Joey Ferrell 8/8/17 Joey Ferrell 8/8/17

Are Women To Still Wear Veils?

This question stems from a study of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. It is not an easy question. We must look carefully at the historical context, the immediate context, the context of the letter, and the entirety of Scripture. We must remember that there are some eternal principles as well as transitory customs contained in Scripture. The eternal principle is the creation hierarchy that was established from the beginning of creation: God – man – woman (1 Timothy 2:12,13). When Christ entered the world, the paradigm of creation shifted to its present course: God – Christ – man – woman (1 Corinthians 11:3). This is God's structure of authority for both Christians and non-Christians.

In the historical context, the head covering was linked to the eternal or creational principle of female subordination. We know, however, that the head covering was a custom because it cannot be traced back to the garden of Eden where the chain of authority was first given (1 Timothy 2:13,14). In the context of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, the men were to keep their heads uncovered (1 Corinthians 11:4,7). But the women were to keep their heads covered (1 Corinthians 11:5,10). This passage in its historical context was stating that it was equally wrong for a woman to be uncovered as it was for a man to be covered. The reason to obey these instructions was because, in the Corinthians’ custom of covering the head, an uncovered woman was the same as disrespecting man's headship (1 Corinthians 11:5); it was shameful (1 Corinthians 11:6); and it was rebellion against subjection (1 Corinthians 11:10).

From the historical context, this was a practiced “custom” of head coverings for women (1 Corinthians 11:6-15). Paul was sanctioning an accepted practice that was already in effect. A woman wearing a head covering would be a sign of subordination in that culture (there are some indications that a woman shaving her head in the Corinthian culture was also linked to prostitution). Paul goes on to state that the head covering is a custom (1 Corinthians 11:16). Customarily, today, especially in the United States, women do not wear veils or head coverings; and if they do, it is not strongly linked or synonymous with the concept of subordination to the man(or prostitution).

There are some women today who are convinced in their own mind that the head covering mentioned in this passage applies to them, especially as they worship God in the presence of men. Though these women are not obligated to wear the veil according to the context of the passage (in light of the fact that we do not have a such a custom of veil = subordination or non-veil = disrespect and/or prostitution); nonetheless, for the sake of their conscience, wearing such a veil would be in keeping with the good principles of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. The only caveat to consider is that most women who wear such a veil today only wear it during the actual worship in the presence of men (in this context they were wearing the veil without men present); and most of the time it only covers a part of the hair (and not all); and many of these women have short hair (in other words, if you are going to take even the customary parts of the context as a mandate, you must take them all as a mandate, such as, all women must have long hair, all women must fully cover their long hair, all women must wear the head covering at all times - whether it be in worship with the men or out on the street as you do your daily tasks, etc.).

If today you live in a country where it is the custom of that culture for a woman to wear a veil in showing subjection to the man or to God, then you ought to - based on the principles of this passage.

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This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Joey Ferrell 8/8/17 Joey Ferrell 8/8/17

What Can Be Loosed?

This question springs from the context of Matthew 16:13-20: “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.”

First, Jesus is speaking to Peter, stating that he (including the rest of the apostles: notice the plural pronoun in Matthew 18:18; also read Acts 2:1-4,14), would receive authority from Jesus to bind and loose laws/principles (after being immersed in the power of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:1-4). Jesus’ apostles were to be infallibly guided by the Holy Spirit into all truth, miraculously enabling them to accurately and flawlessly recall the sayings Jesus had spoken to them during His earthly ministry (John 16:13-15; Matthew 28:20). They would be able to give a proclamation of the terms (or conditions) that God had given for man to obey in order to obey to receive the remission of sins (Luke 24:46-49) and thus enter under God's saving reign. Peter and the rest of the apostles were opening the entrance of the kingdom of heaven to those who desired to enter so that they could be saved from their sins.

Second, a more accurate rendering of the text is contained in the New American Standard: Matthew 16:18-19: “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” The Greek perfect tense indicates an action(s) that has already taken place in the past, but abides permanently in the present. The Greek passive voice indicates that God had already made up in His mind in times past and taken action with regard to the New Testament doctrines, given to the apostles and prophets, preserved permanently in God's inspired word.

Thus, the rules/principles governing the law of Christ, the doctrine of Christ, the faith, the truth, the gospel, etc. have already been established in heaven by God and preserved in the New Testament by the apostles and prophets. No man has the authority from God to loose what God has already bound (in heaven/the New Testament) or bind what God has already loosed (in heaven/the New Testament).

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Joey Ferrell 8/8/17 Joey Ferrell 8/8/17

Was Junia An Apostle?

In Romans 16:7, the NKJV states: “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Advocates who want to expand the role of women into leadership roles in the spiritual realm believe that this verse supports their case that Junia, a female, was a member of the apostolic band.

No.

First, it must be discovered whether this name was a man's name or a woman's name. If the name has an acute accent on the penult, then it would be a feminine name - ∆Iouni÷an. If the name has a circumflex accent on the ultima, then it would be a masculine name – 'Iouniavn. If a person does a study on this matter, the majority of the evidence pinpoints that this was a masculine name (Junias). The best Greek text (the Majority Text) has it as masculine gender. Even the 28th edition of the Nestle-Aland text) has it as a masculine name. There are no feminine gender antecedents [adjectives, participles, or pronouns] modifying the name as a feminine name.

What does it mean that these two Christians are of note among the apostles?

Let us look at how other translators have translated this term:

ESV (English Standard Version): “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.”

ASV (American Standard Version, 1901): “Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me.”

NASB (New American Standard Bible, 1995): “Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”

The context pinpoints that these two Christians were highly regarded by and well known to the apostles - not that they were apostles themselves. The apostles knew of them personally and honored them for their great commitment to God.

There is no inspired record of any other apostles added to the apostolic band, except for Matthais (Acts 1:26,27) and Paul himself (Acts 9). Also, it would be inconsistent to believe that a woman could be an apostle, but not be an elder (the third highest work in the church after apostle and prophet, based on the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 that states that one of the qualifications is to be the husband of one wife).

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Joey Ferrell 8/8/17 Joey Ferrell 8/8/17

Is It Wrong To Refer To Religious Figures As “Father” According To Matthew 23:9?

The Roman Catholic denomination refers to their pope by the religious title of “father” (the word “pope” comes from the Greek word pappas, meaning “father”). This contradicts Matthew 23:9 which clearly condemns the use of the word “father” as a religious title.

Others wrongly argue the case that the Bible contradicts itself in Matthew 23:8-11; 1 Corinthians 4:15; Philippians 2:22. From this position, the question is raised, “Since Paul, the apostle is referring to himself with the term ‘father,’ why should it not be the case that religious figures can be called by the title ‘Father’? Does Matthew 23:8-11; 1 Corinthians 4:15; Philippians 2:22 contradict?” Both of these questions will be answered in accordance to the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

When Jesus is forbidding the terms, “rabbi, father, and teacher”, in the context, he is referring to formal religious titles. There are different meanings of the word “father” in the Scriptures. When Paul is using the term “father”, he is using it as a metaphor, not as a formal religious title(a metaphor is a figure of speech applied to a word that is not literally applicable). Look closely at 1 Corinthians 4:15. Paul says he “begot” (“lead”, “fathered”) the Corinthians through the gospel of Jesus Christ as a result of preaching to them. The seed was “planted” in the good and honest hearts of the Corinthians and they obeyed it (1 Corinthians 3:6). In Philippians 2:22, Paul is using a simile to describe his mentoring relationship with Timothy (a simile is a figure of speech comparing one thing with another of a different kind for emphasis). Jesus condemned using the word “father” as a religious title; whereas, Paul used the word “father” as a figure of speech for emphasis to describe his role in the conversion of the brethren to whom he was addressing. The Bible does not support the Catholic’s position of addressing their religious leaders as “pope”, “father”, etc. nor does the Bible support the skeptics’ view that the Bible contradicts itself.

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Joey Ferrell 8/8/17 Joey Ferrell 8/8/17

Is The “Faith Alone” Doctrine Supported By Romans 10:9-10?

Many denominations teach that faith alone is sufficient for salvation. They often cite Romans 10:9-10 to support their false doctrine. However, Romans 10:9-10 involves two acts of obedience, which simply means that faith plus confession leads unto salvation. Not only is such a position negated by Romans 10:9-10, but it also opens the door for other acts of obedience that lead unto salvation.

No.

If faith alone is sufficient, then why did Paul add confession? Clearly, Paul means to show that the term “faith” is a synecdoche (a synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part stands for the whole – in this case, a “condition” that is used to show all the comprehensive acts of obedience that lead to salvation). To make this explanation even more clear – if faith only (that involves the “heart”) is the action God requires for one to be saved, then no other part of the body is required to be involved in one’s salvation. Yet, Romans 10:9-10 mentions two parts: (1) the heart AND (2) the mouth.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that we are to hear the gospel with our ears (Romans 10:17). The “ears” are the part of the body where the message of God’s word enters in order to reach the heart which chooses whether to develop the faith that pleases God or not (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17). This is how we come to have faith in the first place - by hearing what God said through His inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16). Now salvation involves the (1) heart, (2) mouth AND (3) ears.

The Bible teaches that we are commanded, as a command of the gospel, to have a repentance in our mind that leads to a change in the way we live with your feet, hands, eyes, ears, mouth, mind, and thoughts(Acts 17:30; 26:19-20). Now salvation involves the (1) heart, (2) mouth, (3) ears, AND (4) mind.

The Bible teaches that we are commanded, as a command of the gospel, to allow the physical body to be baptized (immersed) in water (Hebrews 10:22) for the remission of our sins. The immersion of our bodies in water is the culminating point of an obedient faith where our heart comes into contact with the saving grace of God through the blood of Jesus Christ that washes away our sins (Romans 6:3,4; Acts 22:16). Now salvation involves the (1) heart, (2) mouth, (3) ears, (4) mind AND (5) body.

Upon closer examination, Romans 10:9-10 teaches the opposite of faith only and opens the door for other acts of obedience required by God, not as a way to earn our salvation, but THE way to come in contact with the cleansing blood of Jesus through obedience to the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:9-11; Revelation 1:5). We are not seeking to earn our salvation but to submit to Jesus’ will (Matthew 7:21; John 9:31; Hebrews 5:8-9).

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Joey Ferrell 8/8/17 Joey Ferrell 8/8/17

What Are Some Passages To Study With Muslims From Their Own Qur'an?

This is a sample of verses to study with a Muslim from the Qur'an. It is a good way to just ask them questions about these verses and gain information from your Muslim neighbors in talking about differences between the Bible and the Qur'an.

Surah 2:31-34 – Satan and Adam
Surah 2:49-50 – the Exodus
Surah 2:52-53
Surah 2:60,87
Surah 2:249 – Saul and Gideon
Surah 3:41 – Zechariah and John
Surah 3:49 – Jesus and the clay birds
Surah 4:157 – the crucifixion of Jesus
Surah 5:27-31 – Abel and Cain
Surah 5:110
Surah 11:42-44 – Noah's son drowning in the flood
Surah 12 – the story of Joseph
Surah 15:25-39 – Satan
Surah 16:4 – sperm
Surah 18:7 -
Surah 19:10 – three days?
Surah 19:19-27 – palm tree
Surah 19:28 – Miriam or Mary?
Surah 19:30 – Jesus speaking
Surah 20:96
Surah 26:49 – Crucifixion
Surah 27:16 – Solomon and the birds
Surah 27:23-49 – the queen of Sheba
Surah 28:6 – Pharoah and Haman
Surah 28:9 –
Surah 28:38 – Pharoah and Haman
Surah 29:14
Surah 29:24 – Abraham and fire
Surah 29:32 – Lot's wife
Surah 38:23,24
Surah 40:24,36
Surah 53:19,20 – Satanic verses
Surah 98:8-25 – legend of the companions in the cave

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Joey Ferrell 8/8/17 Joey Ferrell 8/8/17

