الدرس 33: الكنيسة والمملكة

لماذا أنا هنا؟ وأنا هنا للاشتراك في عهد السيد المسيح. وبالاضافة الى معرفة ان المسيح سوف يوم واحد من قهر أعدائه، وأنا أعرف أيضا أنني لن يشارك في مملكته. المسيح سوف تأسيس المملكة الكمال، وأبدية، ولكل مؤمن كنيسة في سن سيسود معه في ذلك.

قبل المضي إلى أبعد من ذلك، يجب علينا توضيح الفرق بين مملكتين الكتاب المقدس: ملكوت الله الشامل ومملكته mediatorial. المملكة العالمي هو سيادة الله المطلقة على جميع خلقه. المملكة mediatorial هو حكمه الشخصي لأفراد معينين من خلال وسيط (أو ممثل). بدأت هذه المملكة الأخيرة في العهد القديم، وهو الهدف النهائي المتمثل في التاريخ (انظر الدرس الثانية والعشرون). فهو في هذه المملكة أن المؤمنين ليوم واحد بالتعاون مع عهد المسيح الملك بهم.

[وسيط غير وسيط أو ممثل. مملكة mediatorial هو والسياسية الدنيوية، في المملكة الذي يحكم الله من خلال وسيط. الله عالمي المملكة هو حقيقة أن القواعد الله على الكون.]

ومن المعروف أن المملكة mediatorial بأسماء مختلفة، مثل "مملكة السماء"، و "ملكوت الله"، أو ببساطة "في المملكة." وبصفة عامة، فإن السياق الذي يحدد هذه المملكتين (عالمي أو mediatorial) صاحب البلاغ في الاعتبار. في هذا الدرس، "المملكة" للدلالة على المملكة mediatorial.

[مرجع سكوفيلد الكتاب المقدس يميز بين ملكوت الله وملكوت السماوات، ولكن اثنين ليسا مترادفين، وتستخدم بالتبادل. معظم dispensationalists لا يميز بين الاثنين.]

لا ينبغي لنا أن نخلط بين المملكة مع الخلاص أو الكنيسة. رغم أن الناس غالبا ما تستخدم هذه الكلمات بالتبادل، والمملكة هي فكرة مميزة.

"دخلت جو في المملكة،" [أي، بمعنى "حصلت على حفظ جو". وهناك زوجين من المقاطع التي تعلم أن يدخل المرء في المملكة في بعض الإحساس عند نقطة الخلاص. ومع ذلك، سنرى أنه من الأفضل للحفاظ على الأفكار المملكة والخلاص منفصلة. وسوف تكون في المملكة واقع مادي. الكنيسة لا يلبي كل الوعود المملكة.]

وهذا درس استكشاف طبيعة المملكة mediatorial، تاريخها، وعلاقة الكنيسة له.

[تذكر أنه عندما نستخدم كلمة "المملكة" في هذا الدرس، ونحن نتحدث عن المملكة mediatorial، وليس الله سيادة عالمية أو الخلاص.]

أولا: الطبيعة في المملكة

الكتاب المقدس يشير إلى أن ملكوت الله يتضمن ثلاثة عناصر: (1) حاكما إلهيا لاختيار، (2) ليحكم عالما من المواضيع، و (3) الفعل الفعلي للحامل. إلا كل ثلاثة موجودة، لا يوجد أي المملكة. ديفيد تشهد على ذلك عندما يقول:

رغم ذلك اختارت الرب، إله إسرائيل، لي من أسرتي كلها أن تكون ملكا على إسرائيل إلى الأبد. اختار يهوذا رئيسا، ومن بيت يهوذا انه اختار عائلتي، وأبناء من والدي عن سروره ليجعلني ملكا على كل اسرائيل. وقد أعطى كل من أبنائي، والرب لي الكثير، انه اختار سليمان ابني ليجلس على عرش مملكة الرب على اسرائيل. 1 اخبار 28:4 5

النبي دانيال وأكد أيضا هذه العناصر الثلاثة عندما كتب من عهد المسيح في المستقبل:

في رؤيتي ليلا فنظرت، وهناك من قبل كان لي واحد مثل ابن الانسان، آتيا في سحاب السماء. اقترب القديم الأيام وادت الى وجوده. وقال انه بالنظر السلطة والمجد والسلطة ذات السيادة، وجميع الشعوب والأمم والرجال من كل لغة سجدوا له. سلطانه سلطان أبدي لن يزول وملكوته واحد هو أن لن يتم تدميرها. دانيال 7:13 14

[ووفقا لهذا التعريف، هو يسوع المسيح الحاكمة حاليا ما يزيد عن مملكته؟ رقم قد يقول البعض انه حكم الكنيسة رئيسا لها، أو أنه يحكم قلوب المؤمنين، ولكن هذا لا يتماشى مع فكرة يسوع المملكة والرسل تدريسها. انها تدرس الحرفي، والمملكة الأرضية، وليس غير مرئية، وروحية.]

II. التاريخ من ملكوت الله

في جميع أنحاء الكتاب المقدس، واستبعد الله باستمرار من خلال ممثلين الإنسان. وفيما يلي بعض من رجال الله قد استخدمت أو سوف تستخدم في هذا السبيل.

أ. موسى

هذا هو موسى نفسه الذي كانوا قد رفض مع عبارة: "من الذي جعلك الحاكم والقاضي؟" وقد تم إرساله إلى أن يكون الحاكم والمنفذ من قبل الله نفسه، من خلال الملاك الذي ظهر له في العليقة. أعمال 07:35

وكان موسى ممثل الله. حكمت الله اسرائيل من خلاله.

ب. شاول وداود

استغرق ذلك صموئيل قرن الدهن ومسحه [ديفيد] في وجود إخوته، ومنذ ذلك اليوم على روح الرب على داود جاء في السلطة. ثم ذهب صموئيل إلى الرامة. الآن وكان روح الرب وغادرت من شاول، وروح الشر من قبل الرب المعذبة له. 1 صموئيل 16:13 14

وكان الملك شاول الله ممثل. ومع ذلك، بسبب عصيانه، أخذ الله بعيدا عن حقه في الحكم (1 صموئيل 15:23) وخاصة الدهن من الروح التي ذهبت معها، و "الثيوقراطية الدهن". [مراجعة فكرة مسحة دينية.] عند هذه النقطة، ينبغي أن نلاحظ حقيقتين: (1) في هذه اللحظة التي أعطيت مسحة دينية على ديفيد، واتخذ من شاول (ديفيد يخشى المصير نفسه في وقت لاحق في الحياة وفقا لمزمور 51:11). (2) بدأ الله سلالة مع ديفيد التي من خلالها كان سيحكم شعبه. ومنذ ذلك الوقت، كان كل ملك على مملكة الله ليكون من خط ديفيد.

جيم سليمان

[الله] قال [ديفيد]: "سليمان ابنك هو الذي سوف يبني بيتي ودياري، لأنني قد اخترت له أن يكون ابني، وسوف أكون والده. أنا أثبت مملكته إلى الأبد إذا ما الثابت في تنفيذ الأوامر والقوانين الخاصة بي، كما يجري القيام به في هذا الوقت ". 1 اخبار 28:6 7

د المسيح

كما ذكر أعلاه، كان كل ملك mediatorial منذ ديفيد لتكون من أصل الداودي. هذا وشملت المسيح (أشعيا 11، متى 1، ولوقا 3).

1. وقد تنبأ مملكة المسيح.

بسبب تمرد اسرائيل، الله انتهت مؤقتا ترتيب مملكته مع الأمة. [وهذا وقعت في 586 قبل الميلاد مع سبي بابل.] ولكن، من تلك النقطة على الأنبياء تنبأ بأن الله سيكون يوم واحد من استعادة مملكته بطريقة أبدية.

سوف يتم استعادة السيادة سابق لك؛ الملكية سوف يأتي من ابنة القدس. ميخا 4:08

وقال انه حكم على عرش داود وعلى مملكته، وإنشاء والحفاظ عليه مع الحق والعدالة من ذلك الوقت وإلى الأبد. أشعيا 09:07

[لاحظ أنه سوف يتم استعادة نفس النوع من المملكة أن ديفيد كان. وكانت مملكة داود واحد الروحية؟ لا، كان الحرفي، والدنيوية، وما إلى ذلك سيكون لذلك المسيح.]

2. وقدمت المملكة المسيح.

كلا المسيح ويوحنا المعمدان الذي بشر رسالة المملكة. جاء السيد المسيح إلى الأرض، كما أن الملك الموعود، المسيح. ومع ذلك، رفض اليهود عرضه وقتل بوحشية.

يوحنا المعمدان الذي بشر:

"توبوا، فقد اقترب ملكوت السماوات القريب". - متى 03:02

أعلن السيد المسيح أيضا:

"توبوا، فقد اقترب ملكوت السماوات القريب". متى 04:17 (انظر أيضا متى 4:23 ولوقا 11:19 20).

وقال التلاميذ للتبشير:

"إن ملكوت السموات القريب". ماثيو 10:07

ملاحظة: العرض المقدم من المملكة إلى إسرائيل كان عرضا حقيقيا. ومع ذلك، وشملت خطة الله رفض إسرائيل وموت المسيح. وهكذا، جاء المسيح الى الارض وذلك لسببين: أولا، وقال انه جاء لتقديم المملكة لليهود. الثانية، وقال انه جاء ليجعل المشاركة في المملكة محتملة في المستقبل. من خلال السماح ليصلب نفسه، وقدم طريق الخلاص، بحيث أن الرجال يمكن أن تعرف به على الملك.

[وهناك بعض الجدل حول ما يمكن أن يكون قد حدث لليهود قبلت يسوع المسيح لهم. يقول البعض أن الألفية قد بدأت هناك. انها نقطة خلافية لأن إسرائيل لم تقبل يسوع المسيح في هذا الوقت.]

3. أجلت المملكة المسيح.

وقد تم تأجيل ملكوت الله. أنها ليست في وجود اليوم. بعد قيامته، أعطى السيد المسيح تلاميذه مزيد من التعليمات حول المملكة مجيئه (اعمال 1:3). يفترض التلاميذ وهو يعيد على الفور إلى مملكة إسرائيل وبدء عهد. المسيح، ومع ذلك، تدرس على خلاف ذلك.

ولذلك عندما اجتمعا معا، وطلب منه "؟ رب، هل أنت ذاهب في هذا الوقت لاستعادة المملكة لاسرائيل" وقال لهم: "انها ليست لك لمعرفة أوقات أو تواريخ الآب وضعت له من قبل السلطة الخاصة ". كتاب أعمال الرسل 1:06 7

[وهذا هو نص الطيبة، التي تظهر أن التلاميذ كانوا يتوقعون الحرفي، والمملكة الأرضية. إذا كانت المملكة واحدة روحية (أي الخلاص)، لن انهم طرح هذا السؤال، لأن المملكة كان في الواقع.]

4. في يوم من الأيام مملكة المسيح تنشأ.

في مجيئه الثاني، المسيح سوف تنشئ عهده الدنيوية. سيكون من الحرفية، المملكة المادية تركزت في القدس.

وعرش الله والحمل يكون في المدينة، وعبيده وخدمته. الوحي 22:03 (انظر أيضا أشعيا 09:07، دانيال 7:13 14، ولوقا 01:31 33.)

ثالثا. الكنيسة والمملكة

ملكوت الله mediatorial ينطوي في الواقع ثلاث مراحل: ثيوقراطية العهد القديم، والملك الألفي، والمملكة الأبدية. كما ذكرنا في الدرس الثانية والثلاثون، فإن المحنة ذروتها مع المجيء الثاني للمسيح. في ذلك الوقت، المسيح سوف تدمر تماما أعدائه، الشيطان مؤقتا مأزق، ووضع له الملك الألفي ("الألفية" يعني 1000 سنة). بعد الألفية، سيتم الافراج عنهم من عبودية الشيطان له مؤقت، يقود ثورة نهائي، يعاني الهزيمة، ويحكم إلى العقاب الأبدي (رؤيا 20:01 10). الله سيحكم ثم غير المخلصين من جميع الأعمار في الحكم العرش العظيم الأبيض (رؤيا 20:11 15)، وتدمير السماوات والارض، وإنشاء مؤسسات جديدة (2 بطرس 3:10 13 ورؤيا 21:01)، ووضع له المملكة الأبدية (رؤيا يوحنا 21:02 وما يليها).

A. المؤمنين عمر الكنيسة هم من مواطني المملكة.

لانه قد انقذ لنا من سلطان الظلمة وأوصلتنا إلى ملكوت الابن يحبها. كولوسي 1:13

المواطنة لدينا هي في السماء. فيلبي 3:20

لا بد من تفسير هذه الآيات من حيث الحقيقة "الموضعية". الحقيقة الموضعية التي توضح أن للمؤمن ولكن لا يملك خبرة لا. وهكذا، على الرغم من أننا ما زلنا نعيش في هذا العالم خطيئة، مظلمة، ولم مملكة المسيح أنشئت حتى الآن، نحن أحرار من قوة الخطيئة وهم من مواطني المملكة المسيح positionally.

وسوف المؤمنين عمر باء الكنيسة يسود في المملكة.

له الذي يتغلب، وسوف أعطي الحق في الجلوس معي على عرشي، تماما كما تغلب وجلست مع أبي في عرشه. الوحي 03:21 (أنظر أيضا رؤيا 20:06).

في هذه الآية، والمسيح يتحدث إلى الكنيسة في سن المؤمنين. كلمة "overcomers" يشير إلى أولئك الذين تغلب الشيطان عن طريق الايمان في المسيح (1 يوحنا 5:04 5). ولذلك، فإن جميع المؤمنين كنيسة في سن تكون جزءا من العائلة المالكة. واشتركنا عهد مع المسيح في مملكة أبدية.

[وهذا صحيح فقط من كنيسة القديسين في سن. وسوف المؤمنين أوراسكوم تليكوم لديها أي جزء في الألف.]

