. 2:11; John 3:16; 1 Pet 1:14-15). God has provided a way of salvation in Christ (John 3:16-17; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; 1 Tim 2:6; 4:10; Titus 2:11; 2 Pet 3:9). All are accountable to respond to Christ (Rom. 1:18-32). We are called to seek the Lord (Jer. 29:11-13; Ps. 27:4; Matt 7:7) and God seeks man (Luke 19:10). God has provided a way for people not to perish (Rom. 3:22-24; 4:7; 5:8-9). People do choose to go to hell, but God also sends them there for their unrepentant sin and their final rejection of Christ.
7. Names describing where people go when they die. (1) Sheol is the “grave” or “death”. It is not hell. (2) Hades refers to hell and a place of torment (Luke 10:15; 16:23). (3) Gehenna is a burning dump near Jerusalem and refers to hell and torment (Matt. 5:30; 23:33). (4) Lake of fire is the final place for unbelievers after they are resurrected (Rev 20:14-15). (5) Abraham’s bosom refers to the place in Luke 16:22 as a place of eternal comfort. (6) Paradise, a place where Jesus is, also referring to eternal peace and comfort (Luke 23:43). (7) Paul also spoke about being “with the Lord” after a believer dies (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil 1:23; 1 Th. 4:17). (8) The new heavens and earth refers to where believers will live after they are resurrected, also known as heaven (Rev 20:4-6; 21:1-4).
8. More passages on hell—Ps 9:17; 16:10; 86:13; 139:8; 145:20; Prov 15:24; 23:14; Ecc 9:5; Dan 12:2; Matt 3:12; 5:22-30; 7:13-14; 7:21-23; 8:12; 13:41-42, 50; 16:18; 18:9, 18; 23:33; 25:41, 46; 10:28; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 12:5; 10:15; 16:19-31; 23:43; John 3:16-18, 36; 5:29; Acts 2:27, 31; Rom 6:23; 2 Th 1:9; Heb 9:27; 10:26-31; James 3:6; 2 Pet 2:4; 3:9; Jude 1:7, 13; Rev 1:18; 14:10-11; 19:20; 20:10-15; 21:8;
Marriage
Marriage is a gift from God. God has given this gift to all men (a common grace to both believers and unbelievers). Genesis 2:18-24 (1 Peter 3:1-7) lines out God’s plan for marriage. Marriage is between one man and one woman for life. The Bible is clear about believers should choose to marry those who are believers and should not be yoked with an unbeliever (2 Cor. 6:14). There are multiple purposes for marriage. (1) God said it was not good for man to be alone and so marriage was something God has created for husband and wife to enjoy together. However, in order for a man and a woman to enjoy marriage, God must be at the center of it (Ecc 4:12). (2) God has called us to change the world together and He has provided man with a co-laborer in the harvest. He has provided a help-mate to fulfill His purposes—namely to be fruitful and multiply. (3) Marriage is meant to illustrate the loving relationship between Christ and His Church. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church and the wife is to respect her husband and submit to his loving leadership, just as the church obeys Christ (Eph 5:18-33). (4) Marriage between one man and one woman provides the safety and security of a home to raise the next generation of believers. Children need a mother and a father. (5) Marriage is a place where you can serve and love each other. It is a place of discipleship. A husband and wife should help each other grow in Christ.
The Bible says the marriage bed should be kept pure. God will judge the adulterer (Heb 13:4). God does not permit intimate sexual activity outside of marriage. God looks at any form of sexual immorality as sin and includes pornography, lust (thoughts in our mind—Matt 5), fornication, homosexuality, bisexuality, incest, pedophilia, transgenderism (Lev. 18:1-30; Matt. 5:28; Rom. 1:26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Th 4:1-8). When the person decides to repent, forgiveness is released (Ps. 103:11-12; 130:3-4; Is. 43:25; John 5:24; Col. 2:13-14; James 5; 1 John 1:9; 2:1).
Marriage is a covenant before God for life until death. Co-habitation (living under the same roof) without the covenant of marriage (under God, under the law) is sin (John 4:18). It is not a recognized marriage before God.
Those who are married prior to coming to Christ, should remain married (1 Cor. 7:24). God hates divorce and God only permits it if there is unrepentant sexual sin, adultery is committed (Mal. 2:14-16; Matt. 5:32; 19:1-9) or when one unbelieving spouse leaves the other (1 Cor. 7:12-15). This is when an unbelieving spouse wants to leave the believing spouse (not the other way around). Remarriage is permissible to another believer only when the divorce was done in a biblical manner. If remarriage happens without biblical permission, the spouse marrying another person commits adultery (Mark 10:11-12). If the spouse leaves, she is to remain single or reconcile with her spouse (1 Cor. 7:10-11). If one became a Christian after divorce, the believer should try to reconcile with the former spouse, but if he cannot reconcile, he is free to marry a believer. If the spouse becomes a Christian during marriage, then the spouse should not seek a divorce. If the divorce took place in an unbiblical manner, and the spouse later repents, then reconciliation should be the first step. If the believer cannot reconcile with the former spouse (if the person is an unbeliever or now remarried), then the believer is free to marry another believer. If the believer got a divorce in an unbiblical way and then remarried, the person needs to repent and confess the sin (Mark 10:11-12). God will forgive the person and the couple should remain married.
Family
Men and women are equally created by God, but they each have distinct roles. Men and women are equal in essence, but different in function (Gen 1:27; 2:1-25). Unfortunately, after the Fall in Gen 3, there was a struggle over the roles in the family. The worldly philosophies, such as the feminist movement, over the years have influenced women not to find joy in their God-given role as wives and mothers. Gen 3 shows how the woman tried to take control over her husband and he then tried to oppressively rule over her. Man failed in his leadership and their sin caused a battle of the sexes that continues today.
Men were designed to lead. Even in the Old Testament we see women involved in the religious services, but not as priests or prophets or even queens. Deborah of Judges 4 was an exception to the rule. She did not teach but played a role in the times of the Judges. No woman wrote the Old or New Testament books. Even though Israel was a male dominated society, Jesus loved and respected women. The Jewish rabbis did not teach women the Torah because they thought they could not understand it. Jesus taught women throughout the Gospels. He spoke privately with the woman at the well (John 4), revealing who He was. He exhorted women to learn from Him, even over household duties (Luke 10:38-42). He laid His hands on women in order to heal them, and even allowed them to be a part of His traveling ministry (Luke 8:1-3). Jesus appeared to the women first after the resurrection (John 20).
Paul stated in Galatians 3:28 that men and women are equal and both are saved by grace through faith and are called to submit to one another (Eph 5:21). Specifically in marriage, wives are to submit to their husbands (Eph 5:22; Col 3:18; Tit 2:5; 1 Pet 3:1) and the husband is to love his wife and lead in a godly way, following Christ as his lead (Eph 5). Husbands are to lead their homes and discipline their children (Eph 6:4; Col 3:21; 1 Tim 3:4-5) and wives and mothers are encouraged to be workers in the home (Titus 2:5) and are to manage their household for God’s glory. Their homes and children take precedence over their career outside the home.