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #5 - The Episcopal Religion

History of the Episcopal Denomination
1. When did the denomination start? 1532
2. Where did this movement start? England
3. How did this movement start? The beginning of the Episcopal denomination is shrouded in adultery and stained in blood. Church historian A.A. Davis records the following:
  There does not seem to have been any doctrinal matter involved at all when the Church of England was born. Luther objected to the doctrines and the practices of Rome, but the Church of England seems to have come about purely by accident. King Henry VIII of England had become dissatisfied with one of his wives, and incidentally he only had six of them. I learned a little ditty many years ago concerning the fate of the wives of Henry VIII. It went like this "Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived." He divorced the first one; he beheaded the second one; the third one was fortunate to die a natural death; the fourth one he divorced; the fifth one he beheaded; but, the sixth one outlived him. He had fallen in love with beautiful Anne Boleyn. He wanted a divorce from Katherine. The pope claimed the right, as he has until this day, as supreme authority in domestic affairs. When the prime minister chided the king regarding his desires, and the pope would not grant him a divorce, Thomas Cromwell said to him: "You are the King of England. Why don’t you just write a letter to the pope, and in your own way tell him to go jump in the lake, then organize a church of your own; write yourself a bill of divorcement, go marry the woman of your choice." He said it was a pretty good idea. That is just about what happened in history. He wanted another wife and he got her. And the world got another church. That is just as plain and blunt as I know how to put it. There is not a historian of any reputation that will refute one statement that I have made.1
4. Who founded the Episcopal religion? King Henry VIII of England founded this movement in order to overrule the Catholic pope on the issue of divorce and remarriage so that he (Henry VIII) could live in an adulterous marriage with Anne Boleyn.234
5. Who is the head of the Episcopal denomination? The British monarch (the current king or queen) has the constitutional title of "Sovereign by the grace of God, and Supreme Governor of the Church of England." In practice, however, the administrative leadership of the church falls elsewhere: "The Archbishop of Canterbury is generally considered the honorary head of the Anglican Communion" across the world, which includes "the Episcopal Church in the USA."5
6. What is their authority? In preparing this material, I spoke with an Episcopal “priest” who informed me of their three sources of authority. His words were, "In the Episcopal Church there are three sources of authority: Scripture, reason, and tradition. None of these outweighs the other."6
Episcopal Doctrine vs. Biblical Doctrine
1. What we should follow:
  1. Episcopal Church doctrine teaches that human creeds should be received and believed by adherents. Concerning this belief, Article VIII of the Thirty Nine Articles of Belief states, "The Nicene Creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles’ Creed, ought thoroughly to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture."7 Also, the Episcopal Church has a Common Book of Prayer that tells a person what to say, when to say it, and how to say it in worship to God.
  2. The Bible teaches that it is the only book men should follow in matters of salvation and worship (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 22:18-19; 2 John 9; Matthew 15:7-9).
2. Bishops and elders:
  1. In the Episcopal denomination, one bishop rules over a congregation or even a diocese (several congregations in a general area).
  2. In the New Testament, there is no distinction made between bishops and elders. Both terms are used to describe the same office (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Peter 5:1-5). Also, in the New Testament, a plurality of elders guided within each local congregation (Acts 14:23; 15:2, 22, 23; 16:4; Philippians 1:1).
3. Free will:
  1. Episcopal Doctrine teaches that man has no free will, and as such is wholly dependent upon God’s grace. Concerning this, the Thirty Nine Articles of Faith says, "The condition of Man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and good works, to faith; and calling upon God."8
  2. The Bible teaches that man is a free moral agent and that he can and must call on God out of his own free will (Joshua 24:15; Acts 10:34; Galatians 2:6; 1 Timothy 2:4-6).
4. Our nature at birth:
  1. The Episcopal doctrine states that we are born with a natural tendency to commit sin and evil.
  2. The Bible teaches we are born upright and created holy in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27; Ezekiel 18; 28:15; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Matthew 18).
5. Faith only:
  1. The Episcopal religion teaches that we are justified by faith only. Concerning this, their Thirty Nine Articles of Faith says, "Wherefore, that we are justified by Faith only, is a most wholesome Doctrine, and very full of comfort, as more largely is expressed in the Homily of Justification."9
  2. The Bible says that faith alone will not save (James 2:24; Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9; John 3:36; Mark 16:16; Luke 13:3; Romans 10:10).
6. The church:
  1. Concerning the church, the Episcopal denomination makes some amazing statements that reveal serious inconsistency between what the church teaches and what the church practices. Consider the following:
    The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ’s ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same.
    As the Church of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch have erred, so also the Church of Rome hath erred, not only in their living and manner of Ceremonies, but also in matters of Faith.10
    It is interesting to note that although the Episcopal denomination condemns the Catholic Church, it follows the Catholic Church in much of what it does.
  2. Truly, the church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men and women who hold to the Bible (Acts 2:42, 47; Matthew 16:13-18).
7. Homosexuality:
  1. The Episcopal Church is leaning more toward accepting homosexual unions and even homosexual priests every day. Concerning their view, in the Lambreth Conference they noted that the Church:
    … recognises that there are among us persons who experience themselves as having a homosexual orientation. Many of these are members of the Church and are seeking the pastoral care, moral direction of the Church, and God’s transforming power for the living of their lives and the ordering of relationships. We commit ourselves to listen to the experience of homosexual persons and we wish to assure them that they are loved by God and that all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ.11
  2. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that homosexuality is a sin that, if participated in, will cause one to be an unfaithful member of the Lord’s church. God has offered the final word on this subject, and we must listen to Him only (Leviticus 18:22; 20:12-13; Romans 1: 26-29; 1 Corinthians 6:9ff.).
8. Saints and animals:
  1. One of the more interesting “saint’s days” observed by the Episcopal Church is Pet’s Day. Pet’s Day (October 4) is in honor of St. Francis of Assisi (who apparently was a real pet lover). His dying words are supposed to have been, "I have sinned against my brother the ass." On Pet’s Day, Episcopalians may bring their animals to be blessed by the priest, who then offers a prayer (with included instructions) such as the following:
    The blessing is usually done with the sprinkling of water over the animal and the owner.
    "Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen."12
  2. There are no passages in the Bible that authorize naming a day after such a person as a “saint.” Nor is there any authority for the spiritual blessing of any type of animal. Such spiritual matters as God’s blessings are reserved for those with an immortal soul (unlike animals, which cease to exist after they die, Ecclesiastes 3:21).
How to Convert Episcopalians
1. Help them see when the church began (Acts 2:47), Who started the church (Matthew 16: 18), where the church began (Isaiah 2:1-2; Acts 2), and how the church began (Acts 20:28).
2. Help them see that the Bible is the only source of religious authority for humankind (1 Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 22:18-19; Leviticus 10:1-2; Proverbs 30:6).
3. Help them see that human tradition has always led to people being lost (Matthew 15:7-9; 2 Kings 5).
4. Help them see the necessary steps in the plan of salvation (John 3:5; Luke 13:3; Romans 10:10; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16).
5. Help them see how the church of the New Testament worshiped and how first-century worship differs from their worship today (John 4:24; Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Ephesians 5:19).

Study Questions

It is evident from history that this denomination’s origin is stained with sin and impure motives. Discuss King Henry VIII and his motives for beginning the Episcopal church. What other religious men started groups out of impure motives?
Discuss the difference between the head of the Episcopal religion and the New Testament church. What passages teach Jesus is still head of the church?
What is wrong with Scripture, reason, and tradition being the authority for the church? Is human reasoning infallible? What about tradition? See Matthew 15:7-9.
Do we need other books like the Nicene Creed, Apostles’ Creed, or a Common Book of Prayer to be right with God?
What is wrong with the hierarchy of the Episcopal religion?
List passages that teach man does have a free will and must make his own choice to be saved.
Is man born with a natural tendency toward sin (born wanting to commit sin)?
Where is the only time in the Scriptures that "faith only" is mentioned? What does that text say?
Can a person be a full member of the body of Christ and be in a homosexual relationship?
Do you believe such mundane religious holidays like Pet’s Day illustrate just how far some people will go in religion to make themselves happy? Can you think of other ways that people are making "merchandise" out of religion today?
What things could you mention when studying with an Episcopalian to help them see the truth?

References

1As quoted from online: (http://www.gospelcenterchurch.org/EpiscopalChurch.html), retrieved March 1, 2006 , as quoted from online: (http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/episcopal_church_exposed.htm), retrieved March 25, 2014 .
2Online: (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/content/may-23-0), retrieved March 25, 2014 .
3Online: (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/content/july-11-0), retrieved March 25, 2014 .
4Online: (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/content/january-15-0), retrieved March 25, 2014 .
5Online: (http://anglicansonline.org/communion/index.html), retrieved March 27, 2014 .
6From a conversation with Ernie Madden of St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Ardmore, Oklahoma ( September 20, 2005 ).
7Online: (http://anglicansonline.org/basics/thirty-nine_articles.html), retrieved March 1, 2006 .
8Ibid.
9Ibid.
10Ibid.
11Online: (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_41254_ENG_HTM.htm), retrieved March 1, 2006 .
12Online: (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sites/default/files/st_francis_day_resources.pdf), retrieved March 27, 2014 .

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The Gospel of Christ

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Joey Ferrell 8/8/17 Joey Ferrell 8/8/17

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #6 - The Presbyterian Religion

History of the Presbyterian Religion
1. When did this movement start? 1535–1560
2. Where did it start? It began in Germany under the thinking of John Calvin and was later moved to Switzerland where it became the state religion under John Knox.
3. Where is their official headquarters?
  1. Presbyterian Church (USA), Louisville, Kentucky.
  2. Presbyterian Church of America, Atlanta, Georgia.
  3. (Originally, the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church were at Westminster in London, England.)
4. Who founded this movement? John Calvin (1533) and John Knox (1560).
5. What is their authority? An appeal is made to the Scriptures as their authority. However, one also must acknowledge the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechism to be a faithful Presbyterian.
6. Why did this new denomination start? The Presbyterian denomination had its roots in the revolt against Catholicism. The Presbyterian Church (USA) states:
  Martin Luther, a German priest and professor, started the movement known as the Protestant Reformation when he posted a list of 95 grievances against the Roman Catholic Church on a church door in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517. Some 20 years later, a French/Swiss theologian, John Calvin, further refined the reformers’ new way of thinking about the nature of God and God’s relationship with humanity in what came to be known as Reformed theology. John Knox, a Scotsman who studied with Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland, took Calvin’s teachings back to Scotland. Other Reformed communities developed in England, Holland and France. The Presbyterian Church traces its ancestry back primarily to Scotland and England.1
The Five Fundamental Teachings of John Calvin’s T.U.L.I.P.
1. Most modern denominations today incorporate some, if not all, of what has come to be known as the “T.U.L.I.P.” of Calvinism. Let’s notice what these five doctrines are and what God says about them.
2. Total Depravity – Adam and Eve caused all of us to be born with sin automatically on our records and with an absolute inability to even respond to God of our own free will:
  Our first parents … fell from the estate of innocency wherein they were created. … [A]ll mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in that first transgression. … The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consisteth in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, … which is commonly called original sin, and from which do proceed all actual transgressions. … Original sin is conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity by natural generation, so as all that proceed from them in that way are conceived and born in sin. … [W]e are by nature children of wrath, bond slaves to Satan, and justly liable to all punishments in this world, and that which is to come.2
  Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom, and power to will and to do that which was good and well pleasing to God … [but,] by his fall into a state of sin, has wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation: so as, a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.3
  1. Scriptures offered in support of this doctrine: Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 13:23; John 6:44; Romans 3:10-11; Ephesians 2:3; Psalm 51:5
  2. Scriptures that refute total depravity: Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Ezekiel 28:15; John 1:29; Hebrews 4:15; Deuteronomy 1:34-39; Romans 9:11; Jeremiah 19:2-6; Isaiah 7:15-16
3. Unconditional Election/Predestination – "By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestined to life, and others foreordained to everlasting death. These angels and men, thus predestined and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed: And their number is so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or decreased."4
  1. Scriptures offered in support of this doctrine: Romans 9:16; Ephesians 1:4; John 1:13; Exodus 33:19
  2. Scriptures that refute this doctrine: Joshua 24:15; Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 2:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Acts 2:38-39; Mark 16:15-16
4. Limited Atonement – John Calvin taught that atonement was sufficient for all but efficient only for the elect.5 Thus, Jesus died for all men, but in reality, His death will be able to save only a few.
  1. Scriptures offered in support of this doctrine: John 10:14-15; 17:9; Ephesians 5:25
  2. Scriptures that refute this doctrine: 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 7:13-14; Titus 2: 11; 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 2:9
5. Irresistible Grace – "This effectual call is of God’s free and special grace alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man, who is altogether passive therein, until, being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it."6
  1. Scriptures offered in support of this doctrine: John 6:37, 39, 44-45, 65; Romans 8:28-30
  2. Scriptures that refute this doctrine (which nullifies the need for any evangelism): Titus 2:11; Acts 6:10; 7:51-55; Revelation 22:17; Matthew 11:28
6. Perseverance of the Saints/Once Saved, Always Saved – "They, whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved."7 Bill Foster, Baptist preacher in Louisville, Kentucky, made this comment: "If I killed my wife and mother and debauched a thousand women I couldn’t go to hell – in fact, I couldn’t go to hell if I wanted to."8
  1. Scriptures offered in support of this doctrine: John 5:24; 6:37; Jude 24; Romans 8:31-37; Romans 11:29
  2. Scriptures that refute this doctrine: Galatians 5:4; Acts 8:20; Hebrews 6:1-12; Revelation 3:4-5; 1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Peter 2:20; Hebrews 3:12-14
Errors that the Presbyterian Denomination Advocates
1. Presbyterians are “open-minded” on abortion.
  1. The latest major statement on abortion by a Presbyterian General Assembly came in 1992. Here is an excerpt from that position statement:
    There is [both] agreement and disagreement on the basic issue of abortion. The committee [on problem pregnancies and abortion] agreed that there are no biblical texts that speak expressly to the topic of abortion, but that taken in their totality the Holy Scriptures are filled with messages that advocate respect for the woman and child before and after birth. Therefore the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) encourages an atmosphere of open debate and mutual respect for a variety of opinions concerning the issues related to problem pregnancies and abortion.9
  2. The Scriptures are clear on the sinful nature of abortion (Amos 1:13; Jeremiah 1:5; Exodus 21:22-25; Proverbs 6:17).
2. The Presbyterian religion believes that we should not prohibit the use of alcohol.
  1. In 1986, the reunited church adopted the following statement: "The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) does not advocate the prohibition of alcohol, a policy which would appear to attribute the entire problem to alcohol itself. Responsible and non-problematic uses of alcohol have been part of human experience and the Judeo-Christian heritage since the beginning of recorded history."10
  2. The Bible teaches that Christians should abstain from the use of alcohol except for medical purposes (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22; Proverbs 30:4-5; 1 Peter 5:8).
3. Presbyterians are opposed to the death penalty.
  1. In 1978, the General Assembly went on record as saying, "Capital punishment is an expression of vengeance which contradicts the justice of God on the cross."11
  2. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that the government has the God-given right to take the lives of evil people (Romans 13:1-8; Ecclesiastes 8:11).
4. The Presbyterian denomination uses instrumental music in worship, even though John Calvin condemned it.
  1. Calvin stated, "the Papists, as I shall have occasion to show elsewhere, in employing instrumental music cannot be said so much to imitate the practice of God’s ancient people as to ape it in a senseless and absurd manner, exhibiting a silly delight in that worship of the Old Testament which was figurative and terminated with the gospel."12
  2. In the New Testament, singing is always seen without the accompaniment of instruments of music (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:15).