تعلم العيش و

1. محاكمات الحياة عديدة. فرص العمل، والأسرة، وزارة، والمرض وغالبا ما تسبب صعوبة. كيف يمكن للمواد المستخلصة من هذا الدرس تؤثر على طريقة واحدة تتعامل مع هذه المحاكمات من الحياة؟

وينبغي أن تساعدنا على التعامل معها بشكل أفضل / المثابرة من خلالها، ومعرفة ما ينتظرنا في نهاية (رومية 08:18، عب 11:10، 13-16، 24-26). نحن نعلم أن هناك ما هو أكثر في الحياة من هذه الحياة. كل شيء في التاريخ وفي الكون يسير إلى نهايته محددة سلفا. محاكمات لدينا تؤدي دورها في خطة الله للتاريخ. نحن نعرف نهاية القصة. نحن على الفريق الفائز. محاكمات لدينا هي حقا مؤقت تماما. لدينا والخلود لتكون خالية منها، والتمتع السعادة الحقيقية.

2. كيف يمكن معرفة هذه الحقائق تؤثر على طريقة واحدة تنظر إلى وقت قصير أثناء الذي يعيش على هذه الأرض؟

فمن ضئيلة نسبيا بالمقارنة مع الأبدية. مصيرنا الأبدي، ومع ذلك، يتم تحديد في هذه الحياة. وقت كبير من الفرح في يخبئ لنا. أيضا، نحن لسنا بحاجة الى "الذهاب للميل" الآن، وكأن هذا هو كل شيء هناك. يمكننا أن ترجئ / تأجيل بعض الأشياء ممتعة حتى وقت لاحق. يتعين علينا أن نعيش في ضوء الخلود.

مقدمة لمصير الكنيسة

لماذا أنا هنا؟ وأنا هنا للاشتراك في عهد السيد المسيح.

دروس في الثانية والعشرون من خلال أربعة وعشرون، تعلمنا أن الغرض من الكنيسة لتمجيد الله من خلال وزارة كلمته. في الدروس من خلال خمسة وعشرين وثلاثين واحد، تعلمنا أن أهداف الكنيسة هي التنوير، بشارة، والتوسع، وأنه يمكن تحقيق كل واحد من هؤلاء الثلاثة عن طريق اتباع مختلف الأنشطة. من بين هذه هي التعليم، والعبادة، وزمالة، بشارة الأفراد والشركات، والتوسع المادي والتنظيمي.

في هذا القسم الأخير على الإكليسيولوجيا (مذهب الكنيسة)، وسوف نناقش مصير الكنيسة. لماذا أنا هنا؟ وأنا هنا للاشتراك في عهد السيد المسيح. كما يعيش المؤمن في هذا التوزيع، وأنا أعلم أنني على "الفريق الفائز". أنا لن يواجه حكم الله خلال المحنة. بدلا من ذلك، ويمكنني أن نتطلع بشغف لكونها جزءا من انتصار المسيح على أعدائه وحامل لقب معه من خلال كل الأبدية.

الدرس 32: الكنيسة والمحنه

ما الذي سيحدث في المستقبل، وماذا جزء لا الكنيسة لعب في ذلك؟ الكتاب المقدس يتحدث عن فترة السنوات السبع التي تنطوي على حكم لا مثيل لها. سيكون من وقت رجل واحد، سلطة من قبل الشيطان، وسوف تنشأ للسيطرة على الموارد السياسية والدينية والعسكرية في العالم بأسره. وسوف يكون الوقت عندما تطلق العنان لغضبه الله على الأرض وسكانها. وهذا ما يسمى فترة المحنة. في هذا الدرس، سوف نتعلم ما المحنة لن يكون مثل وعندما سيحدث.

أولا: طبيعة المحنة

فإن فترة المحنة يكون وقتا للحكم في جميع أنحاء العالم استمرت سبع سنوات. وسوف تبدأ مع كسر أول من سبعة أختام الحكم (انظر الرسم البياني أدناه) بعد نشوة الطرب من الكنيسة، وستنتهي مع المجيء الثاني للمسيح، في الوقت الذي كان سيدمر تماما أعدائه في معركة هرمجدون و اقامة مملكته.

وألف والمحنة مستمرة تنطوي على إطلاق العنان لغضب الله.

من افتتاح حكم ختم الأولى في الوحي 6 إلى صب غضبه من الحكم وعاء آخر في سفر الرؤيا 16 (التي ستنتهي المحنة)، والله سوف يتدفق. ويمكن لخلافة الاحكام المحنة تصور على النحو التالي:

يعتقد البعض أن فقط في النصف الثاني من المحنة سيشمل غضب الله [وهذا هو ما يسمى في منتصف موقف المنبر.]. ومع ذلك، فإن الأولين الأختام، والتي تبدأ المحنة، تظهر بوضوح أن يتميز كامل الفترة التي تدفقت من غضب الله.

شاهدت كحمل افتتح أول من الأختام السبعة. ثم سمعت واحدا من المخلوقات الحية الأربعة يقول بصوت كالرعد: "تعال!" فنظرت، وهناك قبلي كان حصان أبيض! عقدت متسابق في القوس، وقال انه بالنظر الى ولي العهد، وركب بها باعتبارها عازمة الفاتح على الفتح. عندما فتحت الحمل الختم الثاني. . . وجاء آخر من حصان، واحدة حمراء نارية. وقدم المتسابق لها سلطة اتخاذ سلام من على وجه الأرض، وجعل الرجال يقتلون بعضهم بعضا. الوحي 06:01 4

وباء. والمحنة تنطوي على بروز قائد واحد شيطانية مفتاح - المسيح الدجال.

خلال المحنة، وسوف تمكن الشيطان المسيح الدجال، النبي الكذاب، وكنيسة مرتد. من هذه الثلاثة، فإن المسيح الدجال يكون الرقم الأولية مع اثنين آخرين يجري تحت سيطرته. ويشار أيضا إلى المسيح الدجال (1 يوحنا 2:22) على أنها ملك بابل (أشعيا 14:04)، والأمير الشرير (حزقيال 21:25)، القرن الصغير (دانيال 7:08)، ورجل من الخروج على القانون ( 2 تسالونيكي 2:3)، والوحش (رؤيا 11:07).

1. المسيح الدجال قدرات

والمسيح الدجال تجاوز جميع الزعماء الآخرين الإنسان، وبالتالي جذب التالية عالمي.

أ. وقال انه سوف يكون هناك سياسي قادر على (دانيال 8:23-25).

ب. وقال انه سيكون العبقرية العسكرية (رؤيا 13:4).

ج. وسوف ينظر انه يستحق العبادة (رؤيا 13:04، 8).

2. المسيح الدجال مهنة

والمسيح الدجال يظهر في البداية كزعيم سياسي غير معروفة، و "القرن الصغير" (دانيال 7:08). لكن، في غضون فترة زمنية قصيرة وقال انه سوف يصبح أعظم دكتاتور في العالم. نقطة عالية من حياته المهنية على النحو التالي:

أ. وسوف تبدأ المحنة عندما يجعل من معاهدة مع اسرائيل، والسماح لها لإعادة بناء الهيكل والعبادة القربانية تجديد (دانيال 9:27).

ب. في منتصف المحنة (بعد 3 1/2 سنوات)، وقال انه سوف يكسر معاهدة مع اسرائيل، والطلب عبادة الذات (دانيال 9:27 و 2 تسالونيكي 2:04)، قتل الرب للشاهدين (رؤيا 11:01 14 )، والبدء في اسرائيل تضطهد بنشاط (رؤيا 0:01 6)، وتدمير كنيسة مرتد، وهو ما لم تعد بحاجة (رؤيا 17:16).

ج. في نهاية المحنة، وسوف يعود السيد المسيح، وتدمير أعدائه، ويلقي المسيح الدجال والنبي الكذاب في بحيرة النار (رؤيا 19:11 21).

وجيم والمحنة يؤدي إلى الخلاص من كثير من الناس.

على الرغم من أن الله سيعاقب سكان الأرض عن طريق إرسال الكوارث المدمرة وذلك بالسماح المسيح الدجال وقواته للقيام أسوأ حالاتها، وسوف يكون عقابه وسيلة لتحقيق العديد من اليهود والوثنيون على نفسه (زكريا 13:01 ورؤيا يوحنا 7:09 17) .

II. وقت المحنة

سوف أ المحنة تعقد بعد نشوة الطرب من الكنيسة.

[هناك الكثير من الانجيليين نتفق مع جميع قلنا يصل الى هذه النقطة. التوقيت الدقيق من المحنه هناك جدل حول. في الآونة الأخيرة اكتسبت "ما قبل الغضب" نظرية نشوة شعبية. هذه النظرية تشير إلى أن المسيحيين سوف تذهب من خلال الجزء الأول من المحنة، أمام الله يبدأ منهمر غضبه (وبالتالي "ما قبل الغضب"). ونحن نعتقد مثل هذا الموقف هو في خطأ.]

الكنيسة سوف تواجه أي جزء من المحنة لأنه سيتم القبض عليه حتى ("استمتع") فقط قبل ذلك. بحسب الكتاب المقدس، المسيح سوف ينزل من السماء و "اللحاق" على حد سواء عصر الكنيسة الأموات والأحياء المؤمنين لمقابلته في السحب. وقال انه سوف يأخذ بعد ذلك إلى السماء، حيث أنها ستظل خلال المحنة.

لأن الرب نفسه سوف ينزل من السماء، مع أمر عال، مع صوت ملائكة وبوق الله، والأموات في المسيح سيقومون أولا. بعد ذلك، سوف يتم القبض علينا والذين لا يزالون على قيد الحياة وترك ما يصل معهم في السحب لملاقاة الرب في الهواء. وهكذا نكون مع الرب إلى الأبد. 1 تسالونيكي 4:16 17

[كان من بين القتلى "في المسيح" تشير إلى كنيسة القديسين في سن، وليس المؤمنين. ت. ليكون "في المسيح" ليتم حفظها.

وتستخدم كلمة "نشوة" في أي مكان في الكتاب المقدس. انها تأتي من الترجمة اللاتينية ل"للحاق بها."]

وهناك عدد من الممرات يعني أن نشوة الطرب سيعقد قبل المحنة. المقاطع أدناه بوضوح أن المؤمنين لن تكون خاضعة لغضب الله. منذ المحنة ينطوي على تدفق من غضب الله، وسوف المؤمنين لا تذهب من خلال ذلك.

وتنتظروا ابنه من السماء الذي هو يسوع قام من بين الأموات، الذي ينقذ لنا من الغضب الآتي. 1 تسالونيكي 1:10

لأن الله لم يعين لنا أن يعاني غضب ولكن في الحصول على الخلاص من خلال ربنا يسوع المسيح. 1 تسالونيكي 5:09

ملاحظة: إن السياق من 1 11 05:01 تسالونيكي يتحدث من أوقات النهاية. ولذلك، غضب يجري المشار إليها ليست الجحيم، ولكن الغضب الذي سيحدث خلال المحنة.

منذ كنت قد أبقت الأمر لي لتحمل بصبر، وسأبقي أيضا لكم من ساعة من المحاكمة التي ستأتي على العالم كله لاختبار أولئك الذين يعيشون على الأرض. الوحي 03:10

وتجدر الإشارة إلى أمرين حول هذا الوعد الى الكنيسة في فيلادلفيا:

1. الأمر ينطبق على جميع الكنائس العهد الجديد.

من له أذن فليسمع ما يقوله الروح للكنائس. الوحي 03:13

2. وهي تعد بأن جميع الكنائس وتجنب المحنة.

الكلمات اليونانية المترجمة "تبقى لكم من" رؤيا يوحنا 3:10 في إشارة إلى عمل واحد من فصل كنيسة القديسين في سن من المحنة، وليس حماية مستمرة من المؤمنين خلال المحنة.

وباء. والمحنة وذلك قبل المسيح يعود الى الارض لاقامة مملكته.

وملكوت المسيح أن يكون ذلك الوقت عندما يسود المسيح شخصيا ملكا وخلق كل تقدم لحكمه. وسوف يحدث هذا مباشرة بعد المحنة.

وأمة على أمة، ومملكة على مملكة. سيكون هناك زلازل عظيمة والمجاعات والأوبئة في أماكن مختلفة، وأحداث مخيفة وآيات عظيمة من السماء. لهذا هو الوقت المناسب للعقاب في تحقيق كل ما قد كتب. كيف سيكون الرهيب في تلك الأيام للنساء الحوامل والمرضعات! سيكون هناك محنة كبيرة في الأرض وغضب ضد هذا الشعب. لن يكون هناك علامات في القمر والشمس والنجوم. على الأرض، وسوف تكون الأمم في كرب والحيرة في هدر والقذف من البحر. الرجال سوف خافت من الارهاب، وسوف تتزعزع تخوف من ما هو آت في العالم، عن الأجرام السماوية. وحتى مع ذلك، عندما ترى هذه الأشياء تحدث، وتعلمون أن ملكوت الله قريب. لوقا 21:10 11، 22 23، 25-26، 31

والمحنة ذروتها مع المجيء الثاني للمسيح على الأرض مع جميع القديسين عصر الكنيسة لتدمير أعدائه.

رأيت السماء مفتوحة واقفا هناك قبلي كان حصان أبيض، الذي راكب يدعى أمينة وصادقة. مع العدالة التي القضاة ويجعل الحرب. وكانت جيوش السماء التالية له، يمتطون الجياد البيضاء ويرتدون بزا أبيض ونقيا. ثم رأيت الوحش وملوك الأرض وجيوشهم تجمعوا معا لجعل الحرب ضد راكب على الحصان وجيشه. لكن كان وحشا القبض عليه، ومعه النبي الكذاب الذي أجرى آيات نيابة عنه. . . . وألقيت على اثنين منهم على قيد الحياة في بحيرة النارية من حرق الكبريت. أما البقية فقد قتلوا منهم بالسيف التي خرجت من فم راكب على الحصان، وجميع الطيور متخم أنفسهم في لحمهم. الوحي 19:11، 14، 19-21

[لا تخلط بين نشوة مع المجيء الثاني. وهما أحداث مميزة مفصولة 7 سنوات. ]

وفيما يلي الجدول الزمني (التي وضعتها ماكيون رولان، THD) مما يشير إلى بعض الأحداث التي وقعت نهاية لمرة وأكثر أهمية.

