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Everybody Is A Teacher

Now that we live in Indonesia, I really want to learn the language so I can communicate with everyone and make lots of new friends. I have learned that everybody is a teacher! Even though I do not know the language I have been able to make a few friends already. Two of my new friends come from a family in the church of Christ at Darmawangsa. Yosua is a boy and he is almost 6 years old. His 2 year old sister is named Ester. We have spent a lot of time with this family and I have become friends with the kids.

I have gotten to play with Ester and when she talks and I ask my Mom what she is saying she is “teaching” me Indonesian. Another way I am learning is through pictures. When I play with Ester sometimes she points to a picture of something and says the Indonesian word for it. I have a game on my iPod that has a picture of a cat on it so Ester touched it and said “kucing”, which is the word for cat. Another time, she pointed to a rabbit on her shorts and said, “kelinci”, the word for rabbit.

Sarah and Ester

I have learned a lot of words from Ester and I have enjoyed playing with her. It is funny how even a two-year-old little girl can become a great language teacher! I am learning Indonesian little by little. Someday I will know the language really well and I will remember Ester as one of my first language “teachers.” I have learned that when you are learning a new language, everyone is a teacher, whether they are 2 years old or 50!

Question: Who has been an unexpected teacher in your life? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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Overcoming the Language Barrier – Speechless in Jakarta

Have you ever wanted to say something so bad, but the words just wouldn’t come? This is how it feels when you’re trying to learn a foreign language can’t communicate your thoughts. The language barrier brings frustration, desperation, an overwhelming feeling to grab onto something tangible. Often times you resort to hand motions!

Darmawangsa Ladies Class

The other day, I was asked to teach a ladies Bible class for the women of the Darmawangsa church of Christ in Jakarta, Indonesia. We had been back in Indonesia for 6 days after having been away from the county for 4 years. Needless to say, my grasp of the Indonesian language was a bit rusty. I felt like I had sufficiently prepared my lesson and was confident of what I wanted to say. But, after beginning my lesson I found myself clawing for words that just wouldn’t form right.

My sentence structure seemed off. My vocabulary was weak. I desperately wanted to communicate what I had studied, but found myself faltering. Did I sound like a two-year old toddler to them? All of these great thoughts and insights flooded through my head, but to communicate them was difficult.

The joys of language learning! You need to keep trying and learn from your mistakes. Stick yourself in sometimes embarrassing situations and let the people around you help you. It’s OK to sound like a two-year old in the beginning, but only for a little while. I am sure they will expect more from me in the weeks to come. Despite my feelings of speechlessness, the ladies asked me to speak again the next Sunday. I am very grateful that they are  patient with me as I struggle to use their language.

 

Question: What do you do when you don’t have the words to communicate your thoughts and feelings? You can leave a comment by clicking here. 

 

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Where do Hershey’s Kisses come from?

hersheykissunwrappedSarah and I love Hershey’s Kisses! Well, anything chocolate really! While in Indonesia we noticed that the chocolate was different than it is here in the states. It tasted less sugary and didn’t melt as quickly.

In 2007 we were living at the Church of Christ Bible School in Urei Faisei, Papua, Indonesia surrounded by beautiful fruit trees. One of those trees was a cocoa tree. The fruit grows in pods which contains the seeds, that are the basis for chocolate. Our friends showed us how to open the ripe pods, when they turn yellow/orange in color, and eat the white fleshy fruit surrounding the seeds. We didn’t eat the seed, just the fleshy part of the fruit. The seeds were collected and sold by the kilogram, and then taken to a factory where they were turned into Hershey’s Kisses!

Sarah and I made this fun video together to show our family some of the exotic fruits that we ate. Seth, as you will see, was along for the ride! I hope you enjoy this humorous skit and maybe learn a bit about where your favorite chocolate desserts come from!

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The Essentiality of Baptism

Lesson 4a in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
This lesson is to be used if the previous lesson was not enough to convince the student that baptism is essential to salvation. If he/she is still not convinced after Lesson 4a, this indicates a heart problem and it may be a waste of time to continue the studies.

Lesson 4a: The Essentiality of Baptism (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

ESSENTIALITY OF BAPTISM THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

1. Read each passage inside the circle and write down the special blessing found “in Christ.”

Blessings in Christ

2. Read Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:27, then write inside the arrow what one must do in order to enter “into Christ.”

Since these blessings are “in Christ,” and one enters “into Christ” through baptism, is baptism therefore necessary to receive these blessings?

Note the relationship between baptism and the blood of Christ in questions 3-9.

3. Revelation 1:5

Does Christ’s blood wash away sins?

4. Acts 22:16

Are sins washed away at baptism?

5. Hebrews 9:14

Does the blood of Christ cleanse one’s conscience?