Study Questions

Compare the origin of the Presbyterian denomination with the origin of the New Testament church. Do the two match?
What roles did Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox play in founding this denomination?
The five main teachings of Calvinism are often associated with the acrostic TULIP. List what doctrine each letter of that acrostic represents.
Total depravity teaches that man is born in sin and is evil from birth. What Scriptures refute this false doctrine?
The doctrine of unconditional election teaches that some people are foreordained to be saved and some to be lost. What does this doctrine suggest about the nature of God?
If Jesus died for all, but is only able to save a few, is the power of Christ’s sacrifice limited by the doctrine of Limited Atonement?
The doctrine of Irresistible Grace teaches that the Spirit of God must do something to a person before he is able to receive God’s grace. Much of the Pentecostal world has capitalized on this doctrine. What passages refute the doctrine of Irresistible Grace?
Prove from Scripture that Once Saved, Always Saved is not true.
Presbyterians state that there are no clear passages on the topic of abortion. Prove this point false from Scripture.
On moral issues like alcohol and the death penalty, Presbyterians have failed to say what God says. What Scriptures teach these practices are sinful?
What did John Calvin say about Instrumental Music?

References

1Online: (http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/101/history/), retrieved April 2, 2014 .
2Online: (http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/WLC_001-050.html), retrieved April 2, 2014 .
3Online: (http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/index.html?body=/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_IX.html), retrieved April 2, 2014 .
4Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter III, pp. 1-7.
5Lingle, Walter L., Presbyterians: Their History and Beliefs (John Knox Press, March 7, 1944 ), p. 41.
6Westminster Confession of Faith, Article 10.2, Online: (http://www.opc.org/wcf.html).
7Ibid., Article 17.1.
8Bill Foster, The Weekly Worker ( March 12, 1959 ).
9Online: (http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/101/abortion-issues/), retrieved April 3, 2014 .
10Online: (http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/101/alcohol/), retrieved April 3, 2014 .
11Online: (http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/101/capital-punishment/), retrieved April 3, 2014 .
12Calvin’s Comments on Ps. xcii. 1. Online: (http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/instcalv.htm).

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The Gospel of Christ

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Joey Ferrell 8/8/17 Joey Ferrell 8/8/17

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 2) - Lesson #6 - The Cowboy Church

History of the Cowboy Church
1. What is the Cowboy Church? Each cowboy church has the following similarities in common: They generally are surrounded by a cowboy statue, along with a barn-like church building (often referred to as “the barn of the Lord”), a roping/riding arena, and a cattle tank for a baptistery. While they are ecumenical in nature, they generally are Baptist-like in doctrine. The Silverado Cowboy Church in Weatherford, Texas, which is one of the largest cowboy churches in the United States, has a statement of faith that says, “Our statement is ‘Silverado Cowboy Church where Jesus is the King of Cowboys and everyone is welcome.’” 1 The Cowboy Church Network further says, “Our Purpose is to impact the Cowboy culture with the Gospel of Jesus by planting Cowboy churches in every county.” 2
2. When did this group start? The Cowboy Church began in the late 1980s.
3. Where did it start? It depends on whom you ask. It started in one of two possible locales—either Billy Bob’s, Texas, or Nashville, Tennessee. 3

Who started the Cowboy church? Once again, it depends on whom you ask. There are two possible founders—either Johnny Cash’s sister (Joanne Cash Yates, who is also an “ordained minister” at the Nashville Cowboy Church) or Jeff and Sherry Copenhaver (who, some suggest, began the first Cowboy Church in the bull-riding arena at Billy Bob’s, Texas, in January 1986). 4
Where is their headquarters? If they had one, it would be in Nashville, Tennessee.
What would a cowboy church be like? The [Nashville] Tennesseean (newspaper) has described the Nashville Cowboy Church as a place where

…honky-tonk and the Holy Spirit collide. Here, a live country band provides music, crooning twangy gospel tunes. The pastor dresses in a cowboy hat, boots, and string tie. And a giant neon-lit jukebox—rather than a cross—hovers behind the stage. It’s how this non-denominational church reaches out to Nashville’s tourists and entertainers, who too often are overlooked by traditional churches, said founders Harry Yates and Joanne Cash Yates, sister to country music’s Johnny Cash. 5

What is their authority? The Bible—as long as it paints Jesus, worship, and Christianity in a cowboy-type atmosphere. Jesus is viewed as being similar to John Wayne, and the disciples are seen as those who might have been a part of the original James’ Gang.

Examining the Cowboy Church Doctrines
1. The doctrine of salvation in the Cowboy Church is much like that of the Baptists’. Those in the Cowboy Church believe that salvation comes through faith alone. The Silverado Cowboy Church says, “Salvation of man comes only from accepting Jesus as Savior and being spiritually born again (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10; John 3:16).” 6 The Cowboy church has a skewed view of the purpose of baptism, which is seen as something to which believers submit merely “to keep the commands of God.” The view of those in the Cowboy Church is, “We believe that, after accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, one needs to be obedient to scripture and be water baptized (Matthew 28:19).” 7

There is more to salvation found in Scripture than “just belief” (Titus 3:5; Romans 5:1-4; Ephesians 2:8-10; Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3). The only passage in the Bible that mentions “faith only” (James 2:24) states specifically that it will not save us.

Most Cowboy churches believe that Holy Ghost baptism is still available today. For example, the Nashville Cowboy Church says, “The baptism with the Holy Ghost is an experience subsequent to conversion, bringing spiritual power for Christian service (Acts 2:4).” 8

What do the Scriptures teach about Holy Spirit Baptism (Acts 2 and Acts 10)? What was the purpose of Holy Spirit baptism? Does it exist today (1 Corinthians 13:7-10)?

The Cowboy church is heavily influenced by “the doctrine of divine healings.” The Silverado Cowboy church says, “The gifts of the Holy Spirit for today are the same as in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12-14).” 9 The Nashville Cowboy Church also believes in “the privilege of receiving divine healing for the body in answer to believing prayer (James 5: 14-16).” 10

We do not have the gifts of the Holy Spirit today as Christians did in the first century (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; James 1:25; Acts 2). While we do believe in the power of prayer, we do not find evidence for divine (i.e., miraculous) healing today (James 5:13-16).

The Cowboy Church adheres to a doctrine that might be called the “health and wealth gospel.” One of their tenets of faith is “Total Prosperity (John 10:10)—Spiritual; Mental; Health; Financial.” 11

Study Questions on the Cowboy Church

The motto of the cowboy church is to affect the cowboy culture with the gospel of Jesus. While all cultures need the gospel of Christ, is there any authority to adapt the gospel to certain cultural nuances to reach the lost?

Isn’t it odd that this group started outside of one of the biggest honky-tonk bars in Texas? What does this suggest?

What Country Music singer began this group?

Do you believe that the statement where “honky-tonk and the Holy Spirit collide” is irreverent? What does that statement imply about this group?

What does the Cowboy Church teach about salvation? Compare this with what the New Testament teaches.

Do you see Baptist overtones in their doctrine?

Who was the Baptism of the Holy Ghost for? What did it symbolize in Acts 2 & Acts 10?

Do divine healings exist today? What does 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 teach about the miraculous?

What is meant by the doctrine of Total Prosperity? Does Jesus promise us spiritual, mental, physical, and financial prosperity when we obey the gospel?

Is it prejudice/racist to change the gospel to fit one certain race or genre of people? Who did Jesus say the gospel is for?

References

1 Homepage of the Silverado Cowboy Church: http://silveradocowboychurch.org/.

2 Homepage of the Cowboy Church Network: http://www.cowboycn.org/.

3 http://www.acfnewsource.org/cgi-bin/printer.cgi?146.

4 http://newfrontierchurch.com/.

5 http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050918/FYI11/509180310/1268/FYI.

6 http://silveradocowboychurch.org/about.htm.

7 http://www.cowboychurch.com/vision.html.

8 http://nashvillecowboychurch.org/design/pages/webelieve.htm.

9 http://silveradocowboychurch.org/about.htm.

10 http://nashvillecowboychurch.org/design/pages/webelieve.htm.

11 http://silveradocowboychurch.org/about.htm.

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This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Joey Ferrell 8/7/17 Joey Ferrell 8/7/17

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 2) - Lesson #3 - The Assembly of God (Pentecostal) Religion

History of the Assembly of God/Pentecostal Denomination
1. When did the denomination start? New Year’s Eve Night, 1900
2. Where did this movement start? The Assembly of God official statement of their history says, "The beginning of the modern Pentecostal revival is traced to a prayer meeting on January 1, 1901. Most researchers agree it was at Bethel Bible College in Topeka, Kansas."1
3. How did this movement start? In his book, Modern Churches and the Church, J. Porter Wilhite records:
  In Topeka, Kansas, a band of earnest hungry-hearted Christian people, being hungry for more of God, called a fast that lasted twenty-one days. During this time they prayed earnestly for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which to their joyful surprise came at midnight on New Year’s Eve 1900 .2
4. Who founded the Pentecostal denomination? There is no single person’s name attached to the beginnings of this movement. The history of the Assembly of God religion records the founders as about 300 preachers and “laymen” from about 20 different states.3
5. Where is the headquarters of the Assembly of God/Pentecostal religion? The official headquarters is located at 1445 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, Missouri65802-1894.4
6. Who is the head of the Pentecostal denomination? The Pentecostal religion does not have one person who rules the assemblies. However, it does have a type of democratic organization that is quite foreign to the Bible. There is an Executive Presbytery, a General Presbytery, and a General Council that decides on matters related to the church. The by-laws of the Assembly of God of religion state:
  The Executive Presbytery shall consist of the general superintendent, the assistant general superintendent, the general secretary, the general treasurer, the executive director of Assemblies of God World Missions, the executive director of Assemblies of God U.S. Missions, together with 14 other persons to bring the number to 20. The terms of office for all members of the Executive Presbytery shall begin 60 days after date of election and shall continue for 4 years or until their successors qualify.5
7. What is their authority? The Bible and any revelation they allegedly receive through the baptism of the Holy Spirit that is deemed to be in accord with the rest of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecostal Tenets Examined Scripturally
1. One doctrine that sets Pentecostals apart from many other religious groups is their belief that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is available for people today. The position of the Assemblies of God is clearly stated in Article V of their Fundamental Statements of Truth:
  All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church.6
  The following passages are offered in support of this doctrine:
  1. Acts 1:15ff.; Acts 2:1ff. – Pentecostals believe that the combination of these verses proves that the 120 – not just the 12 apostles – received Holy Spirit baptism. Therefore, we, too, can receive it today.
  2. Joel 2:28 – This verse is often used to assert that everyone will receive Holy Spirit baptism.
  3. Acts 10:1ff. – This passage is used to affirm that all will receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, just as Cornelius and his household did.
  4. Titus 3:5 – Pentecostals use this verse to teach that one must be baptized in the Holy Spirit – not just water.
  5. Matthew 3:11 – Pentecostals believe that the "baptism of Holy Spirit and fire" represents the baptism of the Holy Spirit for all believers (Acts 2:1ff.).
2. Do these passages teach that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for us today?
  1. To prove that only the 12 apostles (not the 120 others) were baptized in the Holy Spirit, we need look no further than Acts 1:13 and Acts 2:43. A proper understanding of the word "flesh" shows that it was only the apostles who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The word flesh in this context means, "all men, all humanity (or, both Jew and Gentile alike)." This promise found its fulfillment in Acts 2 (Jew) and Acts 10 (Gentile).
  2. The washing of regeneration cannot be the baptism of the Holy Spirit because the Greek words will not permit such an interpretation. The Greek word for washing is loutron, which literally means "a bath or laver." The word for regeneration literally means "new birth, or to be born again." Pentecostals themselves admit that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is separate from the new birth.
  3. To understand Matthew 3:11-12, one must remember that the baptism of the Holy Spirit did come to pass as promised in Acts 2 and 10. Also, in Matthew 3:12, John affirmed that the baptism of fire is Hell (Matthew 25:31ff.).
3. The practice of modern-day miracles is one of the major tenets of Pentecostalism.
  The Assemblies of God believes unequivocally that God still performs miracles today. This conviction grows out of a firm belief that the miracles recorded in the Bible were historical events – not myths or folk stories. There is no indication in Scripture that miracles have ceased or will cease in the present world order. Because there are confirmed instances of miracles happening today, we must conclude with certainty that God still performs miracles. Jesus Christ, the greatest worker of miracles, is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).7
  1. Hebrews 13:8 – Pentecostals posit that since Jesus has not changed, why should the ability to do miracles have changed/ended?
  2. Matthews 18:20 – The Assemblies of God claim that since Jesus is still with us today, we can still do miracles.
  3. Mark 16:17 – The claim is that Jesus gave us this gift in the Book of Mark.
4. Do these passages teach that we today still have modern-day miracles?
  1. The purpose of Hebrews 13 is to assure Christians that Jesus and His promises cannot be removed by external circumstances. Nowhere in the context of Hebrews 13 are miracles under discussion.
  2. To understand Mark 16:17, we need to look at the immediate context. In context, we learn the purpose of miracles was to confirm the Word (Mark 16:20). Miracles were not used simply to heal people’s diseases. Paul, a man who was able to heal diseases, left Trophimus at Miletus sick (2 Timothy 4:20). Why did he not heal him? It had to do with the fact that miracles were not for personal gratification. Do we need the Word confirmed by miracles today? Or, is the Word of God self-confirming?
  3. Also, the New Testament clearly teaches that miracles have ended. In 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, Paul said that prophecy, tongue speaking, and miraculous knowledge would one day vanish away when "that which is perfect" has come. What is "the perfect"? The Greek word for "perfect" does not mean sinless, but rather complete, lacking in nothing, or absolute. Paul is referring to the "perfect law of liberty" – the Bible (James 1:25, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). In light of 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, we can prove that Pentecostal “healings” are not legitimate.
5. Another teaching of those in the Assemblies of God is that speaking in tongues still exists. They believe that a manifestation of the Holy Spirit for us today is the ability to speak in some “heavenly language” with which the Spirit imbues you. Pentecostals support this doctrine by saying:
  First let us examine the Scriptures. On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit fell upon the assembled believers and "all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues" (Acts 2:4). Later, as Peter was preaching at the house of Cornelius, "the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message" and they were "speaking in tongues and praising God" (Acts 10:44, 46). Again, as the apostle Paul was ministering to the Ephesian disciples, "the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied" (Acts 19:6). It is evident also that Paul himself was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17) and spoke in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18). These Scriptures clearly show that speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit.8
6. What do the Scriptures really teach about speaking in tongues?
  1. First, we must understand that tongue-speaking is simply having the ability to speak in another language without having studied that language (Acts 2:5-12; 1 Corinthians 14:10-11).
  2. To prophesy/preach is of greater value to others than tongue-speaking (1 Corinthians 14:1-5).
  3. Tongues must be interpreted in order to be of any value (1 Corinthians 14:6-19).
  4. Tongues are for believers – not unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:20-25).
  5. Tongue-speaking was intended to last for a limited time (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).
  6. Remember that Pentecostals affirm that the sign of the filling/baptism of the Holy Spirit is the ability to speak in tongues.9 If we can show just one example of someone who was filled with the Holy Spirit yet never performed miracles, then this theory can be proved to be false. That one example is John the Immerser (Luke 1:15; John 10:41).
How to Convert a Pentecostal
1. To convert a member of the Pentecostal religion, you must convince them that obeying the Gospel is an intellectual decision first and an emotional decision last (Acts 23:1; John 4:24; 8:32).
2. You must take great pains to teach Pentecostals about the Holy Spirit and His workings in the New Testament (Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4).
3. You also must teach Pentecostals that we are not in the age of miracles today (1 Corinthians 13:8-13; James 1:25).
4. You might start somewhere simple and show them the full plan of salvation and the nature of the church (Acts 18:8; Matthew 16:13-18).