خلاصة واستعراض

في هذا الدرس، تعلمنا:

1. والمحنة هو المستقبل، سبع سنوات الفترة التي ويطلق العنان غضب الله، والمسيح الدجال يرتفع الى السلطة، ويتم حفظها الجموع.

2. وسوف المحنة تعقد بعد نشوة الطرب من الكنيسة، وقبل إقامة مملكة المسيح في مجيئه الثاني.

تعلم العيش و

1. أثناء وجوده في محل لبيع الكتب المسيحية المحلية، لاحظت وجود كتاب جديد عن نبوءة الكتاب المقدس. بعد شرائه، كنت أعتبر المنزل والبدء في قراءته. المؤلف تنص على أن نشوة الطرب سيعقد في وقت ما في منتصف المحنة لأن النصف الأول من المحنة لا ينطوي على غضب الله. لماذا هذا الموقف الخاطئ؟

كل من المحنة ينطوي على تدفق غضب الله، وليس فقط في النصف الأخير. وخلال النصف الأخير يكون أكثر حدة، ولكن (التي تسمى أحيانا "المحنة العظيمة" في الكتاب المقدس). منذ يتم الاحتفاظ بها المؤمنين من هذا الغضب، وسوف تذهب من خلال أي جزء من المحنة.

2. وقال صديق مسيحي من يدكم وتشعر أنه سوف تذهب من خلال المحنة. ماذا يمكن أن أقول له لتخفيف القلق له؟

وقد وعد الله المؤمنين أن لا تذهب من خلال المحنة (1 تسالونيكي 1:10، 5:09، والقس 3:10).

الدرس 31: رعاية وتوسيع الكنيسة

وزارة النمو، أو التوسع، ويأخذ مكان والكنائس المحلية المشاركة في التنوير والتبشير الملائكي. مثل هذا النمو يتطلب من إدارة الموارد الكنيسة المادية والبشرية. كلمة أخرى للإدارة مثل هذا "القوامة". في هذا الدرس، سوف نقوم بدراسة:

1. أساس القوامة

2. الملف الشخصى للمضيف

3. مثال على الإشراف

4. أهمية الإشراف

أولا: مؤسسة للإشراف

ويستند الإشراف على اثنين من المبادئ الأساسية:

أ. الله هو الخالق والمالك من كل شيء.

منذ خلق الله الكون، وقال انه يملكها وكل ما فيه. هذا ليس صحيحا فقط من الصخور والأشجار، والحيوانات، ولكن أيضا من البشر.

الأرض هي الرب، وكل ما فيه، والعالم، وجميع الذين يعيشون فيه، لأنه تأسس على البحار وثبت على المياه. مزمور 24:1 2

B. بشرية يفعل أي شيء لا تملك حقا.

عندما يتحدث الناس عن هذه "الممتلكات"، فانهم يتحدثون حقا غير دقيق. كل شيء على أن الشخص "تمتلك" سوف تترك وراء لشخص آخر. وقد اعير جميع أن أي شخص "يملك" له من قبل الله.

عن الذي يجعلك مختلفا عن أي شخص آخر؟ ماذا لديك أنك لم تحصل؟ وإذا لم يحصل ذلك، لماذا يتباهى كما لو كنت لا؟ 1 كورنثوس 04:07

II. في الملف الشخصي لستيوارد

وتعطى ألف ألف مضيف ثقة (مسؤولية) من جانب آخر.

وكان الحكام شائعة في العصور القديمة. ومن المتوقع ان ستيوارد للإشراف على شؤون شخص آخر. كلمة "مضيفة" تعني حرفيا "واحدة من

تدير المنزلية. "A القوامة هي التي أوكلت إلى رعاية مدير. ومرادف جيد للإشراف هي الادارة. العهد الجديد في كثير من الأحيان يقارن المؤمنين مع الحكام. وقد أعطى الله المؤمنين لانجاز المهام والموارد اللازمة لتحقيقها. شرح السيد المسيح هذه الحقيقة في كثير من الأمثال.

فمن هو مدير المؤمنين والحكمة، ومنهم سيد يضع المسؤول عن عبيده لمنحهم بدل الغذائية في الوقت المناسب؟ لوقا 12:42

B. وكيلا هو تول (اشراف) ان الثقة.

المؤمنون لاستخدام جميع الموارد الموكلة إليهم من قبل الله لإنجاز مهامهم المعين.

سيكون من الجيد لذلك العبد الذي يجد سيد القيام بذلك عندما يعود. أنا أقول لك الحقيقة، وقال انه سيتم وضعه المسؤول عن كل ممتلكاته. لوقا 12:43 44

[وبعبارة أخرى، المؤمنون لإدارة / تول / الإشراف على كل شيء الله لديه الموكلة إليهم. على سبيل المثال، يوسف.]

C. A كيلا يكون مسؤولا عن أداء مهمته.

زمن قادم [على كرسي المسيح] عند الله وسوف نطالب المحاسبة عن الطريقة التي تم بها إدارة شؤونه. وسوف تستند هذه المحاسبة على المبدأ التالي: أن أكبر امتياز، وزيادة المسؤولية.

من كل من وأعطيت الكثير، سيتم طالبت كثيرا، ومن الشخص الذي أوكلت إليه كثيرا، وسوف يطلب أكثر من ذلك بكثير. لوقا 12:48

دال موارد ستيوارد

اعتقد كثير من المؤمنين بشكل غير صحيح أنه يجب عليها أن تعطي الله جزء من مواردها. ومع ذلك، يستند إشراف حقيقي على إدراك أن كل واحد وينتمي الى الله.

1. المؤمنين هم الحكام من وقتهم.

كيف نستخدمها في عصرنا هو انعكاس لأولوياتنا. يجب أن تستخدم في كل ثانية من كل يوم بحكمة.

نكون حذرين للغاية، بعد ذلك، كيف كنت تعيش ليس من الحكمة ولكن من الحكمة و، الاستفادة القصوى من كل فرصة، وذلك لأن الأيام شريرة. افسس 5:15 16

[ومن الواضح أن هذا لا يعني أننا لا نستطيع أن قضاء وقت الراحة، والاسترخاء، ومجرد يخطيء قبالة. لكنه لا يعني أننا مسؤولون عن كيفية قضاء بعض الوقت من هذا القبيل. لا ينبغي لنا ببساطة "النفايات" أجزاء كبيرة من الوقت لا تفعل شيئا مربحا، ومشاهدة أشرطة الفيديو على سبيل المثال 3-4، لعب ألعاب الفيديو، "vegging خارج"، وغيرها ونحن في "تخليص الوقت".]

2. المؤمنين هم الحكام من مواهبهم.

كل مؤمن لديه القدرات التي يريد الله أن تستخدم لتحقيق مقاصده. يتوقع الله من كل مؤمن لاستخدام مواهبه لتعزيز وزارة كنيسته المحلية.

لدينا الهدايا المختلفة، وفقا لنعمة أعطانا. إذا هبة رجل ويتنبأون، دعه استخدامها بما يتناسب مع عقيدته. إذا كان العامل، دعه يعمل، وإذا كان يدرس، واسمحوا له تعليم، وإذا كان أمر مشجع، واسمحوا له تشجيع، وإذا كان يساهم في احتياجات الآخرين، واسمحوا له بسخاء، وإذا كان هذا هو القيادة، واسمحوا له حكم بجد، وإذا كان يظهر الرحمة، دعه يفعل ذلك بابتهاج. رومية 0:06 8

وينبغي استخدام كل واحد أيا كان هدية تلقاها لخدمة الآخرين، وإدارة بأمانة نعمة الله في مختلف أشكاله. 1 بطرس 4:10

[كيف والله "السلكية" لك؟ أين هي مواهبك، وقدراته، والهدايا؟ هذا هو المكان الذي يريد الله بكم للخدمة في الكنيسة.]

3. المؤمنين هم الحكام من كنوزها.

العهد الجديد يؤكد بقوة على الاستخدام السليم للممتلكات من قبل المؤمنين. كثير من المقاطع تحذر من استخدامها غير لائق.

لكن التقوى مع القناعة فهي تجارة عظيمة. لجلبنا لا شيء في العالم، ونحن يمكن أن تأخذ أي شيء للخروج منه. لكن اذا كان لدينا الطعام والملابس، وسنكون مع أن محتوى. الناس الذين يريدون الحصول على سقوط الغنية في تجربة وفخ وإلى العديد من رغبات حمقاء والضارة التي يغرق الرجل في الخراب والدمار. من أجل حب المال هو أصل كل الشرور. بعض الناس، وحريص على المال، وضلوا عن الإيمان وطعنوا أنفسهم مع العديد من كرب. 1 تيموثاوس 6:06 10

جيمس 5:01 6 يحدد العديد من الخطايا المرتبطة حب المال:

أ. وضع ثقة المرء في كل ما هو زائل (5:1 3)

ب. اكتناز الثروات بدلا من استخدامها للخير (5:3)

ج. باستخدام وسائل غير شريفة للحصول على الثروة (05:04)

د. الذين يعيشون في ترف (5:5)

ه. ممارسة الانغماس في الذات (5:5)

[لاحظ أن الفاخرة، ومنغمس في الملذات نمط الحياة غير ملائم لمسيحي. لماذا تعتقد أن نقول هذا؟ لأنه من وجهة نظر الله، وهناك استخدامات أكثر أهمية من المال من الفخامة والراحة. الجزء الصعب هو تحديد مستوى مناسب من المعيشة. معظم الناس زيادة مستواها مع زيادة دخلها (إذا فعل). بدلا من ذلك، ينبغي للمرء أن يحدد ما يحتاج إليه، واستخدام اضافية لدعم وزارات مختلفة، والبرامج، والجمعيات الخيرية، وما إلى ذلك عدد قليل من القيام به في الواقع هذا.]

4. المؤمنون أمناء على رسالة.

اعتبر بول الرسالة التي كان يبشر أن تكون مسؤولية عظيمة.

وأصبحت أنا العبد [الكنيسة] من قبل لجنة أعطاني الله أن أقدم لكم كلمة الله في الامتلاء. كولوسي 1:25

2 تيموثاوس 2:01 2 يشير إلى أن الإشراف على هذه الثقة هي مهمة كل جيل من المؤمنين.

ثالثا. مثال على الإشراف

واحدة من متطلبات الله للمضيفين في هذا التوزيع هو الدعم من الكنيسة المحلية. في 1 كورنثوس 16:01 4 و 2 كورنثوس 8 و 9، بول يناقش قربانا أنه يجري اتخاذها من أجل الإغاثة من المجاعة بالنسبة للكنائس في فلسطين. هذه المقاطع تعطينا إرشادات مهمة تتعلق العطاء.

ألف الوقت لإعطاء

وكانت العروض التي سيتم جمعها يوم الاحد.

في اليوم الأول من كل أسبوع، وينبغي أن كل واحد منكم تخصيص مبلغ من المال يتفق مع دخله. 1 كورنثوس 16:02

أهمية هذه الحقيقة هي اعتبارين هما: أولا، نظرا لوزارة المال كان من المقرر ان تقدم من خلال والكنيسة المحلية، والتي جمعت يوم الاحد. الثانية، منذ إعطاء كان ينبغي القيام به في حين تم تجميعها في الكنيسة، ينبغي أن ينظر إليها على أنها جزء من العبادة.

ب. بدلا من إعطاء

كما لوحظ اعلاه، وكانت العروض التي يجب اتخاذها لالكنيسة المحلية، التي كانت مسؤولة عن إدارة هذه الأموال. كانت الكنائس المحلية التي تدار الأموال التي تجمعها بول. تولى بول جهدا كبيرا لضمان الاستخدام الحكيم لتلك الصناديق، وكلاهما في واقع الأمر، وفي التصور. وبعبارة أخرى، كان بول دقيق للعمل تحت سلطة الكنائس المحلية لتجنب التصور أو الاتهام باساءة استخدام الأموال.

ونحن بصدد إرسال جنبا إلى جنب مع [تيتوس] الأخ الذي اشاد به جميع الكنائس لجهوده في خدمة الإنجيل. وكان ما هو أكثر من ذلك، اختياره من قبل الكنائس لمرافقة لنا ونحن حمل الذبيحة، التي نديرها من أجل تكريم الرب نفسه وإظهار حرصنا على مساعدة. نحن نريد تجنب أي انتقاد الطريقة التي تدير هذه الهدية ليبرالية. لنتخذ الآلام للقيام بما هو حق، ليس فقط في عيني الرب ولكن أيضا في عيون الرجال. 2 كورنثوس 8:18 21

[ان تكون حذرة جدا دعم منظمات parachurch. بالمعنى الدقيق للكلمة، هي أنها لا تستند الكتاب المقدس (برنامج الله هو الكنيسة، وليس parachurch)، وأنها قد لا تستخدم الاموال التي تتلقاها بحكمة، كما يتضح من الفضائح التلفزيون المبشر الأخيرة.]

جيم موقف إعطاء

1. الإشراف على العطاء هو طوعي.

العهد الجديد يعطي ليست مسألة من مسائل القانون. وإنما ينبع من القلب الذي يقر بأن كل ما لدينا، وهي تنتمي إلى الله.

يجب على كل رجل يعطي ما لديه وقرر في قلبه لإعطاء، وليس على مضض أو تحت إكراه. 2 كورنثوس 9:07

[ملاحظة مثيرة للاهتمام: واليوناني لكلمة "مرح" يأتي من الجذر "هيلاريون"، كما في "فرحان". ]

2. الإشراف على العطاء هو امتياز.

بول أصلا لم يطلب من الكنائس في مقدونيا في إعطائها للتقدم للكنائس الفلسطيني لأنه كان يعرف أن المقدونيين كانت سيئة للغاية. ومع ذلك، اعترف انهم عندما سمعوا عن الحاجة، ليتم تضمينها مع بول. النظر فيها حتى ولو في حاجة كبيرة أنفسهم، مما يتيح لتكون امتيازا.