6. 1 Peter 3:21 

Does baptism lead to a good conscience?

7. Romans 5:9

 Does Christ’s blood save us?

8. Mark 16:15-16 

Is baptism involved in one’s salvation?

9. John 19:33-35

What flowed at Christ’s death

10. Romans 6:3-5

How does one receive the benefits of Christ’s death?

11. Acts 10:33, 48

Is baptism a command of God?

12. 1 John 2:3-6

Do you want to obey God’s commands?

 

CONCLUSION

A. Do you believe baptism is necessary for salvation?

B. What do you need to do to have your sins forgiven?

 

Additional Scripture References

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Eph. 1:11; Col. 1:14; 2:10
  2. Mark 16:15-16; John 3:5; Acts 2:37-38; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13
  3. Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:22, 28
  4. Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-5, 17-18; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5
  5. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 7:14
  6. Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:16; 1 John 1:7
  7. Ephesians 2:11-13; 1 Thess. 1:10; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:9
  8. Matthew 7:21; John 3:5; Hebrews 5:8-9; 1 Peter 3:21
  9. Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 John 5:8
  10. John 3:5; 1 John 5:8; Acts 8:35-36; Colossians 2:12
  11. Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 6:46; James 1:21-25
  12. John 14:15, 21, 23; Hebrews 5:8-9; 1 John 5:3

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

 

 

 

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Identifying the Church: Designation

Lesson 3e in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
This is a simple lesson that can be used before, instead of, or in addition to any of the above supplementary lessons.

Lesson 3e: Identifying the Church: Designation (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF A NAME

1. Isaiah 62:2

Was there to be a name by which the Lord would have His people called?

2. Philippians 2:5-11

What name is above every other name?

3. Acts 4:10-12

Salvation is found only in whose name?

4. Acts 8:12; 9:15, 27, 29

Whose name is emphasized by Christ’s followers?

5. Colossians 3:17

All that we do is to be done in whose name?

 

WHAT SHOULD CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS BE CALLED?

6. Acts 11:26

What were early disciples called?

What is conveyed by this identification?

7. 1 Corinthians 1:9-13

What happens when believers wear different names?

Does this honor Christ?

 

THE CHURCH

8. Matthew 16:16-18

Whose church did Jesus promise to build?

To whom does this church belong?

9. Ephesians 5:23

Who is the head of Christ’s church?

10. 1 Corinthians 12:27

The church is described as the body of whom?

Whose name should the church wear?

 

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING NAMES CAN YOU FIND IN THE BIBLE TO DESCRIBE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST?

  • Catholics 
  • Pentecostals 
  • 7th-day Adventists
  • Protestants 
  • Apostolic 
  • Mormons
  • Anglicans 
  • Jehovah’s Witnesses
  • Presbyterians 
  • Mennonites 
  • Methodists 
  • Quakers 
  • Christian Scientists
  • Lutherans 
  • Congregationalists 
  • Ratana
  • Episcopalians 
  • Greek Orthodox 
  • Salvation Army
  • Baptists 
  • Russian Orthodox 
  • Wesleyans

Which of these names give honor to the Lord?

 

WHICH OF THESE DESCRIPTIVE TERMS CAN YOU FIND IN THE BIBLE?

  • The body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27) 
  • Christians (Acts 11:26)
  • The churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16 )
  • Disciples (Acts 6:1, 7)
  • The churches of God (1 Cor. 11:16) 
  • Believers (Acts 5:14)
  • The church of Christ (Matt. 16:16-18) 
  • Heirs of God (Rom. 8:17)
  • The church of God (1 Cor. 1:2) 
  • Servants of Christ (Eph 6:6)
  • The kingdom of God and Christ (Eph. 5:5)
  • The kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13)

 Do these designations honor the Lord?

 

CONCLUSION

A. Does the Bible indicate that what we are called as Christ’s disciples is important?

B. Whose name do you want to wear?

C. Are there any man-made religious designations that are important to you?

Note: While the name we wear is important, there are other identifying characteristics of faithful disciples of Jesus. A person or group may wear the name of Christ, but if they are not faithful to all of Christ’s teachings, they are not wearing his name legitimately
(Matt. 7:21; John 8:31).

 

Additional Scripture References

  1. Isaiah 56:5; 65:15; James 2:7; Acts 11:26
  2. Ephesians 1:20-21; Hebrews 1:1-4; Colossians 3:11
  3. Acts 2:38; 10:43; 2 Timothy 2:10; Colossians 3:4
  4. Acts 4:2, 17-18; 5:28, 40, 42; 8:5, 35; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:2; Phil. 1:18
  5. Matthew 28:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Acts 4:7-10
  6. Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16; James 2:7
  7. John 17:20-23; 1 Corinthians 3:1-5; 11:17-19; 12:25
  8. 1 Corinthians 1:13; Eph. 4:4; 5:23-29; Col. 1:24; Galatians 1:3-12
  9. Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23; Colossians 1:18
  10. Ephesians 1:23; 3:6; Colossians 1:24; Romans 16:16

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

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Identifying the Church: Organization

Lesson 3d in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
This lesson highlights another difference between the church of the Bible and how most other religious groups operate. This lesson should be used only if the student is having a hard time accepting the differences shown in previous lessons.