Study Questions

Did the Pentecostal denomination start on Pentecost in Acts 2?
Did this denomination begin with a heavy emphasis upon emotion?
Did this denomination begin in Jerusalem in the first century?
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a major tenet of the Assemblies of God. What do the Scriptures teach about the Baptism of the Hoy Spirit? Is this available for Christians today?
This denomination states that there is no indication in Scripture that miracles have ceased. What passages do teach that miracles have ceased?
What was the purpose of miracles in the New Testament? Do we still need miracles to accomplish that purpose today?
In the first century, was tongue-speaking a “heavenly language”? What was the purpose of tongue-speaking?
Must there be an interpreter for tongue-speaking to be of any value? Do Pentecostals put an emphasis on the interpreting of the tongues as much as they do the speaking in tongues?
Does Paul say that if there is no interpreter one should not speak in tongues?
Pentecostals claim that speaking in tongues is a sign that one has been filled with the Holy Spirit. What one biblical example proves this false?
Does emotion have a part in religion? What part should it play?

References

1Online: (http://www.pe.ag.org/articles/4457/who_we_are.cfm), retrieved June 24, 2014 .
2Wilhite, J. Porter, Modern Churches and the Church (The Manner Company, Fort Worth, TX, 1956 ), p. 205.
3Online: (http://www.pe.ag.org/articles/4457/who_we_are.cfm), retrieved June 24, 2014 .
4Online: (http://ag.org/top/contact.cfm), retrieved June 24, 2014 .
5Constitution and Bylaws of The General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America and Selected Territories in Constitution of The General Council of the Assemblies of God ( 2013 ed.), Article IX, Section 2, paragraph a.
6Ibid., Article V, Section 7.
7Online: (http://www.ag.org/top/beliefs/gendoct_20_miracles.cfm).
8Online: (http://www.ag.org/top/beliefs/baptmhs_faq_tongues.cfm#withoutspeaking).
9Ibid. Pentecostals boldly proclaim this connection, saying, "There are those who give testimony to a dynamic and life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit who have never spoken in tongues. Nevertheless it cannot be said that they are filled with the Spirit in the New Testament sense of the term. There is an essential link between that experience and speaking in other tongues."

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This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Joey Ferrell 8/7/17 Joey Ferrell 8/7/17

Is Giftedness or A "Calling To Ministry" A Valid Reason To Lay Aside 1 Timothy 2:11,12?

We ought always to be thankful and grateful to God for allowing us to have and develop our abilities and skills to be used in the glorious kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13). Jesus taught us about using our “talents” wisely and effectively (the original context refers to a weight of currency used in the ancient times for investments, but the principle can be applied to abilities as well, Matthew 25:14-29). A simple application of this parable can be made: if we do not use it (our skills), we may lose it.

No.

Women and men have important God-given roles to fulfill in the kingdom of God. Some women claim that they have been given a direct gift from God for speaking/teaching in an authoritative position and that this so-called direct “calling” from God must be utilized in Jesus’ church. [For more information, please consult our question: "Why Is The Direct Operation of the Holy Spirit A False Doctrine?"]. Are they to be denied for what is held so strongly in their hearts?

First, we must recognize that our sole source of authority is the word of God (Colossians 3:17). We must have a “thus says the Lord.” We can so easily deceive ourselves by appealing to our emotions rather than listening to the word of God (Jeremiah 10:23). Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” When Eve was tempted, she placed the focus on herself instead of the word of God (Genesis 3:1-6). She drew herself away from what God said and listened to the deception of the serpent. Such tragic missteps have taken place ever since the Garden of Eden.

Second, we must use our gifts in the right function and in accordance to God's will (Matthew 6:33). We do not have the right to use our talents in whatever way we please. If we want to please our heavenly Father, we will only allow our talents to be used to His glory as He wills and not for shame and dishonor (John 6:38). Women who decide to lay aside the commandment of 1 Timothy 2:11,12 (that has been in place since creation) and seek to assume authoritative positions in the spiritual realm that would circumvent the authority of men are in actuality circumventing the authority of Jesus Christ. They would no longer be considered friends of Jesus nor would Jesus regard them as genuinely loving Him (John 14:15; 15:14; 2 John 1:9-11).

Making such emotional and unbiblical decisions does not apply solely to the role of women who wish to assume an authoritative, religious position. For example, a Christian man may have all the qualifications that would lead him to obtain a work in the eldership (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Let us assume in this example that he lacks only one qualification: he does not have any faithful children. Yet he and the congregation decide to appoint him because he and the church believe they would be better off if they had elders. Is this right? Absolutely not. Just because a man is qualified in every way, with only one exception, does not permit him to assume the role of an elder nor does is permit the church to appoint him as such.

God designed the roles of men and women through His glorious wisdom and we ought to honor God’s wisdom in faith - even if we do not fully understand His determination or reasoning. We must accept it because it is based on His love, will, word and law (Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 11:2-16; 14:34,35; 1 Timothy 2:8-15). God desires a loyal and honest heart that is willing to place himself under His reign so that He will be glorified in all things. Let us keep on using our talents in the right manner to spread the borders of the kingdom. If we are faithful to Him in all things, He will reward us.

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Joey Ferrell 8/7/17 Joey Ferrell 8/7/17

Is The Church Being Referred To As The Kingdom In Luke 21:31?

As a Christian is diligent in rightly dividing the word of truth, he must understand how a word is used in its immediate context (2 Timothy 2:15). One of the mistakes commonly made is assuming that a word always has the same meaning in every context. Such is the case with the word “kingdom.”

No.

While it is true that the church is sometimes referred to as the kingdom (Matthew 16:16-18; Colossians 1:13), it must never be assumed that kingdom refers to the church in every case.

The word “kingdom” can also mean“God's reign or sovereignty.” God has always reigned over His creation since the beginning of time (Psalm 95:1-3). He established His throne above the heavens (Psalm 103:19); and it was through Adam and Eve, His vice-regents, (Genesis 1:26,27) and mankind that He set up His dominion over the earth.

When John the Immerser and Jesus proclaimed that the kingdom of God was near (Mark 1:15), they were especially putting emphasis on the fact thatGod's reign through the Messiah was about to take place. God the Father was giving His Son, Jesus Christ, to reign at His right hand. Every single person is amenable to the King of kings, but unfortunately, many rebel against God and choose not to allow His will to be a guide and to dwell in their lives (Luke 19:11-27). Therefore, the kingdom (or reign) of God does not have dominion in their heart.

After His ascension to heaven, Jesus began His reign at the right hand of God (Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 1:1,2). When the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 occurred, it served as an additional sign that Jesus was reigning as King. Therefore, Luke 21:31 refers to Jesus exercising a powerful display of authority and judgment as King by utilizing His providential rule through the Roman armies in destroying the physical city of Jerusalem (which sheds further light of the proper understanding of Luke 21:31). Another way to translate this passage is as follows: "the reign of God is near." People would recognize the awesome power of this King! The overthrowing of this Jewish nation is further proof of Who was in charge!

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Joey Ferrell 8/7/17 Joey Ferrell 8/7/17

Does Daniel 12:7 Have A Connection To The End-Time Resurrection of Daniel 12:2?

There are some people who are in doctrinal error (known as Covenant Eschatologists) who assert that Daniel 12:2 and Daniel 12:7 support their false idea that the final "resurrection" occurred in A.D. 70. Daniel 12:7 states: "And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished."

No.

The “holy people” in this verse refers to the Old Testament Jews (as will be shown soon). However, these false teachers state that when the power of the holy people comes to an end would be finalized by the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, then all these things (including the resurrection of verse two) would be finished. We will show this to be false for several reasons.

First, Daniel 10-12 is one large section of text. It can be broken down into three parts:
(1) Daniel 10:1 - 11:1, Daniel saw a vision of a heavenly figure.
(2) Daniel 11:2 - 12:3, Daniel heard a word of revelation about the future.
(3) Daniel 12:4-13, Daniel received final instructions and encouragement. These three parts help us think about Daniel 12:2 and Daniel 12:7 in their respective sections. Daniel 12:7 is not including Daniel 12:2 when it states “all these things shall be finished” (as will be shown below).
Second, Daniel 12:2 is the last part of the revelation Daniel receives. Jesus alludes to the end-time resurrection in John 5:28-29 and locates it at the point of final resurrection when all the dead (both righteous and wicked) will be raised and judged. Daniel 12:7 is a reference to a prophecy about the future suffering of God's people (from Daniel's perspective) who were suffering under the persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes and does not necessarily refer to the second return of Christ at all (in keeping with the respective sections of the text).
Third, Daniel 12:7a states: “Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time.” Daniel learns that the events comprising Daniel 11:2ff. will be "for a time, times, and half a time” - this plays on the word "time" (where 3 ½ years sometimes is used). Earlier in Daniel 7:25, the saints will suffer for that period of time too, suggesting that the language of "time, times, and half a time" is a reference to a temporary period of suffering (3 ½ is half of the number 7 and usually refers to an action that is imperfect, incomplete, or temporary). This is a figurative number (cf. Revelation 12:14) that stands for a short indefinite period of time that will be full of distress and persecution. It will not last forever - which gives a ring of hope to those who are trying to survive through these hard times.Epiphanes' persecution did not last forever.
Notice Daniel 12:8-12: “Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?” [Notice Daniel's question. He still wants to know more. Now take note to the angel's answer.] And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.”
The angel is referring back to what is going to happen during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
It was during the time of the Maccabees and the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes that the Jews needed to consult the book of Daniel to recognize that they needed to be faithful to God. Those who were faithful would be purified, made white, and refined. Those who kept on committing sin would not consider the information in the book of Daniel because they were foolish and refuse to listen to the word of God.
“And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”
Antiochus IV's decree to abolish the burnt offerings was issued on what would be according to our calendar May 25, 168 B.C. The burnt offerings were resumed on December 25, 165 B.C. That would cover what would be known as “the times, time, and half a time”.
To what does the time reference concerning 1,335 days refer? It could be referencing forty-five days after the rededication of the temple, or it could refer to the completion of a protective wall built around the temple to protect it against further attempts to defile it, or it could possibly signify the death of Antiochus IV.
“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”
We see a subtle hint in this prophecy, namely, that Daniel 12:1,2 is referring to more than just a figurative resurrection that would occur during the time of Antiochus Epiphanes. It is also referring to the physical resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked that will take place at the end of time when Jesus returns (John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58).
When Daniel dies, his spirit will be separated from his body (James 2:26). Those who are faithful to God will rest in paradise while awaiting the day of judgment (Luke 16:19-31). God states that Daniel will arise and be given an inheritance in the eternal new creation – heaven (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1,2).
In Daniel 12:7b, we also learn that "when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished." So the suffering is of Jews (who were faithful to the Mosaic covenant), and it will come to an end. Daniel 12:7 has in mind the overall prophecy in Daniel 11:2-12:1, which speaks to the future (from Daniel's perspective) suffering of God's people during the Maccabean period, particularly the awful years of 167-164 B.C. when Antiochus IV Epiphanes imposed widespread persecution and martyrdom (Daniel 11:21-45). So Daniel 12:7 was fulfilled when the persecution under Antiochus IV came to an end. The “power” was shattered that was persecuting the Jewish faithful at that time (which has nothing to do with the A.D. 70 destruction of the city of Jerusalem).

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Joey Ferrell 8/7/17 Joey Ferrell 8/7/17

What Is Meant By The Phrase “Better Resurrection”?

Hebrews 11:32-40 states: “And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still, others had a trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”

The remote context of this passage is an encouragement to the first-century Christians to remain faithful and not revert back to the system of the old covenant. Because of the intense persecution, some of the Christians were abandoning the assemblies of the church of Christ and returning back to their old religious system. The physical temple in Jerusalem was still standing, animal sacrifices were still being offered and everything seemed peaceful and well. These Christians were encouraged to endure like their Old Testament counterparts who persevered through trials by holding strong by maintaining faith in God and His new and better covenant. Some of these Old Testament children of God chose torture over deliverance “that they might obtain a better resurrection.” What does “a better resurrection” mean?