والآن، أيها الإخوة، نريد منك أن تعرف عن النعمة التي حباه الله من الكنائس المقدونية. للخروج من محاكمة أشد، حفر آبار فرحتهم تفيض وفقرها المدقع حتى في سخاء الغنية. لأشهد أن أعطوا بقدر ما استطاعوا، وحتى خارج قدرتها. تماما من تلقاء أنفسهم، هم على وجه السرعة مع دفع بنا للحصول على شرف المشاركة في هذه الخدمة إلى القديسين. 2 كورنثوس 8:1-4

3. وينبغي أن يتم الإشراف على إعطاء بمرح.

يجب على كل رجل يعطي ما لديه وقرر في قلبه لإعطاء، وليس على مضض أو تحت إكراه، لأن الله يحب المعطي المسرور. 2 كورنثوس 9:07

د. مبلغ العطاء

1. وينبغي منح الحكام وفقا لدخلها.

يريد الله المؤمنين لعبادته مع الثروة والمواهب التي يمتلكها حاليا، مهما كانت كبيرة أو صغيرة. أرملة مع القطع النقدية لها نحاسية صغيرة (مرقس 12:41 44) هو مثال ساطع على إعطاء يرضي الرب.

في اليوم الأول من كل أسبوع، وينبغي أن كل واحد منكم تخصيص مبلغ من المال يتفق مع دخله. 1 كورنثوس 16:02

لإذا كان هناك استعداد، وهدية مقبولة وفقا لما واحد له، وليس وفقا لما كان لا يملك. 2 كورنثوس 8:12

2. وينبغي منح الحكام قدر المستطاع.

العهد الجديد لا يعلم أن نسبة معينة من دخل واحد هو أن يعطى للرب. يمكن أن العهد القديم عشر (10 في المئة) إلا أن تكون بمثابة نقطة انطلاق. المقدونيين الأضاحي هي مرة أخرى مثالا ممتازا:

لأشهد أن أعطوا بقدر ما استطاعوا، وحتى خارج قدرتها. 2 كورنثوس 8:03

[في الواقع، فإن القانون يتطلب ان المؤمنين OT تعطي أكثر بكثير من مجرد 10٪ (طلب منهم تقديم ما يقرب من 25٪). وبالاضافة الى ما هو مطلوب، قدموا تضحياتهم والعروض في كثير من الأحيان الحرة سوف جدا. ومع ذلك، فإن 10٪ هي مكان جيد للمؤمن أن تبدأ. ينبغي للمرء أن يعطي ما لا يقل عن ذلك بكثير.]

رابعا. أهمية الإشراف

القوامة من المهم للسببين على الأقل:

أ. الإشراف يجلب المجد لله.

1. القوامة هو فعل الإخلاص.

الآن هو مطلوب منها أن أولئك الذين حصلوا على ثقة أن يثبت المؤمنين. 1 كورنثوس 04:02

2. القوامة هو تعبير عن شبه المسيح.

حث بول أهل كورنثوس لإعطاء متحررا من أجل تقليد الفعل العليا في العطاء، والتضحية بالنفس من السيد المسيح.

لأنكم لا تعرفون نعمة ربنا يسوع المسيح، أنه على الرغم من أنه كان غنيا، ولكن لأجلكم افتقر، بحيث يمكنك من خلال الفقر الذي قد يصبح غنيا. 2 كورنثوس 8:09

ب. الإشراف ينجز العمل في الوزارة.

وقد حدد الله لتحقيق مشيئته في هذا التوزيع عن طريق تكليف صاحب العمل للمؤمنين. وبصرف النظر عن مدى التزام شعب الله أن يكون الحكام المؤمنين، لا يمكن للعمل الوزارة لا تأخذ مكان.

1. إدارة الوقت والمواهب يوفر الموارد البشرية للوزارة.

يجب أن تكون على استعداد للمؤمنين يكرسون حياتهم لعمل الوزارة. هذه هي واحدة من أسباب كثيرة وراء الله نجانا.

لأننا صنعة الله، وخلق في المسيح يسوع لعملوا الصالحات، والله الذي أعد سلفا لدينا ما نفعله. افسس 2:10

2. الإشراف على كنوز توفر الموارد المادية للوزارة.

العهد الجديد يعطي توجيهات محددة بشأن استخدام الموارد المالية للكنيسة. يجب أن تستخدم فيها:

أ. لتلبية الاحتياجات من الرعاة وعائلاتهم

لا تعرف أن أولئك الذين يعملون في المعبد الحصول على غذائها من المعبد، وأولئك الذين يخدمون في حصة مذبح في ما تقدمه على المذبح؟ في نفس الطريق، وقد أمر الرب أن الذين أبشر ينبغي أن تحصل معيشتها من الانجيل. 1 كورنثوس 09:13 14

[ويقول الكتاب المقدس أيضا أن أولئك الذين العمل في كلمة تستحق "الشرف مزدوج"، في إشارة من المرجح جدا أن رواتبهم.]

ب. لتلبية الاحتياجات من المبشرين

لأرسلت لك حتى عندما كنت في تسالونيكي، مساعدة لي مرارا وتكرارا عندما كنت في أمس الحاجة إليها. ليس هذا وأنا أبحث عن هدية، ولكن أنا أبحث عن ما يمكن أن ينسب إلى حسابك. لقد استلمت دفع كامل، وحتى أكثر من ذلك؛ وأنا زودت بإسهاب أنا، الآن بأنني تلقيت من Epaphroditus الهدايا التي أرسلت. هم ذبيحة عطرة، وهي ذبيحة مقبولة مرضية عند الله. فيلبي 4:16 18

ج. لتلبية احتياجات الآخرين، وخصوصا المؤمنين الآخرين

لذلك، كما لدينا فرصة، واسمحوا لنا فعل الخير لجميع الناس، وخصوصا لأولئك الذين ينتمون إلى عائلة المؤمنين. غلاطية 6:10

خلاصة واستعراض

في هذا الدرس، تعلمنا:

1. ويستند الإشراف على حقيقة أن الله هو الخالق والمالك من كل شيء.

2. وكيلا هو واحد من هو المسؤول لإدارة الثقة التي قدمها آخر. المؤمنون هم المسؤولون في إدارة الوقت بشكل صحيح، والمواهب، الكنوز، والرسالة التي رسمت لها من قبل الله.

3. يجب المؤمنون طوعا وبمرح تعطي بقدر ما هي قادرة على الكنيسة المحلية كل يوم الأحد.

4. الإشراف يجلب المجد لله، ويحقق في عمل الوزارة.

تعلم العيش و

1. رجل في كنيستك لديه وظيفة أن يدفع بشكل جيد للغاية. انه يمكن بسهولة أن يقود سيارة مرسيدس والعيش في منزل $ 1،000،000. سيكون من حق له أن لديها مثل هذه السيارة والمنزل؟ لماذا أو لماذا لا؟

لا، وقال انه لا حاجة إليها، فهي من الكماليات. كمسيحيين لا ينبغي لنا أن نعيش في ترف الفاخرة. بدلا من ذلك، يجب أن نوفر لماذا نحن بحاجة ثم لتلبية احتياجات الوزارة واحتياجات الآخرين.

2. كنيسة في بلدة يجعل من صفقة كبيرة على مدى عدد من المبشرين التي يدعمها. موظفو الرعوية، ومع ذلك، تسعى جاهدة لتغطية نفقاتهم، ومرافق الكنيسة هم في حاجة ماسة للإصلاح. حتى الآن، والكنيسة لا تزال تأخذ على المبشرين الجدد. مسؤوليات ما ديني وهذه الكنيسة تجاهلها؟

مسؤوليتها عن تلبية احتياجات الرعاة وجعل مبناها أنيق، فقط بعد تحقيق هذه الالتزامات يجب أن تنظر في اتخاذ هذه الكنيسة في أكثر من المبشرين. ربما إذا فعلوا ذلك، فإن القس العمل بجدية أكبر أو أفضل، وأفضل التسهيلات من شأنها أن تساعد الكنيسة تنمو، وبالتالي فإن الكنيسة قد دعم المبشرين أكثر من ذلك. ويستند برنامج بعثة الصلبة على كنيسة بيت متين.

الدرس 30: الهيكل والتوسع في الكنيسة

حتى الآن، فقد تعلمنا أن الهدفين الأولين للكنيسة هي التنوير من حفظه، والتبشير من الضائع. في حين تنتج التنوير التبشير الملائكي، والتبشير يتطلب التوسع.

الدروس التالية لا تستخدم كلمة "التوسع" لوصف النمو العددي، وهذا يتحقق من خلال التبشير الملائكي. توسيع يشير إلى استحداث وزارات جديدة داخل الكنيسة، وتنظيم اللازمة لتنفيذها. مدارس الأحد والكنائس الأصغر، جوقات، عطلة المدارس الكتاب المقدس، ومجموعات الشباب هي أمثلة من الوزارات التي قد بدأت لتلبية احتياجات الجماعة. وإن لم تكن موجودة في الكتاب المقدس، وهذه الوزارات هي مشروعة من حيث أنها تساعد على الكنائس المحلية تحقيق أهداف التنوير والتبشير الملائكي.

[We must strive to make sure that everything we are doing fits into the overall purpose and goals of the church. Whatever doesn't fit should be eliminated. Also, there's a difference between extra-biblical things and unbiblical things. Eg, Sunday school is extra-biblical, ie, there is no direct biblical support for it. Infant baptism is unbiblical, ie, it goes against the Bible.]

We can learn several principles of expansion from the early church:

1. Expansion requires fidelity . [loyalty, faithfulness]

2. Expansion requires planning .

3. Expansion requires creativity .

4. Expansion requires cooperation .

5. Expansion requires accountability .

I. Expansion Requires Fidelity.

The early church expanded in a way that was true to the Word of God.

A. The early church was true to the commands of the Word of God.

When the church began on the Day of Pentecost, there were no New Testament Scriptures in existence to govern their ministry. The early believers sought to consistently apply the teachings of Christ concerning the church. Then, as God provided more revelation through the apostles, they faithfully applied those truths as well.

1. They proclaimed a God given message .

The early church understood that a pure message was essential. The truths of Scripture, with the person and work of Christ as the focal point, was the message of the early church. Deviation from this was not tolerated.

لكن حتى لو كنا أو ملاك من السماء يجب تبشير الانجيل غير واحد نحن بشر لكم، واسمحوا له ان يدان الى الابد! غلاطية 1:08

2. مارسوا أساليب الله معين.

بعض الأساليب المستخدمة من قبل الكنيسة في وقت مبكر عالمية، أي أنها تنطبق على جميع الكنائس في كل عصر. هذه الأساليب هي المعيار، ليس فقط لأن الكنيسة في وقت مبكر تمارس عليهم (في كتاب أعمال الرسل)، ولكن أيضا لأن يؤمرون في رسائل. على سبيل المثال، ان الكنيسة هي أن تعلن رسميا عن الحقيقة (2 تيموثاوس 4:2)، وتنظيم المتحولين إلى المجالس المحلية (انظر الدرس التاسع والعشرون)، وتأديب أعضائها (1 كورنثوس 5).

[ومن الصعب أحيانا معرفة ما إذا كانت ممارسة معينة كانت عالمية أو مؤقت. ويجوز للمرور أن تكون وصفية أو المعيارية. على سبيل المثال، أن نقول إن اللسان هو مؤقت تسجيل الدخول هدية. يدعي آخرون التكلم بألسنة كان طبيعيا وان الكنيسة يجب ان نفعل ذلك اليوم.]

ب. الكنيسة في وقت مبكر وكان وفيا لمبادئ كلمة الله.

There were times when the early church encountered situations that were not directly addressed in Scripture. If there was no specific command concerning a particular issue, they dealt with it in a manner consistent with the truth that they already knew. For example, a controversy arose in Acts 6 concerning the care of widows. The apostles had no biblical instructions concerning this issue at that time. Thus, they began with what they did know (their own responsibilities) and devised a plan which was true to Scripture and met the need at hand.

[This is exactly how many ministries start: someone senses a need and fills it by applying biblical principles.]

II. Expansion Requires Planning.

Lesson Twenty Four pointed out that the organizational expansion of the early church did not just happen. Rather, it was the result of careful planning. For example, a controversy arose in Acts 15 concerning saved Gentiles. The problem had to do with the inclusion of Gentiles into the church along with Jews. Should the Gentiles be required to obey the Law of Moses? Did they have to be circumcised? After much debate, the issue was resolved, and a letter was written to the Gentile churches explaining the resolution.

Another example is found in Acts 16:6-10, where Paul's plans to go to Asia and Bithynia were changed by the Holy Spirit. Paul apparently had a planned itinerary for each of his missionary journeys.

A church properly expands as a result of careful planning, not haphazardly.

[Unless you're involved in planning an event, you probably don't realize how much work goes into it. Even a morning service is planned out for ahead of time. The point is that we should plan and organize, not "do ministry" haphazardly.]

ثالثا. التوسع يتطلب الإبداع.

The ministry of a church must respond to changes in society . In other words, a church must apply the unchanging Word of God to an ever changing culture. This means that as new needs and issues arise, local churches need to respond with relevant and timely applications of eternal truth. Such creative expansion prepares the way for further edification and evangelism, as the following two examples show.

[Principles stay the same; methods may change. Evangelism is a universal command. How we do it may vary depending on time, place, culture, etc. This is why we should not be method-oriented.]

The distribution of the letter explaining the decisions of the Jerusalem Council had the following effect:

As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers. Acts 16:4 5

The selection of the first deacons in Acts 6 had the same effect:

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7

[والمشكلة هنا هي تحديد كيفية وإذا ثقافة / مجتمع يجب تغيير الطريقة التي نفعل الأشياء. بعض الكنائس تكييف خدماتها كليا على الثقافة الشعبية. وتشمل هذه الصخور أو بلد والموسيقى، والتمثيليات، والنكتة، وباختصار، والاحتياجات التي تركز على الرسائل، وما إلى ذلك وكما الانفصاليين، ونحن نريد التحدث إلى رجل عصري من دون الدعوة إلى ما نراه من العناصر الشريرة للثقافة.]

رابعا. يتطلب توسيع التعاون.

الكنائس غالبا ما تجعل من الخطأ عزل أنفسهم، وحتى من التجمعات الأخرى مثل الإيمان والممارسة. الانعزالية يضر جسد المسيح. Pastors and their congregations need the encouragement and assistance of like minded churches.

The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 is a good example of cooperation between local assemblies. Several congregations were represented at the Council. Together, they discussed various options and decided on a biblical solution to the problem.

Churches of like faith and practice can and should cooperate in a variety of ways, such as:

A. Missions support

B. Educational institutions

C. Ordination councils [explain what an ordination is all about.]

D. Church planting

Many opportunities exist for cooperative efforts. Such cooperation is especially beneficial when churches work together on projects that are beyond their individual means.

[For example, churches may cooperate for evangelistic meetings or service projects. But these churches would be of similar faith and practice. We are against ecumenism, which is the cooperation of churches not of like faith and/or practice.]

V. Expansion Requires Accountability.

Accountability is a crucial aspect of biblical ministry and functions on two levels:

A. Accountability within the local church

As mentioned previously, expansion adds to the administrative structure of a local church. Leaders within that structure (such as Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, etc.) are accountable to the local church.

1. Leaders are accountable for what they teach .

If a leader willfully begins teaching something that is contrary to the church's published doctrinal statement, he should immediately be asked to resign.

2. Leaders are accountable for what they do .

If a leader willfully begins doing something that is contrary to the church's published standards of conduct for leadership, he should immediately be asked to resign.

[Most churches have a higher set of standards for leaders.]

B. Accountability between local churches

Accountability is a valuable benefit of cooperation between churches. Every ministry occasionally needs to have its weaknesses identified and priorities clarified through interaction with other churches.

Note: Because every church is independent, accountability between churches is voluntary .

[Often such accountability takes the form of an association or fellowship organization. These often become more of a liability than a benefit. Part of the problem with various parachurch organizations is that they have no or little accountability outside the organization. This is one reason we insist that ministry should be done under the auspices of a church.]

تعلم العيش و

1. A friend of yours comes to a youth activity and afterwards comments, “Why do you have youth activities? You can't find them in the Bible.” How should you respond?

True, you can't find youth activities in the Bible. Other things not mentioned in the Bible: Sunday schools, carpet, electricity, light bulbs, pianos, pulpits, auditoriums, etc. Though extrabiblical, they are acceptable because they help youth ministries accomplish the objectives of the church. Thus, something is not wrong just because the Bible doesn't mention it.

2. After visiting a church for a few Sundays with your family, you realize that the pastor has very little knowledge of the Bible and cannot adequately communicate what he does know. There is little doubt that this man does not belong in the ministry. Who was responsible for placing this man in the pastorate?

The man himself; one or several local churches; perhaps a mentor, teacher, parent, etc.

How could this error have been avoided?

the convening of an ordination council to examine his fitness for the ministry

الدرس 29: الكنيسة ورسالتها الشركة

We learned in Lesson Twenty Eight that the second objective of the local church is evangelism. The Great Commission describes this objective as “disciple making.” [“Make disciples” is the main verb in the great commission.] Evangelism takes place on two levels: personal witness and corporate mission . These should not be viewed as separate activities, for the former [personal] is necessary to accomplish the latter [corporate] .

Corporate mission is evangelism pursued through the united efforts of the members of a local church, using their combined resources.

[So when we talk about "corporate mission," we mean evangelism that a congregation as a unit pursues.]

In this lesson, we will examine:

1. The goal of corporate mission

2. The extent of corporate mission

3. The priority of corporate mission

I. The Goal of Corporate Mission

The corporate mission of a local church includes the work of personal witness, but it includes such witness into a larger goal or “bigger picture.”

A. The corporate mission of the church is to reproduce congregations .

Whereas personal witness seeks to produce converts , corporate mission seeks to produce congregations by organizing such converts into local churches. The bulk of the New Testament (from Acts to Jude) deals primarily with the starting and strengthening of local churches.

Paul's first two missionary journeys resulted in the reproduction of churches.

1. Paul's first missionary journey

During Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13 14), he and Barnabas followed a clear plan: after being commissioned by their home church in Antioch of Syria, they established a new church in Antioch of Pisidia, from which they evangelized neighboring cities, establishing other churches.

[This is the same pattern we desire to see in mission work today. A primary mission of the church is to establish more churches. Lots of churches support many different "mission" works: hospitals, schools, food services, etc. But the primary mission work should be starting more churches.]

2. Paul's second missionary journey

Paul followed the same pattern during his next missionary journey (Acts 15:36-18:22).

On this occasion, Paul established the “mother church” in Ephesus, which commissioned Epaphras (Colossians 1:7) to establish churches in these other cities.

In both of these cases, Paul or a fellow worker communicated the gospel , organized congregations , taught them doctrine , helped them appoint pastors , and checked back on their progress . The end result was always an independent local church.

[This is the same pattern which should be followed by modern missionaries. A true missionary is a church-planter.]

B. The corporate mission of the church is to reproduce in kind .

1. Churches should reproduce doctrinally .

Even a casual reading of Paul's epistles reveals that he was determined to see sound doctrine established in the churches he started. To Timothy, Paul's representative in the Church at Ephesus, he declared:

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you. – 2 Timothy 1:13-14

[If we sent out some people to start another church, we would want it to teach the same doctrine that we believe.]

2. Churches should reproduce philosophically .

Paul was not only concerned about reproducing a doctrinal system in the churches that he established, but also about making sure those churches followed his application of doctrine.

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14 15

[Even in churches that share the same doctrine, there may be much difference in philosophy of ministry. We would plant a church that goes about its business in the same way we do and emphasizes the same things we do. The same doctrine doesn't always result in the same philosophy.]

II. The Extent of Corporate Mission

The corporate mission of the church should be marked by extension . Christ's last recorded message before His Ascension was:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

[By "extension" we mean that the church is responsible to extend the message of the gospel and the ministry of the church to the local community, to neighboring communities, and world-wide.]

This can be visualized:

The principle of extension means that:

A. Corporate mission takes place within the community.

When most people hear the word “missions,” they usually think of ministry that takes place on foreign soil. The corporate mission of the church, however, includes the reproduction of congregations in one's own community, provided the community is large enough to sustain multiple congregations.

[It's very likely that within Jerusalem and other cities in the times of the apostles, there were many "house" churches which met in peoples' homes. Thus, there were probably many such churches in large cities. Churches should support "home" missions within their own communities.]

Reproduction of congregations tends to promote service . The early church multiplied via many small house churches due to the lack of facilities large enough to house all of the believers in a particular community. Although larger facilities are available today, it may be wise to limit the size of a church in order to promote service. As a church grows, it may reach the point where it starts producing

spectators rather than servants . At that point, a new congregation should be started to provide more opportunities for service among its members.

[Studies have shown that no matter how big a church gets, a maximum of about 150-200 people are actively involved in the ministry of the church. Thus, once the church gets far above that number, people become more spectators than involved in service. Some feel that 300-400 is as large as a church should get before spinning off another church.]

B. Corporate mission takes place beyond the community.

The church that was established in Jerusalem was expected to minister beyond its own community. Its goal was to reproduce itself worldwide . Whenever Paul started a church and strengthened it to the point where it could function on its own, he left to start churches in other areas.

Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. 2 Corinthians 10:15 16

[Church planting is God's plan for reaching the world. Part of the problem with many evangelistic efforts is that they win converts but do not channel them into good churches, or any churches. The biblical pattern is winning someone to Christ and seeing them baptized and added to the membership of a church.]

ثالثا. The Priority of Corporate Mission

A. Corporate mission should be a priority for the congregation .

The Great Commission was given to the church. This is seen from the fact that Acts 1:8 links the Great Commission to the Day of Pentecost, the birth of the church.

1. Corporate mission is not an option for the local church.

“Make disciples” (Matthew 28:19) is a command, not a suggestion. Reproduction of churches is the primary way in which a local church obeys this command. Therefore, there should never be a missionless church or a churchless mission.

2. Corporate mission cannot be separated from the other objectives of the Great Commission.

Evangelistic outreach should not be a local church's only concern. The objectives of the Great Commission are interrelated. Their relationship is seen in the following diagram:

B. Corporate mission should be a priority for the individual believer .

Because the Great Commission was given to local churches and the New Testament expects all believers to minister through local churches, the corporate mission of the church should be a priority in the life of every believer. When individuals become Christians, they are not to be independent in their outreach. They are part of a community of believers whose goal is to reproduce congregations.

Recap & Review

In this lesson, we have learned:

1. The goal of corporate mission is to reproduce congregations similar in doctrine and philosophy.

2. The extent of corporate mission includes the reproducing of congregations both within and beyond one's community.

3. Corporate mission should be a priority for the congregation as a whole and for the individual believer.

تعلم العيش و

1. Many worthy and needy causes receive money from churches: hospitals, schools, famine relief, etc. Should a local church support any of these causes? لماذا أو لماذا لا؟

normally not; because they usually are not trying to accomplish the same objectives as the local church. If one can win souls and channel them into churches or start churches thru these means, then OK. In some countries, the above means are the only ways available to have any gospel influence at all. But none of these are ends in themselves. Obviously, a church can support whatever it deems worthy of support. But Biblically speaking, those ministries whose primary goal is evangelizing the lost and starting churches are central.

The church is not commissioned to feed the hungry, educate the ignorant, or cure the ill. It is commissioned to preach the gospel and start churches.

Under what circumstances could such causes be worthy of local church support?

if they are accomplishing the objectives of the local church and are submissive to the leadership of the church

2. A comment frequently made from the pulpit is that there are enough churches here in America and that we must, therefore, spend all our missions money on foreign missions. Is this a valid comment? لماذا أو لماذا لا؟

no; Corporate mission starts at home (ie, within one's own community). Home missions is legit. Also, who says there are enough churches in America? There are many communities without a solid church. Further, more American churches means more missions support.

3. A rapidly-growing church in your area has decided to build a multi-million dollar addition to their current facility in order to make room for more people. What might be a better option, and why?

to start a sister church in the area with several families who now attend the big church; to give more opportunities for service and it extends the ministry of the big church.

Lesson 28: The Church and Personal Witness

As we've learned, the primary objective of the local church is the edification of believers. The second objective of the local church is evangelism . Evangelism takes place on two levels: personal witness and corporate mission. This lesson deals with personal witness.

[Personal witness is what you do on your own when at home, school, work, etc. Corporate witness is what the church does as a group, like visitation or evangelistic services. ]

Evangelism is the effort to see people saved , baptized , and become active members of a local church. Evangelism should be a natural result of edification. The more a believer is edified, the more effective he should be in his personal witness.

[Note the extended definition of evangelism. It's not just winning people to Christ or getting a profession of faith from someone. ]

In this lesson, we will examine:

1. The role of the local church in personal witness

2. The method of personal witness

3. The message of personal witness

4. The results of personal witness

[A very good book on personal evangelism is Tell the Truth by Will Metzger. ]

I. The Role of the Local Church in Personal Witness

Many people view evangelism as a personal activity that has no connection to the local church. The Bible, however, indicates that all ministry in this dispensation is inseparable from the local church.

[This dispensation is the church age. "Para-church" organizations are those that are not part of the ministry of a particular local church. They attempt to minister either to all Christians or to a group of churches. Eg colleges. Because the church is God's organization for this age, all ministry should be done in conjunction with/under the auspices of a church or group of churches.]

A. The local church is the source of personal witness.

1. The local church has been given the authority to witness.

Just prior to His Ascension, Christ indicated that the authority to evangelize would be given when the baptism of the Holy Spirit took place.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses. Acts 1:8

This occurred on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), the day upon which the church was established.

2. The local church provides the witnesses .

The local church is the training ground for evangelism (Acts 2:46-47). Those who are saved join a local church, where they learn to become effective witnesses.

B. The local church is the means of personal witness.

An individual's personal witness is enhanced by the preparation and support provided by his local church.

1. The local church provides specialized training .

Witnessing is a learned activity . It is the educational ministry of the local church which prepares believers to witness more effectively.

It was [Christ] who gave some to be . . . pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service. Ephesians 4:11 12

2. The local church provides personal accountability .

Personal witness involves communicating the truth of the gospel with one's words (doctrine) and actions (lifestyle). The local church has been given the responsibility to assure that its members remain pure in both of these areas so that their personal witness will accurately and genuinely communicate the gospel (Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 5).

3. The local church provides encouragement .

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching Hebrews 10:24 25

Church members should encourage one another to tell others about Christ.

4. The local church provides strength through prayer .

Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. – Colossians 4:2-4

Church members should pray for each other's personal witness and that those to whom they witness get saved.

C. The local church is the end of personal witness.

Personal witness which only produces professions of faith is incomplete. The Great Commission calls for evangelism which not only produces converts, but which also sees them baptized and united in membership with a local church.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. – Acts 2:41

[Evangelism does not end when a person makes a profession of faith. Ie getting saved does not end the evangelism process. ]

II. The Method of Personal Witness

A. Personal witness should be relational .

By this we mean that personal evangelism should focus on building relationships prior to presenting the gospel. An unbeliever is much more likely to seriously think about the gospel if it is explained by a friend he knows and trusts than by a stranger.

[The vast majority of those who visit a church or eventually get saved do so because they have a friend who talked to them. Thus it is important to work within the web/network of friends we have. ]

1. Personal witness should be accompanied by an exemplary life .

One's life has to support one's message. One cannot expect an unbeliever to accept the Christian message from someone who does not act like a Christian. Peter stressed this important concept in his instructions to Christian wives with unsaved husbands.

Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 1 Peter 3:1 2

[In some respects, we win a person to what we display in our own lives. That is, a person will formulate a view of Christians and Christianity by what he sees from an example of someone claiming to be a Christian-- you. Cf also Matt 5:14-16; 1 Pet 2:11-12.]

2. Personal witness should treat people as people .

Many method oriented evangelistic programs depersonalize those being witnessed to. One must remember that those to whom he is witnessing are not just objects. They are created in the image of God and should be treated with respect. This means that the evangelist will seek to show genuine interest in the unsaved and witness to them from that context. Both Christ and Paul evangelized this way (John 4:4 42 and 1 Thessalonians 2:8 12).