Let us observe the immediate, surrounding context: In Hebrews 11:35, the writer states: “Women received their dead raised to life again.” These are Old Testament allusions to the accounts of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath's son (1 Kings 17:17-24) and Elisha and the Shunammite woman's son (2 Kings 4:18-37). This woman had put her faith in the God of heaven because she knew Elijah was a prophet (1 Kings 17:24). The woman in Elisha's time also had faith because she brought her dead son to the prophet and believed that something could be done about it.
We know by implication that these sons of the widows would physically die again. Even though they both had been resurrected from the dead, they would die again. How is it that there will be a “better resurrection” for those who died, were resurrected from the dead, then died again and also for those mentioned in the same verse who were tortured?
They would obtain a better resurrection because they would never die physically again. Physical death, the last enemy, would finally be ultimately conquered on the last day (John 5:28,29; 1 Corinthians 15:54,55).
The boys of the widows were raised in the same bodies from which they had departed. In the “better resurrection” those of all the ages who are raised from the dead will be raised in the same body from which they departed, but that physical body will be transformed (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). It will be different and “better” (1 Corinthians 15:50,51; 1 John 3:1). That is why it is a better resurrection.
NOTE: This better resurrection of Hebrews 11:35 has some connection to the raising of the physical body. The immediate context shows that this is a physical resurrection of physical bodies back to life - “women received their dead raised to life again.” This proves the covenant eschatology doctrine is false. One of the main tenets of covenant eschatology is that there will be no physical bodies raised in the future of both the righteous and the wicked.

Major Premise: If the resurrections of Hebrews 11:35 are physical resurrections and will bring about a “better resurrection” (which is a connection to the physical dead bodies), then the covenant eschatology system is false.

Minor Premise: The resurrections of Hebrews 11:35 are physical resurrections that will bring about a “better resurrection” (which is a connection to the physical dead bodies).

Conclusion: Therefore, the covenant eschatology system is false.

The premises are valid and are based upon the evidence weighed above. Therefore, it is a sound argument.

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Joey Ferrell 8/6/17 Joey Ferrell 8/6/17

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 2) - Lesson #2 - The Unitarian Universalist Religion

History of the Unitarian Universalists Association (UUA) Denomination
1. What is the Unitarian Universalists Church? Here is how its official website describes them:
  Our history has carried us from liberal Christian views about Jesus and human nature to a rich pluralism that includes theist and atheist, agnostic and humanist, pagan, Christian, Jew, and Buddhist.1
  Unitarian Universalist members say:2
  "I want a religion that respects the differences between people and affirms every person as an individual."
  "I want a church that values children, that welcomes them on their own terms – a church they are eager to attend on Sunday morning."
  "I want a congregation that cherishes freedom and encourages open dialogue on questions of faith, one in which it is okay to change your mind."
  "I want a religious community that affirms spiritual exploration and reason as ways of finding truth."
  "I want a church that acts locally and thinks globally on the great issues of our time – world peace; women's rights; racial justice; homelessness; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights; and protection of the environment."
2. When did this denomination start?
  In 1825 , Six years later [after 1819 ,] the American Unitarian Association was organized in Boston, MA.
  … After officially organizing in 1793 , the Universalists spread their faith across the eastern United States and Canada. …
  By the middle of the twentieth century it became clear that Unitarians and Universalists could have a stronger liberal religious voice if they merged their efforts, and they did so in 1961 , forming the Unitarian Universalist Association.3
3. To understand the Unitarian Universalist church, it is necessary to look at the main tenets of Unitarianism and Universalism before they merged. Their official website reads:
  [Some believers chose] a belief that Jesus was an entity sent by God on a divine mission. Thus the word “Unitarian” developed, meaning the oneness of God. Another religious choice … was universal salvation. This was the belief that no person would be condemned by God to eternal damnation in a fiery pit. Thus a Universalist believed that all people will be saved.
  … Frances David … converted … to Unitarianism because he could find no biblical basis for the doctrine of the Trinity. …
  The Universalists believed in a God who embraced everyone, and this eventually became central to their belief that lasting truth is found in all religions.4
  Some have said that there was only one difference between the two denominations:
  Thomas Starr King, who is credited with defining the difference between Unitarians and Universalists: "Universalists believe that God is too good to damn people, and the Unitarians believe that people are too good to be damned by God."5
4. What set of beliefs composes a Unitarian Universalist? In a survey (not sponsored by the UUA), Unitarian Universalists in the United States were asked which provided a term or set of terms best described their belief. Many respondents chose more than one term to describe their beliefs.6
  The Survey’s Top Choices
  Humanist54%
  Agnostic33%
  Earth-Centered31%
  Atheist18%
  Buddhist16.5%
  Pagan13.1%
  Christian13.1%
5. Where is their headquarters? Boston, Massachusetts7
6. Where did this movement start? North America (in the northeastern United States)8
7. What is their authority? Marta Flanagan, co-minister of one of the largest UUA congregations, notes:
  We believe that personal experience, conscience, and reason should be the final authorities in religion. In the end religious authority lies not in a book, person, or institution, but in ourselves. We put religious insights to the test of our hearts and minds.9
Doctrines of the Unitarian Universalist Church Examined
1. Unitarian Universalists have a skewed view of God.
  1. Concerning Him, they state:
    Some Unitarian Universalists are nontheists and do not find language about God useful. The faith of other Unitarian Universalists in God may be profound, though among these, too, talk of God may be restrained. …
    Whatever our theological persuasion, Unitarian Universalists generally agree that the fruits of religious belief matter more than beliefs about religion – even about God.10
  2. How can you be a “church” that claims to believe in any form of “Christian” religion without having a firm belief in God? A belief in God is essential (Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Psalm 19:1; Philippians 2:5; Matthew 1:21; Romans 1:18-21; Acts 17:30-31).
2. Unitarian Universalists believe that Jesus was a good human being, but not God.
  1. They say:
    Classically, Unitarian Universalist Christians have understood Jesus as a savior because he was a God-filled human being, not a supernatural being. He was, and still is for many UUs, an exemplar, one who has shown the way of redemptive love, in whose spirit anyone may live generously and abundantly. Among us, Jesus’ very human life and teaching have been understood as products of, and in line with, the great Jewish tradition of prophets and teachers. He neither broke with that tradition nor superceded it.11
    The UU church in Nashua, NH, succinctly states, "We do not believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, performed miracles and was resurrected from death."12
  2. Was Jesus merely a “good” human being and prophet? No. Jesus is God in the flesh (Matthew 1:20-21; Philippians 2:5; Mark 9:1ff.; John 20:28; Matthew 27:54; John 10:30).
3. This group takes an irreverent and flippant view toward the Holy Scriptures.
  1. Concerning the Bible they say:
    We do not, however, hold the Bible – or any other account of human experience – to be either an infallible guide or the exclusive source of truth. Much biblical material is mythical or legendary. Not that it should be discarded for that reason! Rather, it should be treasured for what it is. We believe that we should read the Bible as we read other books (or the newspaper) – with imagination and a critical eye.13
  2. The Bible can be proven to be infallible, accurate, and authoritative (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 53; Matthew 27; 2 Peter 1:3; Psalm 119:160; John 12:48; 17:17).
4. Salvation for a Unitarian Universalist is not salvation from sin.
  1. Rather, it is described as a "yearning for, and our experience of, personal growth, increased wisdom, strength of character, and gifts of insight, understanding, inner and outer peace, courage, patience, and compassion. The ways in which these things come to, change, and heal us, are many indeed."14
  2. According to this belief, since everyone is going to Heaven anyway, “salvation” is actually little more than living the best life in the here and now. Jesus’ teaching of salvation is much different than the belief of those in the Unitarian Universalist religion (John 8:24; 14:6; Mark 9:44; Hebrews 9:27; Luke 16:19-31).
5. Unitarian Universalists openly accept homosexuality.
  1. Their "proud history of supporting full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people"15 demonstrably extends to marriages, church leadership, and even curricula taught directly to youth.16
  2. The Bible sternly warns against homosexual activity (Romans 1:26-29; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13).
6. Unitarian Universalists do not believe in life after life.
  1. Their central website vaguely states:
    Two of the big questions religions have sought to answer over the years are: "Why does life exist as we know it?" and "What happens after we die?" Unitarian Universalism won’t promise you ironclad answers to these questions. But we will promise you a community of learning and support in which we are all making meaning of life and death.17
    However, the UU Church in Nashua, NH, offers the following answers:
    Very few UUs believe in a continuing, individualized existence after physical death. Even fewer believe in the physical existence of places called heaven or hell where one goes after dying. We believe immortality manifests itself in the lives of those we affect during our lifetime and in the legacy we leave when we die.18
    Most UUs regard death as the final and total end of our existence. Rather than seeing this in a morbid or despairing sense, we view the finality of death as a compelling reason to live life as fully as possible.19
  2. The belief in Heaven and Hell is a fundamental principle of Christianity (John 5:28-29; 14:1-6; Hebrews 9:27).
7. Unitarian Universalists also believe wholeheartedly in organic evolution.
  1. One can find many articles (and even printed books) by using the UU’s main website’s search tool, but the Nashua, NH, UU Church once again gives a very clear, short question and answer: "Do you believe in the concept of evolution? Yes. We believe that more complex life forms have evolved from less complex life forms."20
  2. Organic evolution and God are incompatible (Genesis 1:1, 31; 2:7; Psalm 19:1).
8. Unitarian Universalists do not believe in or teach about sin as the Bible does.
  1. From the Nashua, NH, UU Church: "You could attend a UU church for years and seldom hear the word sin."21
  2. This is what makes this religion so popular and pleasing to many people (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23).
9. Here are some of the more famous Unitarian Universalist members. (Remember Moses’ admonition not to follow a multitude to do evil (Exodus 23:2).)
  1. Susan B. Anthony ( 1820 – 1906 ), organizer of the women’s suffrage movement
  2. Alexander Graham Bell ( 1847 – 1922 ), inventor of the telephone, founder of Bell Telephone Company
  3. Charles Darwin ( 1809 – 1882 ), scientist and evolutionist, author of The Origin of Species
  4. Ralph Waldo Emerson ( 1803 – 1882 ), Unitarian minister, philosopher, essayist
  5. Daniel Webster ( 1782 – 1852 ), orator, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, presidential candidate
  6. Benjamin Franklin ( 1706 – 1790 ), scientist, writer, statesman, printer
  7. P.T. Barnum ( 1810 – 1891 ), well-known showman, owner of the Barnum and Bailey Circus, a founder of Tufts University
  8. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ( 1807 – 1882 ), poet, author of Paul Revere’s Ride
  9. Beatrix Potter ( 1866 – 1943 ), author of Peter Rabbit and other children’s stories
  10. Joseph Priestly ( 1733 – 1804 ), Unitarian minister, discoverer of oxygen
  Here is One Who was not a Unitarian Universalist: Jesus Christ!

Study Questions

Does the Unitarian Universalist denomination describe itself as being a "liberal religion"? What exactly do they mean by that description?
Since the Unitarian Universalist denomination grew out of Unitarianism and Universalism, describe what each of these denominations beliefs.
Of all Unitarians, 54% describe themselves as being what? What other terms do they use to describe themselves?
Marta Flanagan describes this group’s authority as "personal experience, conscience, and reason." What is wrong with these being our final authority in religion?
What does it mean to say "the fruits of religious belief matter more than beliefs about religion – even about God"?
How does this denomination view Jesus Christ? Is their view of Christ in line with Scripture?
How does this denomination view the Holy Scriptures? What is meant by the statement, "We believe that we should read the Bible … with imagination and a critical eye"?
When this group talks about salvation, what do they mean?
Do Unitarian Universalists accept homosexuals? What do the Scriptures teach about homosexuality?
Does this denomination believe in life after death?
Does this denomination believe in organic evolution? Do the Scriptures teach evolution as the form of creation?
Do you believe this denomination should even be labeled as "Christian"?

References

1Online: (http://www.uua.org/beliefs/history/151249.shtml), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
2Online: (http://www.uuav.org/aboutuu.htm), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
3Online: (http://www.uua.org/beliefs/history/151249.shtml), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
4Ibid.
5Ibid.
6Dart, John, Churchgoers from elsewhere in The Christian Century ( December 5, 2001 ).
7Online: (http://www.uua.org/headquarters/index.shtml), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
8Online: (http://www.uua.org/beliefs/history/151249.shtml), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
9Online: (http://www.uuav.org/aboutuu.htm), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
10Online: (http://www.uua.org/beliefs/faq/151250.shtml), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
11Ibid.
12Online: (http://www.uunashua.org/100q/c1.shtml#q12), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
13Online: (http://www.uua.org/beliefs/faq/151250.shtml), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
14Ibid.
15Online: (http://www.uua.org/lgbtq/witness/index.shtml), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
16Online: (http://www.uua.org/lgbtq/history/185789.shtml), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
17Online: (http://www.uua.org/beliefs/welcome/life/index.shtml), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
18Online: (http://www.uunashua.org/100q/c1.shtml#q14), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
19Online: (http://www.uunashua.org/100q/c3.shtml#q27), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
20Online: (http://www.uunashua.org/100q/c1.shtml#q15), retrieved June 23, 2014 .
21Online: (http://www.uunashua.org/100q/c3.shtml#q28), retrieved June 23, 2014 .