B. Personal witness should be message centered .

Though relationships with unbelievers are necessary, such relationships alone do not constitute evangelism. One must confront the unbeliever with the gospel message.

[Few if any ever get saved just by looking at a Christian's exemplary lifestyle.]

1. Personal witness should value the message more than the method.

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 1 Corinthians 2:1 2, 4 5

While the Bible presents no single method of evangelism, it does present a single message. Methods change; the content of the message does not. Whatever the method, it must be consistent with God's character.

[Beware of any evangelism that stresses a step-by-step method. We don't want to get locked in to any certain technique. Also, not all methods are equally good or appropriate. Remember, evangelism is a major goal, but not the highest goal. To glorify/honor/please God is the most important. Thus we must evangelize in a God-honoring way.]

2. Personal witness should avoid methods that detract from the message.

Methods which appeal primarily to the emotions or are characterized by high-pressure “sales techniques” often cause people to make uninformed, hasty decisions. True saving faith can take place only if one understands the content of the gospel.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

[This obviously takes some time. Evangelism usually does not take place in 5 or 10 minutes.]

ثالثا. The Message of Personal Witness

It is extremely important that one understands the gospel message before he tries to explain it to someone else.

A. The focus of personal witness

1. Personal witness should not be man centered .

The tendency of many evangelistic methods is to make the gospel appealing in order to get more decisions. In so doing, however, the message is often corrupted. The following are common emphases of a man centered approach to evangelism:

أ. Man centered witness views God primarily as a friend. This tends to minimize His authority.

ب. Man centered witness views the lost from the standpoint of their needs. That is, one starts a gospel presentation by addressing an unsaved person's felt needs, such as love, acceptance, etc. This tends to minimize his sinfulness.

ج. Man centered witness views Christ primarily as the Savior. This tends to minimize His lordship; He is viewed as existing for mankind's benefit.

د. Man centered witness stresses the idea that man seeks God, not vice versa. This tends to minimize God's grace and sovereignty.

2. Personal witness should be God centered .

In contrast to the characteristics of a man centered approach, the following are emphases of a God centered approach to evangelism:

أ. God centered witness views God primarily as the Creator and sovereign Lord.

When Paul evangelized in Athens, he began by explaining these very truths.

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. Acts 17:24 25

ب. God centered witness views the lost as totally sinful.

As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.” – Romans 3:10-11

ج. God centered witness emphasizes the lordship of Christ.

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter concluded his sermon by highlighting this truth.

Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9

د. God centered witness stresses the need for repentance.

I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. Acts 20:21

B. The content of personal witness

One's presentation of the gospel should be built around the following truths:

1. The character of God

أ. He is our Creator; we are responsible to Him.

ب. He is sovereign; He may do with us as He pleases.

ج. He is holy; He will not overlook sin.

د. He is gracious and loving; He has provided a way for man to be forgiven of sin.

For more information on these truths, see Part One, Section One of this curriculum.

[It's important to start with God, because people need to know that their primary problem is a hostile relationship with God. ]

2. The character of man

أ. Man became sinful by rebelling against God.

ب. Man is incapable of doing anything to please God; he is totally sinful.

ج. Man stands condemned before God; this condemnation results in both physical and spiritual death.

For more information on these truths, see Part One, Section Three of this curriculum.

3. The person and work of Christ

أ. Christ is the God man; because He is God, He is perfect; because He is a man, He can save mankind.

ب. Christ lived a perfect life; He satisfied God's demands for mankind.

ج. Christ died a substitutionary death; He was punished for man's sin.

د. Christ rose from the dead; He is Lord of the universe and can grant forgiveness to mankind.

For more information on these truths, see Part One, Section Four of this curriculum.

4. The proper response to the message: repentance and faith

أ. Man must acknowledge his complete sinfulness; he is unable to please God.

ب. Man must repent of his sin; he must change his mind about his sinful way of life and turn from it.

ج. Man must believe that Christ paid the penalty for his sin; he must acknowledge that Christ died in his place, was buried, and rose again.

د. Man must submit to the lordship of Christ; he must recognize that there is a cost to being a believer in Christ.

For more information on these truths, see Part One, Section Five of this curriculum.

[Note that the correct response is not simply a profession of faith. Repentance and commitment are also necessary. ]

رابعا. The Results of Personal Witness

A. God is responsible for the results of personal witness.

The abuses often associated with method centered evangelism are usually due to a misunderstanding of who is responsible for the results of evangelism. If someone's salvation is solely in the hands of the evangelist, then one can understand the tendency of some toward high pressure methods. However, the Bible makes it clear that God is the One who is ultimately responsible for the salvation of the lost.

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:5 7

B. A genuine profession of faith will result in a changed life .

1. The initial response

A true believer will demonstrate his commitment to Christ in three ways:

a. Baptism by immersion

ب. Local church membership

ج. Spiritual growth

These do not guarantee the genuineness of one's salvation, but their absence does call one's conversion into question.

2. The continuing evidence

Lesson Twenty Seven pointed out that the book of 1 John was written to describe the marks of a genuine believer. وهم:

أ. Belief in fundamental doctrines (deity of Christ, inerrancy of Scripture, etc.)

ب. A righteous lifestyle

c. Love for other Christians

[If this evidence does not exist, one can have no confidence that he is saved.]

خلاصة واستعراض

في هذا الدرس، تعلمنا:

1. The local church is the source, means, and end of personal witness.

2. Personal witness should be relational and message-centered.

3. The focus of personal witness should be God-centered, not man-centered. One's presentation of the gospel should include the character of God, the character of man, the person and work of Christ, and the proper response.

4. God is the One responsible for the results of personal witness. A true profession of faith will result in a changed life.

تعلم العيش و

1. A popular “how to” book on evangelism states that when you visit someone whom you want to lead to Christ, you should begin by complimenting him on his home, children, etc. Why do you suppose the book suggests that you do this?

in order to make him more receptive to the gospel. Note the emphasis on method–”first do this, then this, then this, ….”

Is such an approach message centered or method centered?

method-centered

Is it man-centered or God-centered?

man-centered. Remember that methods change but the content does not. We should not be tied to a certain method/system of evangelism.

2. This same book says that it is the evangelist's responsibility to make sure that everyone who hears the gospel is brought to a point of decision; the hearer must either say yes or no to the gospel. If he says no, the evangelist must press him to change his mind. According to this method, who is responsible for the results?

the evangelist

Does an unbeliever need to decide to reject the gospel? لماذا أو لماذا لا؟

no; he already has been rejecting it. John 3:18 states that an unbeliever is “condemned already.”

Lesson 27: The Horizontal Expression of Edification – Fellowship

We have learned that the primary task of the local church is to educate its membership. The truths a believer is taught are expressed toward God ( worship ) and toward fellow believers ( fellowship ). Technically, the word “fellowship” is also used to describe the believer's relationship with God. The major emphasis of this lesson, however, will be the believer's relationship with other believers.

The New Testament word for fellowship means “to share something in common with someone else.” It is a word that stresses unity and refers to three relationships that the believer has:

1. Believers have fellowship with God .

2. Believers have fellowship in the faith .

3. Believers have fellowship with one another .

I. Believers Have Fellowship with God.

A. Fellowship with God is synonymous with salvation .

People often use the phrase “fellowship with God” to describe the quality of their relationship with God. Obedient, faithful believers are said to be “in fellowship,” whereas backslidden believers are “out of fellowship.” However, this is an improper use of the phrase. Paul clearly viewed “fellowship with God” as a description of salvation.

He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:8 9

B. Fellowship with God is evidenced by conformity to His character .

Spiritual growth is not optional for the believer; it is the natural result of salvation. First John was written to give some of the tests of salvation. وهم:

1. The test of righteousness

The true believer will strive to be righteous as God is righteous.

If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him. 1 John 2:29

[The idea here is doing right as a way of life, not sinless perfection. ]

2. The test of sound doctrine

The true believer will embrace the truth as revealed by the God who is the Truth.

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20

3. The test of love for other believers

The true believer will love other believers because God is love.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

II. Believers Have Fellowship in the Faith.

Unity among believers is based upon belief in a common set of doctrines–”the faith” (Jude 3). Apart from such, fellowship is impossible.

[Common doctrine is the proper basis of unity. Since we believe this, we will never cooperate with those who disagree with us about major doctrinal matters. Those who stress ecumenism (the unity of various faiths in a common goal) downplay doctrine and seek to build unity thru other means, such as experience (eg, tongues).]

A. Believers share the responsibility to proclaim the Word of God.

God has commissioned the local church to proclaim the Word of God. One way this can be done is through the support of missionaries. Paul was joyful over the support he received from the Philippian Church.

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:4 5

Support of missionaries, however, does not fulfill the believer's responsibility to proclaim the Word of God; there must also be personal involvement. To Philemon, Paul wrote:

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith. Philemon 6

B. Believers share the responsibility to defend the Word of God.

Fellowship in the Word of God involves more than proclaiming it; there must also be a commitment to maintaining purity of doctrine. This can be done in two ways:

1. Believers must not cooperate with those who teach error.

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work. 2 John 10 11

[“This teaching” here refers to apostolic doctrine regarding Christ. ]

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

2. Believers must refute error.

[A pastor] must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:9

All believers, not just pastors, should expose false teaching.

[Cf also Titus 2:15. Refute means to challenge, expose or speak out against something. Some people accuse fundamentalists of being too negative and critical. This criticism is a reaction to the fundamentalist's desire to refute and expose error. Refuting error is necessarily negative, although it does not have to be done in a negative or caustic way.]

ثالثا. Believers Have Fellowship with One Another.

Fellowship, or unity among the members of a church, is one of the distinguishing marks of genuine believers.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. 1 John 1:7

The Bible places great emphasis on this unity. It is described by a word that is translated “one another” or “each other.” This word appears over 100 times in the New Testament. Since unity is so important, believers should encourage and support it.

[Not unity at any cost. Unity is a good goal, but not the highest one. Unity should primarily be focussed on the local church. It's good to have fellowship with many other Christians not from your church, but it is especially important to be in fellowship with those in your church.]

A. Believers strengthen their unity with one another through proper attitudes .

1. Believers should avoid the following attitudes toward one another:

a. Pride

Pride is the tendency to think more highly of oneself than one ought to (Romans 12:3).

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16

[Cf also Prov 13:10 “Only by pride comes contention.” ]

b. Criticism

The Bible forbids a judgmental, condemning attitude toward other believers.

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Romans 14:13

c. Envy

Envy is the improper desire to possess that which rightfully belongs to another.

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:26

2. Believers should develop the following attitudes toward one another:

a. Humility

The opposite of pride, humility was despised by the society in which the first century church ministered, as it often is by our culture. God, however, greatly values humility.

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

b. Deference [to defer, to let another have his way]

The believer should possess an attitude which willingly yields his own rights and interests to the desires and needs of others.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

c. Patience

Patience is the willingness to bear with the shortcomings and quirks of others.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

B. Believers strengthen their unity with one another through proper speech .

Words have great potential to be harmful or helpful. Accordingly, the New Testament greatly emphasizes the constructive use of speech.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

[Cf also James 3:5-8 ]

1. Believers should avoid the following kinds of speech toward one another:

a. Lying

Lying is deliberately misrepresenting the truth either in whole or in part.

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices. Colossians 3:9

[Notice the "whole or in part" bit. Half of the truth is a whole lie. Misrepresentation is lying.]

b. Slander

Slander is speech that is intended to injure . The word literally means “to talk down.” What is said may or may not be true; however, it is the motive and/or effect that is the issue. In other words, why are you saying it and what harm might it cause? A good rule to follow when discussing someone else's problems is: Don't say it unless you and your listener are part of the problem or part of the solution .

Brothers, do not slander one another. James 4:11

c. Complaining

Complaining is a cancer that grows rapidly and has the potential of destroying a local church. Believers should practice constructive criticism rather than complaining. The difference between the two can be determined by asking the following questions: Is my comment addressed to the right person , is it being said with the right spirit , and does it include a biblical suggestion for change?

Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. James 5:9

[If a person has a problem with something, he should deal with it the right way: go to the source. Most often, people just complain without approaching the person who can do something about it.]

2. Believers should develop the following kinds of speech toward one another:

a. Truth

The opposite of lying, truth is correctly representing the facts.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25

b. Encouragement

Biblical encouragement is more than a pat on the back along with a promise that everything will be all right. In the Church at Thessalonica, there was a problem that caused the congregation great concern. Paul addressed the problem by explaining to them appropriate doctrine . He then added:

Therefore encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:18

Therefore, encouragement is speech that provides comfort by focusing on the teachings of the Word of God.

c. Counsel

Paul challenged the members of the Church at Rome to counsel one another. Such counsel is biblical instruction intended to correct

sinful behavior .

I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to [counsel] one another. Romans 15:14

[Counseling should be of the kind that points out the problem and then gives the biblical remedy for it ("nouthetic"). All Christians should be capable of giving good counsel.]

C. Believers strengthen their unity with one another through proper actions .

1. Believers should avoid the following kinds of actions toward one another:

a. Partiality

A nineteenth century preacher once said that the gospel is the “great leveler,” meaning that there are no class distinctions within the church. The church is made up of one group of people:

sinners saved by grace .

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. – James 2:1

b. Retaliation

While few church members would consider hitting someone who offends them, some may retaliate in more subtle ways. Such retaliation can be anything from gossip to the “cold shoulder.”

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15

c. Hostility

Believers should not be unfriendly or antagonistic toward one another.

If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:15

2. Believers should develop the following kinds of actions toward one another:

a. Service

God expects every believer to use the abilities He has given him to serve other believers within his local church.

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

b. Benevolence

Benevolence may be defined as acts of kindness , or doing good to others. Believers should continually practice benevolence toward all men, especially toward other believers.

لذلك، كما لدينا فرصة، واسمحوا لنا فعل الخير لجميع الناس، وخصوصا لأولئك الذين ينتمون إلى عائلة المؤمنين. غلاطية 6:10

c. Hospitality

Believers should use their homes and possessions as means of being a blessing to others.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9

Note: There are occasions when believers must break fellowship with other believers.