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The Gospel of Christ

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Joey Ferrell 8/6/17 Joey Ferrell 8/6/17

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 2) - Lesson #1 - The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Religion

History of the Christian Church and Disciples of Christ
1. When did this movement start? This movement started with a desire in the early 1800s to go back to the Bible. The churches of Christ and the Christian Church officially split in 1906.
2. Where did it start? North America
3. Where is their official headquarters? Their headquarters are located at 130 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.1
4. Who founded this movement? The original movement had good intentions as a result of men like Barton W. Stone, Thomas Campbell, and Alexander Campbell – men who wanted to restore the New Testament church. The Disciples of Christ soon abandoned that mission, and have since lost their desire to return to the original pattern of pure New Testament Christianity. The following statement from their official website helps us understand that the Christian Church recognizes itself as a denomination. "The Disciples have a long heritage of openness to other Christian traditions having come into existence as a 19th-century protest movement against denominational exclusiveness. … The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a North American denomination" (emp. in original).2
5. What is their authority? They would claim that it is the Bible. However, they have turned a deaf ear to Scripture and have sanctioned many denominational trends. They now have a General Assembly that makes decisions on matters such as functionality, "matters of conscience," and effectually Scripture; also, the many churches’ ministries report to this centralized voting body.3
6. Who is the head of the Christian Church? While Jesus may be Head in name, it is evident that there are other people running the Disciples of Christ movement. For example, the Disciples of Christ boast about their new general minister and president – who is a woman:
  Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins serves as General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. …
  As General Minister, she is general pastor of the denomination, responsible for representing the wholeness of the church, for reconciling differences, and for helping the church retain its clarity of mission and identity. Her work includes interpreting The Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and convening tables for cooperative work.
  As General President, she is the chief executive officer for the denomination, responsible for overseeing the work of the church's various structures. … Upon her election in 2005, she was the first female head of a mainline denomination. At the 2011 General Assembly, she was re-elected to a second six-year term, which will extend to July 2017.4
7. How do churches of Christ, Independent Christian Churches, and Disciples of Christ differ? The first started with Christ – and not too long after they gained much popular momentum in America, the latter two began, starting off with a desire to return to the Bible. However, the Disciples of Christ and the Christian Church separated from the church of Christ over the issue of instrumental music in worship to God. Since then, the Disciples of Christ have become extremely liberal in their theology while the ICC is somewhat less so.
Doctrines of the Christian Church Examined
1. The Christian Church uses an unscriptural name. While it is true that the New Testament church is composed of Christians, it is never named after Christians (1 Corinthians 12:27). There is a significant difference in the designations, “church of Christ” and “Christian Church.” The latter designation puts the emphasis on Christians rather than on Christ. Where is the authority for calling the Lord’s church the “Christian Church”? We do not find any example of such in the New Testament. Instead, we find only descriptors of the church that honor God and Christ (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:15; Acts 20:28).
2. As demonstrated earlier, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) openly claims to be a denomination – a sanctioned division – of Christianity. However, it is sinful – not sanctioned – to divide the one faith of the one body which is the one church (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:3-6).
3. The main point of separation between Christian churches and churches of Christ began with the matter of biblical authority, especially as it relates to instrumental music. The Disciples of Christ see nothing wrong with using instruments of music in worship to God. The churches of Christ find no authority for bringing instrumental music into worship. There is not a single passage in the entire New Testament that authorizes the use of instrumental music (see Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16-17). Renowned Christian Church scholar (and editor of The Christian Evangelist) J.H. Garrison admitted, "There is no command in the New Testament, Greek or English, commanding the use of the instrument. Such a command would be entirely out of harmony with the New Testament."5
4. Another difference between the Disciples of Christ and the Lord’s church has to do with baptism. You might think that this would be the one thing on which we agree. While that might have been the case at one time, it certainly is not now. The Disciples of Christ do believe in baptism for members, but they have relaxed their standards on this issue and have nullified the importance and essentiality of baptism. Their current view is:
  Another group began a separation [from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)] in 1926 over what it felt were too-liberal policies on the mission field in the practice of baptism. More than 40 years later ( 1967 – 69 ) some 3,000 of those congregations formally withdrew at the time of Disciples restructure. …
  The Disciples have a long heritage of openness to other Christian traditions having come into existence as a 19th century protest movement against denominational exclusiveness.6
  This stance – that a person may become a member of this religion if the person affirms he or she was previously baptized by any other denomination for any reason, scriptural or not – is exemplified by the Creston Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)’s guidelines also found on the Disciples of Christ’s official website. They staunchly rule that a person should only be baptized if one has not already been baptized for any reason in any other religion:
  Therefore, it will be the Creston Church’s expectation for anyone seeking baptism in the Creston Church to … affirm, with all honesty, they have never been baptized before, whether as an infant, child or adult, within any church community, Protestant or Roman Catholic.7
  If baptism is for the remission of sins (and thus necessary for salvation) and must be obeyed from the heart (which necessitates a person to learn the biblical reasons for it) as the Bible teaches (Mark 16:16-17; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Romans 6:16; 10:17), then how could it be acceptable to consider someone a faithful Christian who has not been baptized correctly? Also, the question needs to be asked: If a person had been sprinkled as the mode of “baptism,” would that be acceptable?
5. Another area in which the Disciples of Christ have exhibited liberal tendencies has to do with women filling the roles of preachers, elders, and deacons. As already shown, the Disciples of Christ elected and re-elected a woman for their denomination’s most general minister, pastor, president, and chief executive officer. Furthermore, Sara Harwell, Vice President and Chief Archivist at the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, co-wrote the following statements:
  Clara Hale Babcock ( 1850 – 1924 ) is considered to be the first woman ordained to preach by the Disciples of Christ in 1888 or 1889 , followed by Jessie Coleman Monser ( 1891 ), Bertha Mason Fuller ( 1891 ), and Sarah (“Sadie”) McCoy Crank ( 1892 ). These women were remarkably effective evangelists. Clara Babcock baptized more than 1,500 people during her ministry. Sadie Crank baptized even more and organized over 50 rural congregations. …
  Paul [wrote] in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:1-15, where the apostle admonished women to be silent in the church, not to usurp male authority, and to talk privately to their husbands if they had questions or comments.
  … [In contrast,] The Disciples of Christ … generally accepts that Paul was speaking to a particular situation and that it is important to utilize the gifts of all Christians, regardless of gender.8
  The Scriptures indeed do not permit women in positions such as that of preachers, elders, or deacons (1 Corinthians 14:34ff.; 1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:1ff.; Titus 1:5ff.).

Study Questions

According to the Christian Church’s official website, how do they feel about themselves now? Are they striving for New Testament Christianity, or do they admit to having become a Protestant denomination?
Does the Christian church have a General Assembly that decides on matters of functionality and Scripture? Is this authorized in Scripture?
Does this denomination have a president and general minister?
Is the name “Christian Church” authorized in Scripture?
One of the original areas of separation between churches of Christ and the Christian Church was the matter of authority as it related to playing instrumental music in worship. Where do we find authority for using instruments as such in the New Testament?
Has one of the Christian Church’s own scholars admitted that there is not one shred of evidence in the New Testament authorizing playing worship music?
The one thing that the Christian Church and churches of Christ used to agree on is the importance of baptism. According to their statement, how do the Disciples of Christ now feel about baptism?
Do the Disciples of Christ allow women to preach and serve as elders or deacons? What do the Scriptures teach about women preaching or being in places of authority?
Why do you think this movement is allowing women to serve in areas the Bible does not authorize?
In what other areas have the Christian Churches or Disciples of Christ departed from the authority of Scripture?

References

1Online: (http://www.disciples.org/ContactUs/tabid/61/Default.aspx), retrieved June 15, 2014 .
2Online: (http://www.disciples.org/Home/WhoWeAre/HistoryoftheDisciples/tabid/1116/Default.aspx), retrieved June 15, 2014 .
3Online: (http://www.disciples.org/Home/WhoWeAre/OurStructure/tabid/1113/Default.aspx), retrieved June 16, 2014 .
4Online:
(www.disciples.org/Home/WhoWeAre/.../DrWatkinsBiography/tabid/259/Default.aspx),
retrieved June 15, 2014 .
5Online: (http://www.bible.ca/H-music.htm), retrieved June 16, 2014 .
6Online: (http://www.disciples.org/Home/WhoWeAre/HistoryoftheDisciples/tabid/1116/Default.aspx), retrieved June 16, 2014 .
7Online: (http://www.disciples.org/Portals/0/PDF/resources/13semconf%20Baptism%20guidlines.pdf), retrieved June 16, 2014 .
8Online: (https://www.christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/freedom-to-speak-freedom-to-serve/), retrieved June 16, 2014 .

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The Gospel of Christ

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Joey Ferrell 8/6/17 Joey Ferrell 8/6/17

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 2) - Lesson #5 - The Church of Scientology

History of Scientology

When did this movement start? The Church of Scientology was founded in December 1953. 1

Where did it start? New Jersey

Where is the official headquarters? Today, the worldwide headquarters of the Church of Scientology is located in Clearwater, Florida. 2

Who founded this movement? The movement began with L. Ron Hubbard, an American pulp-fiction and science-fiction writer and founder of Scientology and Dianetics. 3

What is Scientology? The official statement from the Church of Scientology is,

Scientology is the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others and all of life. The Scientology religion comprises a body of knowledge extending from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these: Man is an immortal, spiritual being. His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized—and those capabilities can be realized. He is able to not only solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain lasting happiness but also achieve new, higher states of awareness and ability. In Scientology, no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith. That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by personally applying its principles and observing or experiencing results. Through Scientology, people all over the world are achieving the long-sought goal of true spiritual release and freedom. 4

What is their authority?
There are two books written by L. Ron Hubbard that have become the “Bibles” of Scientology. The first is Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. This book is treated as if it were a holy scripture by Scientologists. They treat it as if it is the cornerstone of their church, their religion, and what they consider to be their science. The second book (also by Hubbard) is The Scientology Handbook. [Please understand that this religion is not based on the Bible.]
Shocking Statements and Lies of L. Ron Hubbard
“MAKE MONEY. MAKE MORE MONEY. MAKE OTHER PEOPLE PRODUCE SO AS TO MAKE MORE MONEY.” 5“If attacked on some vulnerable point by anyone or anything or any organization, always find or manufacture enough threat against them to cause them to sue for peace.” 6
“In all the broad Universe there is no other hope for Man than ourselves.” 7
“I’m drinking lots of rum and popping pinks and greys.” 8 “THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN CONTROL PEOPLE IS TO LIE TO THEM. You can write that down in your book in great big letters. The only way you can control anybody is to lie to them.” 9
“I’d like to start a religion. That’s where the money is.” 10
“Scientology is the only specific (cure) for radiation (atomic bomb) burns.” 11

Scientology and Christianity Are Incompatible!
Concerning God, Scientologists take a panentheistic approach. That is, they believe that all finite entities are “within” (but not identical to) God. Scientology leaves God to be very am biguous and open to discovery by each participant. God is not really relevant to their religion. 12
The Bible makes it abundantly clear as to Who God is and what He is like (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-4; Hebrews 6:18; Malachi 3:6).
Scientology presents the nature of man in a very awkward way. Scientologists say, “Apparently, trillions of years ago thetans became bored, so they emanated mental universes to play in and amuse themselves. Soon, however, they became more and more entranced in their own creation until they were so conditioned by the manifestations of their own thought processes that they lost all awareness of their true identity and spiritual nature.” 13

The Bible teaches us that man was created in the image of God, and that he was cast from the Garden of Eden because of his sin (Genesis 1:26; 3:1ff.). We also learn that each of us has to deal with the sin problem, not because we inherit sin, but because of the individual choice each of us makes to sin (Romans 5:12; 3:23; Ezekiel 18:4, 20ff.).
What you are about to read below may well be one of the oddest accounts of Creation ever told. If it were not so serious, it would be laughable. The Scientology account of Creation suggests:

Seventy-five million years ago, Xenu was the ruler of a Galactic Confederacy which consisted of 26 stars and 76 planets including Earth, which was then known as Teegeeack. The planets were overpopulated, each having on average 178 billion people. The Galactic Confederacy’s civilization was comparable to our own, with people “walking around in clothes which looked very remarkably like the clothes they wear this very minute” and using cars, trains and boats looking exactly the same as those “circa 1950, 1960” on Earth. Xenu was about to be deposed from power, so he devised a plot to eliminate the excess population from his dominions. With the assistance of “renegades,” he defeated the populace and the “Loyal Officers,” a force for good that was opposed to Xenu. Then, with the assistance of psychiatrists, he summoned billions of people to paralyze them with injections of alcohol and glycol, under the pretense that they were being called for “income tax inspections.” The kidnapped populace was loaded into space planes for transport to the site of extermination, the planet of Teegeeack (Earth). The space planes were exact copies of Douglas DC-8s, “except the DC-8 had fans, propellers on it and the space plane didn’t.” DC-8s have jet engines, not propellers, although Hubbard may have meant the turbine fans. When the space planes had reached Teegeeack/Earth, the paralyzed people were unloaded and stacked around the bases of volcanoes across the planet. Hydrogen bombs were lowered into the volcanoes, and all were detonated simultaneously. Only a few people’s physical bodies survived. 14

The biblical account of Creation is laid out very plainly in Genesis 1-2.

Salvation for a Scientologist is not at all like the salvation we think of today. Scientologists believe as follows:

This pitiful thetan slavery to MEST (matter, energy, space, time) and his own conditioned ignorance continued for millennia until L. Ron Hubbard discovered the secret nature of humankind and pioneered a solution to the thetan’s misery by developing a universal plan of salvation. Through Scientology auditing, engrams may be neutralized and the thetan made increasingly self-aware or “enlightened.” By various techniques, a practical methodology was developed to enable the initiate to recognize his (or her) spiritual existence, to separate from the MEST body, and to begin to exert mental control over the MEST universe. In other words, the initiate may eventually achieve a state of “clear” and then, by progressing through numerous levels of “Operating Thetan” (“OT”), increasingly achieve self-realization. (An “Operating Thetan” is one who is more and more aware of and “operating” according to his true thetan abilities.) 15

For the Christian, the salvation we experience is salvation from the bondage and death that sin brings into our lives (Genesis 3:1-15; Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:46; Romans 6: 16ff.; Hebrews 9: 27).

Study Questions for the Church of Scientology

Discuss the origin of this movement. Compare your answers with the New Testament pattern for the church.In your own words, what is ScientologyIs Scientology a Bible-based religion?
After reading some of the lies and shocking statements of L. Ron Hubbard, do you believe his motives in starting a new religion were pure? Is this the kind of religion you would expect from a pulp fiction writer?
Is God relevant to Scientology? What do they believe God is?
Explain the origin of man according to Scientology?
The Scientology account of creation, is to the say the least, very odd. Does this sound like something about religion or something out of a Sci-Fi television show?
For Scientologists, Salvation is an escape form MEST. What is MEST?
Why do you think Scientology is becoming more popular in today’s world?Why are movie stars and Hollywood celebrities attracted to this type of religion?
Why are movie stars and Hollywood celebrities attracted to this type of religion?
Does this type of religion condemn immoral practices?
How would you convert someone out of Scientology?

References

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Scientology#_note-Blue_Sky.

2 Ibid.

3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._Ron_Hubbard.

4 http://www.scientology.org/.