[Note that this is with believers. Each of these is grounds for church discipline. Those who practice these things are the most dangerous and troublesome people in the church because they destroy fellowship/unity.]

وهذه تشمل:

1. Doctrinal deviation

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. – 2 Timothy 2:16-18

[There is room for some doctrinal differences, but not on the major tenets of the faith. Teaching wrong doctrine is especially dangerous. ]

2. Divisive spirit

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. – Romans 16:17

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. – Titus 3:10

[Cf Prov 6:16-19. The Lord hates those who sow discord among the brethren.]

3. Disorderly conduct

Keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. – 2 Thessalonians 3:6

If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. – 2 Thessalonians 3:14

[Note that the discipline/dis-fellowshipping of an individual is to bring him to repentance. If he will not repent, one should treat him as an unsaved person and avoid him. Note also that this is why church membership is so important—if one is not a member, the church has no right to discipline the person.]

خلاصة واستعراض

في هذا الدرس، تعلمنا:

1. Believers have fellowship with God. Fellowship with God is synonymous with salvation and is evidenced by conformity to God's character.

2. Believers have fellowship in the faith. As such, they share the responsibility to both proclaim and defend the Word of God.

3. Believers have fellowship with one another. Such fellowship is dependent upon proper attitudes, speech, and actions.

تعلم العيش و

1. A nationally-known evangelist comes to town to conduct a crusade and asks your church to participate. This evangelist is known for including Catholics, liberal Protestants, and charismatics in his crusades. Should your church participate? لماذا أو لماذا لا؟

no; to do so would be wrong for two reasons: 1) You would be associating in spiritual matters with unbelievers (contra 2 Cor 6:14-7:1) and 2) You would be associating with disobedient believers (contra 2 Thes 3:6, 14). We are not to cooperate with those who deny the faith. Instead, we should rebuke and expose those who cooperate in such ways with unbelievers. (Eg “Evangelicals and Catholics Together,” Billy Graham)

2. You often hear a friend of yours making the following statements:

• “I don't mean to gossip, but have you ever noticed that

he . . . ?”

• “Is it just me or does so and so . . . ?”

• “Well, I think that she . . . and I'm not the only one who thinks so.”

• “Why don't they . . . ?”

• “When are they . . . ?”

What is wrong with such comments?

They are not constructive, edifying, etc.; rather, they are gossipy, critical, adversarial, accusatory, etc.

How should you respond when your friend begins to make such comments?

Cut him off before he gets started. Tell him to address his comments to someone who can resolve the problem. Rebuke him for his wrong attitudes and actions.

Lesson 26: The Vertical Expression of Edification

In the previous lesson, we learned that the primary activity of the local church is the education of its members and that education is the foundation of their edification. Edification is expressed in two ways: toward God ( worship ) and toward other believers ( fellowship ). This lesson will deal with worship.

[The relationship with God is sometimes called "vertical" while that with other believers is sometimes called "horizontal."]

Many years ago, the English word “worship” was spelled worthship .” Originally, the word was associated with the concept of worthiness. It referred to the act of displaying the worth or value of a person or object. Worship is any activity whereby believers display the worth or value of God .

[Note that it's not just what goes on at church during the "worship" service. One can worship God in many ways and at many times. So were not just talking about a church service.]

In this lesson, we will study the following aspects of worship:

1. The object of worship [who we worship]

2. The means of worship [how we worship]

3. The outgrowth of worship [the result of worship]

4. Improper worship [wrong ways to worship]

I. The Object of Worship

The sole object of the believer's worship is God .

Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. – Exodus 34:14

Jesus answered, “It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'” – Luke 4:8

A. True worship is based upon the character of God.

Because of His character, God alone is worthy of worship.

[The character of God is who he is. Psm 150:2 “Praise him for his surpassing greatness.”]

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Revelation 5:11 12

The first section of this curriculum described several of God's attributes which make Him worthy of our worship.

1. God is to be worshiped because He is great .

David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” – 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

[Verses like this tell us of the awesome majesty of God. This is why we need to be reverent and serious about God and worship. We don't play fast and loose with God, God's name, God's church, etc. ]

2. God is to be worshiped because He is good .

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. – Psalm 100:4-5

When a believer reflects upon God's character, it should cause him to worship God all the more.

[Remember that God's attributes/characteristics can be separated into these two categories: greatness (power) and goodness (moral perfections). We worship God because of Who He is.]

B. True worship is a response to the works of God.

[That is, we worship God because of what He has done/does. Psm 150:2 “Praise him for his acts of power.” ]

1. God is to be worshiped because He is the Creator and Sustainer .

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” – Revelation 4:11

2. God is to be worshiped because He is the Savior .

You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:20

When a believer reflects upon God's work, it should cause him to worship God all the more.

C. True worship is inseparably linked to the Word of God .

People often think of worship merely as an emotional experience. While worship does affect one's emotions, it primarily depends upon the believer's knowledge of the Word of God. Apart from understanding the content of the Bible, true worship is impossible, for it is only in the Bible that the character and works of God are thoroughly explained.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16 17

II. The Means of Worship

[That is, how we worship. These are the ways we worship God. These activities emphasize or highlight God's character and thus display His worth/value.]

A. The believer worships God by confessing his sin .

Confession is the believer's acknowledgment of his sinfulness and God's holiness.

Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give him the praise. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” Achan replied, “It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel.” – Joshua 7:19-20

Besides displaying God's holiness, confession of sin also displays God's grace.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

B. The believer worships God by living a godly life .

Believers should always be reflecting the character of God in the way they live.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:18

[Cf also 1 Pet 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. ]

C. The believer worships God by praying .

A significant part of the believer's prayer life should include praising God.

This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” Matthew 6:9

[“Hallowed” mean “to be made holy.” Thus, “may your name be recognized as being holy.” ]

Prayer is the believer's way of communicating with God. Besides praise, prayer includes confession, thanksgiving, and petition. Every aspect of prayer ultimately depends upon the believer's understanding of God's character. For example, confession of sin recognizes that God is both holy and gracious; praise recognizes God's greatness; thanksgiving recognizes God's goodness; and petition recognizes God's omnipotence and sovereignty.

D. The believer worships God by singing .

Singing has always been an important part of worship. The Bible contains a book of songs (the Psalms) which ascribe glory to God.

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. Psalm 92:1 3

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:1 3

ثالثا. The Outgrowth of Worship

The natural result of worship is service . One of the Greek words for worship in the New Testament is often translated “service.” It was Paul's favorite word for worship because it emphasized its practical nature.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

رابعا. Improper Worship

God is interested in the form worship takes. There are many forms of worship that God finds unacceptable. Sincerity and fervor do not “sanctify” an incorrect form of worship.

[It's amazing what passes for worship these days. Worship practices should be strictly limited by biblical principle. That is, what the Bible presents as worship should be our guide. Don't add or subtract from that standard.

From the Westminster Confession of Faith: The acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture.]

A. Idolatrous worship

[Aaron] took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” – Exodus 32:4

Some people use statues, pictures, etc. as aids in their worship. Such a practice is forbidden in Scripture.

[For example, Catholics use lots of statues, Greek Orthodox use icons (pictures, engravings). It is likely that the Israelites were doing the same sort of thing: attempting to worship the true God thru this calf. Cf verse 5: "Tomorrow shall be a feast unto the LORD." Aaron was employing an illegitimate means of worshipping the true God. ]

You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. – Exodus 20:4-5

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. – John 4:24

[Note that worship must be "in truth." It doesn't matter how sincere worship is if it's not the right form or the right way.]

B. Disobedient worship

God does not accept worship that is not in keeping with the teaching of Scripture.

[The priests] confronted [Uzziah] and said, “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the LORD God.” – 2 Chronicles 26:18

[This is an example of a king who attempted to do something good --burn incense to God-- which was unacceptable to God. The king had no right to burn incense; it was the priest's job. This tells us that even if one is trying to do a good thing, if he disobeys God's word in the process, it's wrong. How would this idea affect something like baptism? communion? evangelism? God does care about how we approach and serve him. We can't just do as we please. ]

C. Rebellious worship

God does not accept worship from rebellious people.

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! – Isaiah 1:15-17

[He's not talking here about sinful people, but about rebels. No Christian is perfect. If you are rebelling against God, it does no good to attend church, pray, give money, etc. "Worship" from rebellious people is worse than worthless; God hates it. Cf. Isa 1.11, 13-14: Your New Moons and festivals "my soul hates."]

D. Disorderly worship

God does not accept worship that is chaotic.

Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. – 1 Corinthians 14:40

[Organization and decorum should characterize a worship service. Many are anything but that. Eg, the "laughing revival," much of Charismaticism, even some fundamental churches lack orderliness. This is important because we serve a God of order. ]

Note: The context of the preceding verse finds Paul reprimanding the Corinthian Church for their improper worship practices.

تعلم العيش و

1. A friend of yours often talks about worshiping God. Yet, he has clear areas of disobedience to the Word of God in his life. What impact does disobedience have upon one's ability to truly worship?

It greatly hinders one's ability to worship. God does not accept the worship of disobedient or rebellious people. One may as well not bother.

What should you tell him?

He needs to get right with God before worrying about worship. He's being a hypocrite. Furthermore, part of worship is living a godly life.

2. You hear of a church where during the service some of the people mumble incoherently, some get up and dance around, and others lay on the floor laughing uncontrollably. Could this be called true worship? لماذا أو لماذا لا؟

no; True worship is orderly, not chaotic (1 Cor 14:40).

لماذا أنا هنا؟ I am here to worship God, serve His children, and reach the lost.

Introduction to the Objectives of the Church

We learned in Lessons Twenty Two through Twenty Four that the believer is part of the body of Christ, that this body is composed of local assemblies, and that the purpose of these local assemblies is to bring glory to God through the ministry of His Word.

Having determined the purpose of the church, we can now move on to address its objectives and how to accomplish them. In other words, having answered the “why” question, we are ready to answer the “what” and the “how” questions. What should a local church be doing and how should it be doing it? The Great Commission answers the “what” question by giving three objectives for the church: edification, evangelism, and expansion. The New Testament epistles answer the “how” question by giving detailed descriptions of how to meet each of these objectives. This second section on the doctrine of the church will focus on the objectives of the local church.

Lesson 25: The Foundation of Edification — Education

In previous lessons, we have learned that the three objectives of the local church are the spiritual growth of its members ( edification ), the salvation of the lost ( evangelization ), and the growth and management of its physical and human resources ( expansion ). Of these three, edification is primary. In order for edification to take place, there are three activities the local church should pursue. These are education , worship , and fellowship .

[Follow the flow: The purpose of the church is to glorify God through the ministry of the Word. We accomplish this purpose by means of edification, evangelism, and expansion. Edification is produced through education, worship and fellowship.]

The first of these [education] is the foundation of edification, while the other two are expressions of it. The fact that education is the foundation of edification is seen in Paul's statement that the teaching ministry of the pastor is

to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [edified] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:12 13

In this lesson, we will examine the following aspects of education in the local church:

1. Its nature [what it's like]

2. Its goals [or purposes]

3. Its means [how it's purposes are to be fulfilled]

4. Its students [who is to be educated]

I. The Nature of Education in the Local Church [ie, what ed. is like]

The educational ministry of the local church involves teaching both the content and practice of biblical doctrine to successive generations.

[That is, the goal of education is to teach what the Bible says (content) and what should be done about it and how (practice).]

A. Education is the local church's first priority .

Since the edification of believers is the primary objective of the local church, and education is the foundation of edification, one must conclude that education is the most important activity of the local church.

[Obviously, one cannot fulfill the objectives of the church until one is educated about what they are, how to fulfill them, etc. In other words, education must precede everything else. Cf 1 Tim 2:2.]

B. Education in the local church should be Bible centered .

1. Bible centered education is comprehensive .

A local church that focuses only on selected teachings of the Bible while ignoring others is unbalanced and vulnerable to doctrinal error.

For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Acts 20:27

2. Bible centered education is theological .

Education is more than the memorization of facts. Though the knowledge of facts is valuable, a Bible centered education is not intended to produce Bible trivia buffs. Rather, it is intended to produce believers who can correlate biblical truths and properly apply them.

[Correlation of biblical truth is the goal of systematic theology. It seeks to discern what the overall teaching of the Bible is concerning various topics. ]

C. Education in the local church should be practical .

Many believe that doctrine is impractical. However, Paul believed just the opposite.

All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16 17

Because what one believes affects what one does, doctrine is extremely important. Correct doctrine more often than not leads to correct practice.

[Someone once said, "Ideas have consequences." هذا صحيح. Most actions stem from beliefs. In order to act right/correctly, one must understand correctly. Improper belief leads to improper practice. Eg tongues/healing/health-and-wealth, etc.]

II. The Goals of Education in the Local Church

A. Education in the local church is designed to produce theological stability .

In Ephesians 4:13, Paul describes pastors as educators whose teaching results in the edification of the church. In the next verse, he shows that edification results in stability.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:14

[If you understand correct doctrine, you'll be able to spot false doctrine, and are much less likely to accept it. We should develop biblical discernment, the ability to evaluate an idea to determine whether or not it is truly biblical. ]

B. Education in the local church is designed to produce transformed thinking .

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22 24

When a believer is properly taught the Word of God, his thinking will be transformed [Rom 12:1-2] . As a result, he will have a discriminating mind. “Discrimination” means to make an evaluation or assessment about something. Although the word has a negative connotation in our society, appropriate discrimination is a mark of spiritual growth. It is the ability to evaluate all things in light of God's Word.

The spiritual man makes judgments about all things. 1 Corinthians 2:15

[What have we called this kind of discrimination? A Bible-soaked logic or a biblical mindset. That is, making evaluations and decisions based on biblical principles.]

C. Education in the local church is designed to equip believers .

The teaching/learning process is not intended to be an end in itself. It ought to be the means whereby believers are prepared to serve the Lord.