5 L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 9 March 1972, MS OEC 384.

6 L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 15 August 1960, Department of Government Affairs.

7 L. Ron Hubbard, “Ron’s Journal,” 1967.

8 L. Ron Hubbard, in a 1967 letter to his wife (written during the period when he was creating Scientology’s secret “upper levels”). Bent Corydon and L. Ron Hubbard Jr. (a.k.a. Ronald DeWolf), 1989, L. Ron Hubbard: Messiah or Madman?, Random House, New York.

9 L. Ron Hubbard, “Off the Time Track,” lecture of June 1952, excerpted in Journal of Scientology, issue 18-G, reprinted in Technical Volumes of Dianetics and Scientology, vol. 1, p. 418.

10 L. Ron Hubbard to Lloyd Eshbach, in 1949; quoted by Eshbach in Over My Shoulder: Reflections on a Science Fiction Era, 1983, Donald M. Grant Publisher.

11 L. Ron Hubbard, All About Radiation, p. 109.

12 John Weldon, 1993, “From Science Fiction to Space-Age Religion,” Christian Research Institute Journal, Elliot Miller, editor, summer.

13 L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology: A History of Man, 1961, Sussex, England, L. Ron Hubbard Communications Office, 12-76.

14 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenu. The story of Xenu is covered in OT III, part of Scientology’s secret “Advanced Technology” doctrines taught only to advanced members. It is described in more detail in the accompanying confidential “Assists” lecture of 3 October 1968, and is dramatized in Revolt in the Stars (an unpublished screenplay written by L Ron Hubbard during the late 1970s).

15 http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0155a.html, John Weldon, “From Science Fiction to Space-Age Religion,” 1993, Christian Research Institute Journal, Elliot Miller, editor, summer.

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This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Joey Ferrell 8/6/17 Joey Ferrell 8/6/17

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 2) - Lesson #4 - The Community Church Movement

History of the Community Church

When did this movement start? It began in the early 1920s. 1

Where did it start? United States

Where is their official headquarters? While each community church claims autonomy, many are a part of the International Council of Community Churches. The ICCC headquarters is located at 21116 Washington Parkway, Frankfort, Illinois 60423.

Who founded this movement? Many think that perhaps Rick Warren or Bill Hybels founded the movement. That is not the case, however. The man who really got the movement started was Paul Rader—through his Chicago Gospel Tabernacle (which seated 5,000 people). 2 Rick Warren and Bill Hybels play an active role in promoting this movement today.

What is their authority? Many believe that community churches follow the authority of the Bible. In fact, the Willow Creek Community Church official statement says, “The sole basis of our belief is the Bible, which is uniquely God-inspired, without error, and the final authority on all matters on which it bears.” 3 The unique part of that statement is the words, "on which it bears,” which implies that there may be some things on which the Bible does not come to bear, and on which people can simply “choose as they like.” This concept is the real “authority” for the community church. Community churches poll the members of the local community to see what they want and then put those things into action in order to draw huge crowds.

Why are people attracted to the community church movement? Bill Hybels conducted a survey to find out why people did not regularly attend church. He discovered four main reasons, which he addressed in the community church movement. Those four reasons were: “(1) people didn’t like being bugged for money; (2) found church boring, predictable, and routine; (3) didn’t think that the church was relevant to their lives; and (4) always left church feeling guilty (the Christian message was too negative with sin, etc.).” 4

What are some characteristics of a community church? Alan Highers, in the October 2000 issue of the Spiritual Sword, identified ten characteristics of this movement:

Contemporary music and what might be called “upbeat worship”

Eliminating or diminishing the name “church of Christ” or other names

Casual emphasis in worship, both in style and dress

Different kind of leadership model than authoritarian elders

Praise teams and entertainment orientation in worship

A greater emphasis on self, including one’s own feelings and emotions

De-emphasis on doctrine and the restoration plea

Less contact and fellowship with mainline denominations

Division of existing congregations in order to implement the community model

A market-driven program, i.e., striving to provide what people want or what they are seeking 5

Doctrines of the Community Church Movement Examined

What must a person do to become a member of a community church? The “Saddleback model” for church membership is quite similar to most community church models. To be a member at Saddleback, you must have a personal commitment to Jesus, go through C.L.A.S.S. [“Christian Life and Services Seminar”] sessions, be baptized by immersion, and commit to abide by the membership covenant. 6

The Bible provides a simple plan of salvation that requires one to hear the Word of God (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), repent of past sins (Luke 13:3), con fess Jesus (Romans 10:10), and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). The community church model for church membership differs significantly from God’s plan (Acts 2:47).

Music, as a part of worship, is one of the areas where the community church has departed drastically from Scripture. The authority for the type of music used by community churches is not found within Scripture. Community churches frequently employ a ten-piece rock band that plays everything from country to classical music.

The Scriptures are clear on the subject of music (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). A cappella singing is all that is authorized by God.

The community church movement is organized in an unscriptural manner. The bylaws of the Saddleback Community Church state:

The officers of the Church shall be a Senior Pastor, an Executive Pastor, and a Pastor of Administration. The Senior Pastor shall serve as the President of the Church and shall act as the moderator of the Church. The Executive Pastor shall serve as the Vice President of the Church and shall act as the moderator of the Church in the absence of the Senior Pastor. The Pastor of Administration shall serve as both the Secretary and the Treasurer of the Church, and shall act as a moderator in the absence of both the Senior Pastor and the Executive Pastor. The Senior Pastor may not serve concurrently as the Pastor of Administration of the Church. 7

The organization of the New Testament church differs significantly from this. Jesus is the Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23), elders are overseers (1 Peter 5:1-3), deacons are official servants (1 Timothy 3:12ff.), and all members work together to glorify Christ (Philippians 1:1).

The community church movement is in direct conflict with the Bible’s teaching about baptism. The Saddleback Community Church official statement on baptism says,

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer—it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring —it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart. 8

It is rare to find a statement on baptism that is so bold, brazen, and completely out of line with New Testament teaching on baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; John 3:3-5; Mark 16:16).

One of the key elements of a community church is the relaxed way in which people dress. The attitude expressed by community church leaders is, “We’re more concerned with meeting your real life needs than with what you wear. So, dress casually and you’ll fit right in. After all, we have a pastor who wears Hawaiian shirts…and no socks!” 9

The Bible makes it abundantly clear that we must dress in a way that gives God our best and that is reverent (1 Timothy 2:9-13; 1 Peter 3:1-4).

What do community churches teach concerning the Lord’s Supper? Community churches believe, “Jesus never said when or how often believers should observe the Lord’s Supper. He instituted it on a Thursday night. In the Bible, Christians observed the communion in small groups in homes.” 10

The Bible, however, does teach us when to partake of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11; Acts 2:42).

Drama is a big part of the community church experience. You are just as likely to see a play as to hear a sermon at a community church.

Remember, God chose the “foolishness of preaching” (not acting!) to save the lost (1 Corinthians 1:21; Colossians 3:17).

The community church movement has become popular because it says very little about sin. Joel Osteen directly relates his success to not mentioning the word sin. 11

To not mention sin is to ignore its destructive ways and to overlook its only cure—Jesus Christ (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Hebrews 9:22; 10:12). Not mentioning sin during preaching is akin to going the doctor with a grave illness—and having him chat with you about the weather! Sin is the problem. Jesus is the cure. Preachers must speak out against sin (2 Timothy 4:2).

Study Questions for the CommunityChurch Movement

Many people believe the Community Church Movement is a “new” phenomenon. Is that true? When did this movement actually begin?

The roots of this movement can be traced back to what man?

What is meant by the phrase which states the Bible is the “final authority on all matters on which it bears”? Does this imply that some, even many, things have been left open to an opinion?

What four things attract people to the Community Church Movement?

Alan Highers list ten characteristics of the Community Church movement. List and discuss what you believe are the main emphases of this movement today?

What must a person do become a member of the Community Church? How does this differ with examples of conversion in the Book of Acts?

Is instrumental music a big part of the community movement? What do the Scriptures teach about using instruments in Christian worship?

Contrast what the Community Church teaches about baptism with what the Bible teaches about this subject.

A relaxed attitude toward dress is common among Community Churches. Does this relaxed attitude in dress suggest a deeper problem? If so, what?

Did Jesus institute the Lord’s Supper on Thursday night? If so, is that our pattern today? Is there anything in Scripture about when and how often we should take of the Lord’s Supper?

Does the New Testament authorize the use of drama in worship?

Much of Joel Olsteen’s success is due to the absence of what word from his preaching? What does this suggest about our society?

References

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Church_movement.

2 http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/013/5.62.html.

3 http://www.willowcreek.org/what_we_believe.asp.

4 http://www.tbaptist.com/aab/billhybelsway.htm.

5 Alan E. Highers, The Spiritual Sword, October 2002, Vol. 32, No. 1, Getwell Church of Christ, 1511 Getwell Road, Memphis, TN 38111.

6 <spanstyle="text-decoration:underline; ">http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/membership/.

7 http://www.purposedriven.com/en-US/AboutUs/WhatIsPD/PDChurchProfiles/Saddlebacks+Bylaws.htm.

8 <spanstyle="text-decoration:underline; ">http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/membership/default.asp?sc=baptism&qid=8004#line.

9 <spanstyle="text-decoration:underline; ">http://www.saddleback.com/flash/visit.html#wear.

10 <spanstyle="text-decoration:underline; ">http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/membership/group_finder/faqs_smallgroup.asp?id=7509#q_02.

11 <spanstyle="text-decoration:underline; ">http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,110240,00.html.

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This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Joey Ferrell 8/6/17 Joey Ferrell 8/6/17

Bible Class Curricula - First Principles - Lesson #6 - Objections to Baptism Answered

Introduction

The Bible is very clear on the subject of baptism. Jesus said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). The Apostle Peter said, "There is also an antitype which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21). In his first gospel sermon, "Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). At Paul’s conversion, Ananias said, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Oftentimes when people are confronted with such overwhelming evidence on the essentiality of baptism, instead of submitting to its teaching and obeying God, they begin to make excuses. Let us examine some of the alleged arguments and excuses (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Objection #1: The Thief on the Cross

One of the main reasons people object to baptism is because of the example of the thief on the cross. The argument usually goes something like this: The thief was not baptized. The thief was saved. Therefore, a person does not have to be baptized to be saved. However, the thief on the cross is not a valid example for the following reasons:

First, the thief lived under the Old Testament. The law of Christ, or New Testament, did not go into effect until after Jesus died on the cross of Calvary (Ephesians 2:14-18, Colossians 2:13-17). As the Hebrew writer said, "a testament is in force after men are dead since it has no power at all while the testator lives" (Hebrews 9:17). If someone wants to learn what to do to be saved today, they must look to the New Law (Romans 3:19; Hebrews 10:9).

Second, the thief lived while Jesus was on the earth, and while He was on the earth, Jesus had power to directly forgive the sins of the thief and others (Matthew 9:6). Jesus Himself said, "that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins" (Mark 2:10). Jesus is no longer on the earth (Acts 1:9-11). He has been resurrected to the right hand of God in heaven (Hebrews 1:1-3). Since the Lord is no longer on earth, we must look to His written will to find out what we must do to be saved (John 6:63). In that written will, Jesus specifies: "He that believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16).

Third, the thief may have been immersed. It is possible, even likely, that the thief was baptized prior to the events of the cross. The Bible says that "Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him [John], and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins" (Matthew 3:5-6). How do we know that the thief was not one of those who were baptized by John? In fact, it was considered rejecting the will of God not to be baptized by John’s baptism while Jesus was on the earth (Luke 7:30). One can only suppose that the thief was not baptized. The point is we cannot know for sure if the thief was or was not baptized.

Therefore, we should not use the thief on the cross as an example of salvation.

Objection #2: No Works in Salvation

Some object to baptism by claiming it is a form of one trying to earn salvation through works and that one’s works have nothing to do with one’s salvation. While it is true that no one can earn or merit one’s salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), the Bible also teaches that one must meet certain conditions in order to obtain salvation (Matthew 7:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). In fact, James says a man is justified by works and not by faith only (James 2:24). It is obvious that there is a distinction in the Scriptures between (1) works of law/merit which do not justify a soul (Romans 4:2; Galatians 2:16) and (2) works of faith/obedience which do justify a soul (Matthew 7:21; Ja. 2:21-25). To clearly understand the error of the “no works” argument, one must realize that even belief is a conditional work that man must keep. Is belief a work of merit or an act of obedience (Hebrews 3:12-4:2)? Jesus said, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (John 6:29). It is clear from this text that belief is a work/condition of obedience that one must meet to be saved – without implying merit. The very people who claim that you cannot have any works in salvation condemn themselves when they say you must believe – for belief is a work! While baptism is indeed a necessary condition, it is important to note that the actual work in baptism occurs on God’s side. Paul said, "buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead" (Colossians 2:12). This text teaches it is the working of God that raises the sinner out of the water of baptism into the new life in Christ. Works of merit are the kind of works by which we are not saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). Works of God or works of obedience are the type of works by which we are saved (Ja. 2:24-26; Hebrews 5:8-9; Acts 5:32). After we follow God’s Word and are baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Galatians 3:27; Acts 2:16), all we can say is, "we are unprofitable servants, we have done what was our duty to do" (Luke 17:10).

Objection #3: “What If” Scenarios

Another objection to baptism is based on “what if” hypotheticals and pure emotion. For example, someone might say, "What if a person is on his way to the water to be baptized and he dies before he gets there? Are you saying that person is going to hell?" Here are some facts to consider:

Emotional arguments do not change the absolute truth, tone, or teaching of Scripture on the subject of baptism (Prob. 18:2; Proverbs 28:26). In fact, since emotional arguments are subjective (and truth is objective, John 8:32; 17:17), such argumentation can always be turned against their own plans of salvation. For example, ask them: "What if someone was one second away from believing in Jesus and they died. Are you saying that person would go to hell?" Such hypotheticals may tug at the heart strings of people in an attempt to weaken Scripture but remember: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12). The honest Bible answer to the “what if” argument is “Yes!” If people are not baptized before they die, the Scriptures teach they are not saved and they will go to hell (Mark 16:16). You have to be baptized into Christ to put on Christ and obtain His blood (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:26-27).