It was he who gave some to be . . . pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service. Ephesians 4:11 12

ثالثا. The Means of Education in the Local Church

A. Education in the local church is accomplished through formal instruction.

1. Formal instruction involves the authoritative presentation of biblical truth.

The teaching of the early church was authoritative. That is, the apostles' preaching was strong, direct, and uncompromising. This style of preaching is unpopular in our society. However, the Word of God must be authoritatively preached, even if doing so is unpopular.

[Titus 2:15 – “Encourage and rebuke with all authority.”]

2. Formal instruction takes place in the assembly .

As learned previously, the word “church” means “assembly” or “congregation.” The church assembles to hear the Word of God preached, among other things.

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. – Acts 20:7

[This is one of the primary things church is all about. Since the preaching/teaching aspect of church is so important, it is vital that you attend a church where the pastor teaches the Bible correctly.]

B. Education in the local church is accomplished through informal instruction.

1. Informal instruction takes place through personal relationships.

Part of the reason that local church members are to assemble regularly is to develop relationships. Believers learn from one another by exhortation and example .

[Exhortation is verbal (preaching, classes, testimonies, etc.), example is non-verbal (others see and are influenced by your behavior). ]

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24 25

[Most of us learn much by example. Remember that as adults are examples to you, you are examples to those younger than you.]

2. Informal instruction takes place through familial [or family] العلاقات.

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6 7

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

The educational ministry of the local church equips parents to accomplish this task.

[Strong families are the basis of strong churches. Thus it is in the church's best interests to promote strong families.]

رابعا. The Students of Education in the Local Church

A. All local church members are students.

One of the synonyms for a believer in the New Testament is “disciple,” which means a learner . Learning, therefore, should be a pursuit of every believer.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. 1 Peter 2:2

[“All” includes teens. You should be serious about learning biblical truth at church. You may be indifferent/apathetic about other subjects, but you should be an avid, serious student when it comes to biblical instruction. ]

B. Suggestions for pupils

1. Attend church faithfully.

2. Read and study the Bible daily.

3. Take notes during sermons.

4. Discuss what you are learning with others.

5. Read biblically-sound literature.

6. Take advantage of teaching opportunities.

7. Take part in other biblically-sound learning opportunities, such as Bible Institute classes.

Learn to Live It

1. A fellow youth group member says, “I don't study by myself. My youth leader is such a wonderful teacher that he gives me all I need.” Is this a healthy attitude? no

What would be some of the dangers of such an attitude?

What if the youth leader leaves? What if the youth leader is wrong? You follow him/her into error. You become dependant upon someone else to “feed” you. You cannot “feed” yourself.

What should you tell him?

that he needs to become a “self-feeder.” He shouldn't be overly dependent upon leaders.

2. You hear a fellow youth group member say that he wishes the class would quickly finish a doctrinal study in order to move on to more “practical” issues. What false conclusion has he made?

that doctrine is not practical or that it's unimportant

What might you tell him about the relationship between doctrine and practice?

They are inseparable–Doctrine determines practice. Incorrect practice is the result of incorrect belief. Mind (belief) directs the will (behavior). He should be concerned as much about doctrine as he is about practice.

Lesson 24: The Role of the Church as a Local Assembly

In Lesson Twenty-Three, we learned that the body of Christ is made up of all believers in this dispensation, the church age, and was established to bring glory to God through the ministry of His Word. This “invisible” body is visible through local assemblies. Of the 114 occurrences of the Greek word ekklesia in the New Testament, 99 refer to the local church. These assemblies are organizations designed to carry out the objectives of the body of Christ. Apart from the local church, these objectives cannot be accomplished properly . This lesson will focus on the organization of the local church, which includes:

[This lesson has to do with the local church, not the universal. ]

1. Administrative responsibilities

2. Leadership offices

3. Specific ordinances

4. Membership requirements

5. Biblical limitations

I. The Local Church is an Organization with Administrative Responsibilities.

The church of the first century is often viewed as being free from administrative details. This, however, was not the case.

A. The early church engaged in ministry planning .

Meetings were a necessary part of the ministry of first century churches. The book of Acts indicates that administrative meetings were held to address the following issues:

1. Acts 6 – The problem of service to widows

2. Acts 11 – The question of whether or not to accept Gentiles into the church

3. Acts 13 – The commissioning of the first missionaries

4. Acts 15 – The question of what requirements should be placed on Gentile converts

B. The early church developed procedures for implementing its plans.

The early church not only discussed what needed to be done, but also determined how to accomplish, or implement, its plans. For example, when they met to address the problem of service to the widows in the church, they solved the problem by creating the office of deacon .

So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them. Acts 6:2 3 (See also Acts 15:22 30.)

C. The early church engaged in evaluation . [Ie, checking to see how everything is working and trying to make it work better.]

At the close of Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13 14), he and Barnabas returned to the Church at Antioch [the commissioning church, Acts 13:1-3] and presented the details of their ministry among the Gentiles.

On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Acts 14:27

The meeting of the Jerusalem Council recorded in Acts 15 was designed to further evaluate the information presented to the Church at Antioch.

The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. Acts 15:12

[Thus we should evaluate ourselves and our ministries periodically to see if we are hitting what we are aiming at.]

II. The Local Church is an Organization with Leadership Offices.

A. The office of pastor

1. The titles of the office

The office of pastor is described with a variety of titles, each emphasizing a different aspect of the one office.

أ. He is called the pastor . [comes from "shepherd"]

This title refers to the pastor's responsibility to care for the spiritual needs of the congregation, a responsibility he fulfills primarily through the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.

ب. He is called the overseer . [Gk episkopos = bishop = the boss]

This title refers to the administrative oversight that the pastor is to exercise. He is to set the agenda for the church's ministry and lead the church in accomplishing its objectives.

[God holds the pastor especially responsible for what goes on at the church he pastors. Oversight means management. The pastor is in charge, not the deacons, the secretary, etc. That does not mean that he is free to be a tyrant, tho.]

ج. He is called the elder . [Gk = presbuteros]

This title refers to the wisdom and experience of the pastor and the respect that the office should be given.

[We ought to respect the pastor. That's one of the reasons we don't call him by his first name. 1 Thes 5:12-13 tell us to avoid young, inexperienced pastors. ]

Paul's address to the pastors at Ephesus contains all three ideas.

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them, “. . . Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:17-28 (See also 1 Peter 5:1-2.)

[The three terms, pastor, elder, and overseer, are synonymous, referring to the same office. The episcopal form of church government sets up a bishop over local pastors. ]

2. The qualifications for the office

The qualifications for the pastor are listed in 1 Timothy 3. This list gives both personal and professional qualifications.

[Personal -- inner qualities, characteristics, "character." Professional -- abilities pertaining to the duties of pastor.]

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. 1 Timothy 3:2 7

[Note that there's nothing here about being funny, a dynamic speaker, a "people person," etc. Those qualities are nice but not primary and really not necessary.]

3. The responsibilities of the office

أ. The pastor is responsible to teach and preach the Word of God.

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 1 Timothy 4:13

[The public reading was important because many couldn't read and most did not own a copy of the Bible. Often the pastor was the most educated person in the community. ]

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2

[This is the primary task of the preacher. This is so because the rest of his duties depend on this one.]

ب. The pastor is responsible to equip the congregation for ministry.

It was [Christ] who gave some to be . . . pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Ephesians 4:11 12

ج. The pastor is responsible to govern the congregation.

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who [govern] you in the Lord and who admonish you. 1 Thessalonians 5:12

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor. 1 Timothy 5:17

[Because of these responsibilities, the pastor has a great deal of authority. He's the one in charge. The deacons don't run the church; the pastor(s) does.]

B. The office of deacon

1. The title of the office

The word “deacon” simply means servant . The Scriptures use the word in a general sense for anyone who serves another and in a specific sense for the local church office of deacon.

2. The qualifications for the office

1 Timothy 3 lists qualifications for the office of deacon similar to those given for the office of pastor.

Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 1 Timothy 3:8 10, 12

Note: The personal qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3 are not special qualities found only in pastors and deacons. They are marks of mature believers. Therefore, all believers should be striving after them.

3. The responsibilities of the office

Unlike the office of pastor, the Bible does not clearly spell out the responsibilities of the deacon. Therefore, they must be derived from the title of the office and the example of the first deacons. In Acts 6, the first deacons were selected to minister to the congregation in order to free the pastoral staff to focus on more important matters.

We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. Acts 6:3 4

[Biblically, deacons are not in a position of authority; however, authority may be delegated to them. The primary task of deacons is to serve.]

ثالثا. The Local Church is an Organization with Specific Ordinances.

A. The nature of an ordinance

1. An ordinance is not a sacrament .

Sacraments are intended to provide saving grace. However, if grace was linked to any work or ritual, it would cease to be grace. [Cf Rom 11:6]

[An ordinance is a rite or ritual that the church is responsible to administrate. Such ordinances are important and meaningful, but they have no saving value. The word “sacrament” suggests a means of grace or a work that saves. Since we are not saved by works, we avoid sacramental language.]

2. An ordinance is a symbol .

When Christ gave the ordinances, He intended them to serve as reminders of the spiritual truths which they portray.

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “this cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:23 25

[A symbol is representative, designed to bring to memory the thing represented. ]

B. The ordinances of the local church

1. The ordinance of baptism

أ. The method of baptism is immersion .

The Greek word which is translated “baptize” literally means “to immerse” or “to submerge.” Every instance of baptism in Scripture is by immersion.

Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, . . . . Acts 8:38 39

[So when a baby is "baptized" by sprinkling, he is really not baptized.]

ب. The purpose of baptism is identification .

Baptism is to be carried out in the “name” of the triune God. The significance of the “name” is that of identification. The one being baptized is visibly picturing his identification with the triune God through Christ.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

[Baptism publicly identifies one as a follower of Christ. It says of the one baptized, "I am a disciple of Christ."]

2. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper

أ. It is a reminder of the cross work of Christ.

[By "cross work," we mean all that Christ accomplished by his death on the cross for us.]

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26

ب. It is a time of self examination .

A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:28

C. The authority for the ordinances

The authority for the carrying out of the ordinances lies with the local church .

[That is, not just anybody can legitimately go out and start baptizing people or serving the Lord's Supper. Eg, baptisms at camp, Lord's supper of potato chips and pop, serving communion in a hospital, etc. are not valid. They have to be done in the right way and in the context of the church.]

1. The command to observe the ordinances was given to the apostles (Matthew 26:26-29 and 28:16-20).

The apostles were given the task of laying the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20).

2. The ordinances were practiced in the context of the local church.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:41-42

[Christ ? apostles ? church ]

3. The early church was responsible to correct improper observance of the ordinances (1 Corinthians 11:17 34).

رابعا. The Local Church is an Organization with Membership Requirements.

The early church believed in the importance of church membership. The New Testament knows nothing of believers who are not members of a local church. The book of Acts speaks of believers being added to the church through baptism. Even more clearly, there are examples of people being removed from the church by action of the local assembly (Matthew 18:15 17 and 1 Corinthians 5). One cannot be removed from a church unless he is a member of that church.

Requirements for church membership include the following:

A. Church members are saved .

Only those who are saved may become members of a local church. This was the practice of the church from the beginning.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

B. Church members are baptized by immersion .

On the Day of Pentecost, three thousand people responded in faith to the message preached by Peter. All three thousand were baptized shortly thereafter.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41

Therefore, church membership and believer's baptism should not be separated. One becomes a member of a local church through baptism.

[The biblical pattern is always being saved, then baptized and added to the church. Believers who refuse baptism are out of order. ]

C. Church members are living obediently .

The early church practiced church discipline. Those members who persisted in sin were to be dismissed from the assembly. Thus, in order to remain a member of a local church, one must live obediently.

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? “Expel the wicked man from among you.” – 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, 13

V. The Local Church is an Organization with Biblical Limitations.

Local churches are engaged in a great variety of activities. Some are appropriate and some are not. What limitations can be applied to help identify appropriate activities for the church? An understanding of why the church exists and what it is to do will help determine how it should minister.

A. The local church is limited to the objectives of the Great Commission .

Lesson Twenty Three identified the objectives of the church as presented in the Great Commission. وهم:

1. تنوير

Edification is the process of building up the believer's life on the foundation of Jesus Christ.

2. التبشير الملائكي

Evangelism is the effort to see people saved, baptized, and become active members of a local church.

[Evangelism does not stop short at one's profession of faith. It extends to baptism and spiritual growth. The church should strive to win people to Christ, baptize them, and encourage them to grow as Christians. ]

3. توسع

Expansion is the growth and management of the church's physical and human resources. This is necessary for ongoing edification and evangelism.

Note: All the activities of the local church must be consistent with these objectives. Any activity, however beneficial, which is not consistent with these objectives should be avoided.

B. The local church is limited by the purpose of the body of Christ.

We learned in Lesson Twenty Two that the purpose of the body of Christ is to glorify God through the ministry of His Word. The application of this purpose will limit the activities of the church in two ways.

1. The activities of the church must reflect the character of God.

To “glorify” God means to demonstrate or make known His character. When this purpose is consciously pursued, the methods of church ministry will be evaluated in light of God's holy character. Consequently, church is no place for frivolous or worldly activities.

[The church building may be used for lots of different events. But when it comes to the worship service, it should be characterized by holiness and reverence and awe. ]

2. The activities of the church will center around the Word of God .

Every function of the church must provide either a means to proclaim the Word or a means to obey the Word.

تعلم العيش و

1. A friend of yours tells you that there are three churches that he really likes and that he has decided to attend one on Sunday morning, the second on Sunday evening, and the third on Wednesday evening. How does your friend view the concept of church membership?

not very seriously. If he sees it as optional, he misunderstands.

What might you tell your friend to convince him that he needs to be faithful to one church?

The New Testament underscores the need to become a member of a local church, and membership implies commitment.

2. One Sunday afternoon, your little brother wonders why the family has to go to the business meeting at church that night. What “words of wisdom” might you give him?

Business meetings are a necessary part of local church ministry and help a church function more effectively and efficiently. All members should attend. All members should be concerned about how the church is spending money, what they plan to do, who they support, etc. You could say that those 4 meetings in Acts discussed earlier were business meetings. NOTE: Even teens who are members should stay for business meetings.