Objection #4: Belief Alone Saves

Some object to baptism based on the claim that belief alone is sufficient for one to be saved (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9-10). The Scriptures teach belief is absolutely essential to salvation (John 8:24). But one can be equally as strong in proving that belief only does not save (James 2:24)! Notice why this argument will not hold up to biblical examination:

There are clear-cut passages that teach there is more to salvation than mere mental acceptance of Christ as Savior (Matthew 7:21; Ja. 2:24; John 12:42; John 8:30, 44; James 2:19)

A proper rule for understanding the Bible (and really any document) is to put all the information about a subject together before one ascertains truth. In illustrating this point, let us say that you are baking a cake and the recipe starts at the bottom of one page and continues at the top of another page. On the bottom of the first page the recipe says, "Add sugar, flour, and milk." If you only did these three steps, would you get a cake? No! Why not? – Because you did not put all the information together. You did not find out about the other essential information (adding eggs and butter and baking the cake) until the next page. To understand Scripture, we cannot “pick and choose” the ingredients we like and ignore the other ingredients.

Objection #5: For Means "Because Of"

Some object to baptism by stating that the word for in Acts 2:38 really should mean “because of.” The Greek word translated for in Acts 2:38 is the word eis. This Greek word is used primarily to represent a going into, an indication of purpose, or the going in the direction of a goal. Hence, the purpose or goal of baptism is the forgiveness of one’s sins. Due to false teaching, it is important for us to focus on a major false doctrine involving Acts 2:38. Certain false teachers have tried to make the word for (Gr. eis) mean “because of.” In the context of Acts 2:38, the Jews had just asked Peter what they needed to do to be saved (Acts 2:37, 40). If the Greek word eis in this context means “because of,” Peter would be saying to the Jews: "Repent and be baptized because you have already received the remission of sins," resulting in an illogical answer.

This false view of Acts 2:38 is in contradiction with the very words of Jesus. Jesus taught that for a man to be saved, he had to repent before (not after) he had been forgiven of his sins. In Luke 13:3, Jesus told certain people who were still in sin that they had to repent to get out of their sin. Jesus simply said, "I tell you no, but unless you repent you shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). In Matthew 26:28, Jesus said, "This is My blood of the New Covenant which was shed for many, for the remission of sins." What exactly was Jesus saying in this context? Was Jesus, in essence, saying, "I went to the cross and shed my blood because your sins are already forgiven"? Of course not! Instead, Jesus was saying that the reason He was shedding His blood was so that their sins would be forgiven. Likewise, when Peter uses the exact same phrase in Acts 2:38, he is stressing the purpose of repentance and baptism in salvation.

Objection #6: My Family

Another objection to baptism places weight on the beliefs of loved ones who have died. Many persons are presented with the truth about baptism and begin to see the significance of it, but they find themselves stepping back from it because they start thinking about the views of their dead loved ones who were strongly opposed to the essential nature of baptism. Some will even say: "If I were to be immersed for the remission of my sins, I would be admitting that my good, religious grandmother and grandfather went to hell, and I just cannot do that." In response to this, three things are important to remember. First, if your loved ones who died were atheists or Muslims, would you resist being saved from your sins because you would not want to imply by your actions that they perished? Second, your obedience to God will not condemn or save your loved ones. Each person will give an account for his own sins and shortcomings – not for the sins of others (2 Corinthians 5:10; Ezekiel 18:19-21). Third, if your loved ones were lost because they did not obey the gospel, it is a Bible fact that they would want you to be immersed into Jesus in order for you to wash away your sins – even though they did not (Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5). How do I know that? – A rich man told me so. Luke 16:19-31 mentions a rich man who failed to live faithful to God and was lost in a sinner’s torment. When the condemned rich man realized there was nothing more he could do about his own situation, he then had a strong desire to help his family who were still alive on earth so that they would not end up in torment, too. Listen to his own words: "I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment" (Luke 16:27-28). Reader, if your parents or grandparents were lost because they did not obey the truth concerning baptism, the one thing they want most is for you to obey the gospel. They do not care about their reputation or family beliefs. They want you to become a New Testament Christian and escape a sinner’s torment.

Study Questions

What Law did the thief live and die under?
Can the thief be considered an example of New Testament conversion?
Did Jesus have power while on earth to forgive sins?
The whole argument for the thief on the cross hinges on the fact that the thief was never baptized. Can one prove from Scripture that he was never baptized?
Is belief a work?
Is it inconsistent for people to say baptism is a work/condition without also recognizing belief is a work/condition?
Who performs the work in baptism according to Colossians 2:12?
What is the best way given to answer “what if” scenarios?
Do they in any way, shape, or form weaken what the Scriptures teach?
What single passage teaches that belief alone will never save?
What parallel New Testament passage helps one prove that for in Acts 2:38 does not mean “because of”?
What New Testament individual teaches us that our deceased family members want us to obey the will of God even if they are lost?

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This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Joey Ferrell 8/6/17 Joey Ferrell 8/6/17

Bible Class Curricula - First Principles - Lesson #11 - Being Moral in an Immoral World

Moral Collapse in the World

When massive rioting resulted in five deaths in England in 2011, David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, gave the following assessment:

This has been a wake-up call for our country. Social problems that have been festering for decades have exploded in our face.… We have been too unwilling for too long to talk about what is right and what is wrong.… Children without fathers. Schools without discipline. Reward without effort. Crime without punishment. Rights without responsibilities.

Cameron went on to say that Britain’s broken society "incites laziness, excuses bad behavior, erodes self-discipline and discourages hard work" (Riot-hit UK must reverse moral collapse by Stringer and Pogatchnik, 8/15/11 , A.P.).

It’s sad to say that the United States has played the lead role in corrupting societies throughout the world especially by means of the daily influence of Hollywood. Such influence has been growing for some time. For instance, in 1939 Rhett Butler’s departing words to Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind became the most shocking words ever uttered on the movie screen. Also, the Filthy Speech Movement that came out of Berkeley, CA, in 1964 has succeeded in saturating most of the modern-day Hollywood productions, resulting in becoming common vocabulary among most Americans. “Political Correctness” became the widespread standard of society by the 1990s. No longer was filthy talk or immoral conduct considered societally sinful; instead, the modern-day sins have become sexism, homophobia, etc. According to this new standard, those who believe homosexuality and gay marriage are unnatural and immoral are homophobic heretics who must keep their mouths shut.

Fornication

God’s standard for man, the Bible, teaches that fornication is a unique sin that goes against the very design and nature of man and his body (1 Corinthians 6:12-20). The word fornication comes from the Greek word pornei (where we get our English word pornography). It is a very broad term involving any unlawful sexual intercourse with another whether it is male with female, male with male (homosexuality), female with female (lesbianism), or human with beast (bestiality). Homosexuals, lesbians, pedophiles, and those who practice bestiality all fall under the scriptural definition of fornication. Only the godly marriage bed is undefiled (Hebrews 13:4) and virginity (Revelation 14:4). Marriage is a fornication preventative (1 Corinthians 7:2). Christians are to flee fornication (as Joseph did, Genesis 39:12; men are the stronger vessel, 1 Peter 3:7 – not lustful animals, 1 Corinthians 6:18; Colossians 3:1-5).

The standard modern-day society has fornication as a glamorous activity. Many movies and TV shows today show a great deal of sexually explicit scenes that make the 1944 condemned film, The Outlaw, look like The Andy Griffith Show. No longer do actors and actresses have to flee the country because of their shameful sin (like Ingrid Bergman of Casablanca did in 1950 due to her adulterous relationship with director Roberto Rossellini). In fact, the more adultery and fornication the “stars” are caught in, the more fame they enjoy. Hollywood has glamorized unlawful sexual intercourse to the point that much of society has accepted pre-marital sex, homosexuality (including lesbianism), and adultery as morally right for those who so choose. It is not uncommon for young people to view unlawful sexual intercourse before marriage in a similar light. The idea of “trying someone out” or “shacking up” to determine if you are compatible before making a formal commitment to marriage is popular. Furthermore, speaking against homosexual and lesbian acts supposedly makes one a biased homophobe – and it is a seemingly forbidden thing for anyone to consider using Scripture to determine if the various divorce and remarriage cases are adulterous or not. All the while, thousands of souls, young and old, are dying on a daily basis in these sinful conditions because no one is loving enough to warn these precious people that unlawful sexual intercourse will land your soul in hell (Romans 1:32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Revelation 21:8). God’s righteous judgments are clear on the subject: "Marriage is honorable among all and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge" (Hebrews 13:4); "the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.… Neither fornicators, … nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10); "whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9); "sexually immoral … shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone" (Revelation 21:8).

Homosexuality

Although homosexuality has become more accepted in our society and with some in the church, both the Old and New Testaments condemn it (Genesis 19:4-11; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 7; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Timothy 1:9-11). Stronger attempts are being made to “sugar coat” homosexuality by repackaging it. For instance, some want to call it an “alternate lifestyle” in hopes that others will see homosexuality as good. But, the Bible says, "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). Some want to say that they were born homosexual. But, the Bible says we are born good, pure, innocent, and right (Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ezekiel 18:19-20). If one wants to claim that one was born a certain way to justify one’s actions, where would one draw the line? For example, a fornicator, a rapist, and a murderer could all claim they were born with such tendencies. But, their line of reasoning is inconsistent, unbiblical, and offers zero proof (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Romans 12:2). Under the Old Covenant, homosexuality was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:13). While the Bible teaches that we are under the New Covenant and not under the Old Covenant today (Hebrews 10:9; 7:12), the sin of homosexuality is still condemned under the New Law. And the wages of the sin is spiritual death (that is, hell; Revelation 20:14-15; Romans 1:24-27; Romans 6:23).

As Christians, it is not enough to just abstain from the practice of homosexuality. We must vehemently oppose it and not condone it in any way (Ephesians 5:11; Romans 1:32). Since our society has accepted homosexuality, it is no wonder that more people are accepting homosexual marriages. God’s plan for marriage is between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:22-33). 1 Corinthians 7:2 says, "Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband." Some have branded those opposing homosexuality as being unloving or unkind, but understand that true love involves discipline and correction (Hebrews 12:11; Revelation 3:19). The Bible says, "let the righteous strike me, it shall be a kindness" (Psalm 141:5). It is time for Christians to be kind and do some spiritual striking (rebuking) and start contending for the faith once again (2 Timothy 4:2; Jude 3). Those who practice and approve of homosexuality need to be spiritually disciplined and corrected so they can repent. Homosexuality is among the plurality of sins Paul condemns in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; he ends by saying, "such were some of you." They changed, and you can, too! We must exhort those in sin to repent, be immersed, and walk in newness of life, leaving the sin of homosexuality behind (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16).

Calculated efforts have been made to influence our society to accept the thinking and behavior of homosexuals/lesbians. Such ideas are put forth that it is either their nature (genetics) or God-given right and that we should not judge anyone based on their sexual orientation or preference. The Creator of man clearly condemns such: "Persons of the same gender passionately desiring one another" is described in Romans 1:24-28 as uncleanness, lust of the heart, dishonoring one’s body, exchanging the truth for the lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator, vile passion, against nature, leaving the natural, committing what is shameful, error, debased, not fitting. Romans 1:32 judges that those who practice/approve of such things are deserving of death (that is, the second death, defined as the “lake of (eternal) fire” in Revelation 20:14; Jude 7). 1 Timothy 1:9-11 judges that sodomites (same-gender activity of an anal nature) are contrary to the sound doctrine of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 judges that homosexuals and sodomites will not inherit God’s kingdom.

We must not in any way imply or show approval of the sin of homosexuality along with its thoughts and practices (Romans 1:32). We must persuade homosexuals, lesbians, and the like to repent and be immersed so that we can say, as Paul did about some of Corinth: "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 6:11).

Making Moral Decisions in an Immoral Society

As Christians, we must seek those things above, set our mind on spiritual things, and put to death immoral things (Colossians 3:1-7); rightly transforming our mind (Romans 12:2); rightly letting Christ’s word dwell within us (Colossians 3:16); rightly dividing God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15); and rightly discerning right from wrong (Hebrews 5:14). Some questions we should ask when making moral decisions: Does it bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16)? Does it conflict with the Christian’s priorities (Matthew 6:33)? Is it according to God’s will (Matthew 7:21)? Would it cause someone to sin (Romans 14:21)? Would it violate one’s conscience (Romans 14:23)? Is it most helpful (1 Corinthians 6:12)? Would it bring harm to the Christian’s temple/body/mind (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)? Could it corrupt good habits/morals (1 Corinthians 15:33)? Does it violate the Christian’s holy nature (1 Peter 1:15-16)? Does it go beyond the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9)?

As godly males, we must act upon our God-given role to reverse the immorality in our society through our homes and through the church. God designed the male to have a good work ethic and, if married, to be head/leader of his home (Ephesians 4:28; 5:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-11; 1 Timothy 3:4, 12-13; 2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 2:7). Christian men must set the right example (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 2:21; 5:3). By implication, the male is the stronger vessel (1 Peter 3:7). Unlike what society and even some in the church have taught, God’s male is called to a holy way of living and thinking (pure heart and self-control; Joseph fled from impure sin, Genesis 39:2-12; Matthew 5:8; Romans 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7-8; 2:2, 6; 1 Peter 1:13-16). In order to combat the moral collapse of societies, faithful Christian males need to rise up and lead. Otherwise, we are cowards, heading for the eternal hell and leading many in the home and the church with us (Mark 9:42-48; Revelation 21:8).

Study Questions

Has society changed in the last generations? Give examples.
What does the word fornication mean?
Why have so many justified the sin of fornication?
Where is the only lawful place for sexual relations to take place?
Give some Bible verses that condemn the practice of homosexuality.
Can homosexuals and lesbians change? What Bible verse teaches that?
Are homosexuals and lesbians born that way? Give Bible verses.
How can I make moral decisions in a wicked society?

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