Lesson 3d: Identifying the Church: Organization (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

 

THE SUPREME AUTHORITY

1. Ephesians 5:23

Who is the head of Christ’s church?

2. John 12:48

What does Jesus use to guide His church?

 

HUMAN LEADERS

3. Acts 14:23

What leaders were appointed in every church?

Was there more than one leader in each congregation?

4. Acts 20:17, 28

What designations are given to these leaders?

Note: English translations of the Greek words.

1) presbuteroi = “elders” or “presbyters” (v. 17)

2) episkopoi = “bishops” or “overseers” (v. 28)

3) poimenes = “shepherds” or “pastors” (v. 28)

Are there different descriptive terms applied to this same position of leadership?

What would be the significance of each descriptive term?

1) Elder (or Presbyter):

2) Overseer (or Bishop):

3) Shepherd (or Pastor):

5. Acts 14:23

Does the Bible describe only one leader in each church?

Since there is more than one leader in each church, would it be according to God’s pattern to have only one pastor or one bishop leading a congregation?

Would it be scriptural to have one pastor or bishop over many churches?

 

QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS-PASTORS-BISHOPS

6. 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Do you know of any religious groups whose leader(s) fail to meet all of these qualifications?

 Would a young or unmarried or childless man be excluded from serving as pastor, or bishop, or elder?

Would a woman be unqualified?

Would a man be scripturally qualified for this position of leadership if his children are not old enough to be believers? (Titus1:6)

7. Acts 14:21-23

Since these churches existed for a time without elders, would it be permissible for a congregation to have no elders if none are qualified?

Should it be the goal of each congregation to appoint qualified men to serve as its leaders?

 

OTHER POSITIONS OF SERVICE IN THE CHURCH

8. Philippians 1:1

In addition to overseers, what did this congregation have?

9. Ephesians 4:11-16

 Note: The roles of apostles and prophets, having required miraculous powers, were restricted to the infant church of the 1st century AD. (cf. Eph. 2:20).

[Refer to the studies on the Holy Spirit’s Work].

What is the role of pastors?

What would be the responsibility of evangelists and teachers?

10. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27

Is there a function for every member in Christ’s body?

 

CONCLUSION:

A. Do you accept the word of Christ as the final authority for the church?

B. If a church is organized in any way other than what is described in the New Testament, is it truly the church of Christ?

C. Of which church do you want to be a member?

 

Additional Scripture References

  1. Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15-16; Col. 1:18; Matthew 28:18
  2. John 8:31, 47, 51; 14:15, 23-24; 1 Cor. 14:37; Gal. 1:11-12
  3. Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1
  4. 1 Peter 5:1-2; Titus 1:5, 7
  5. Acts 11:30; 15:4, 22; 20:17; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:5; cf. Eph. 4:11; 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Pet. 5:1-2 (Note: always plural)
  6. Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7, 17
  7. Titus 1:5; 1 Corinthians 3:1-2
  8. 1 Timothy 3:8-13; cf. Acts 6:1-6
  9. 2 Timothy 2:24; 4:2, 5; Hebrews 5:12
  10. Romans 12:3-8; Hebrews 13:7, 17

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

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Identifying the Church: Lord’s Supper

Lesson 3c in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
In this lesson, if the student agrees that it would be wrong to add elements to the Lord’s Supper (#7), this can be used to further illustrate the point of the previous lesson. It also shows a difference between the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper and what is practiced by most denominations.

Lesson 3b: Identifying the Church: Lord’s Supper (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

 

REMEMBERING CHRIST’S DEATH

1. 1 Corinthians 2:2

Is the crucifixion of Christ a significant event for Christians?

Why is this so?

2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29

What are Christians instructed to do in order to remember Christ’s death?

This must be done with what frame of mind?

 Is this to be done when Christians assemble together? (cf. vs. 18, 20)

 Is this a collective activity, an individual responsibility, or both?

 Is this something that is to be done “often”?

 

HOW OFTEN?

3. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

How often did these Christians assemble together?

Note: The Greek phrase katamian sabbatôn in v. 2 literally means “every first day of the week.”

4. Acts 20:7

What was the purpose of this Christian assembly on the first day of the week?

 

REASONING FROM THE SCRIPTURES

5. Exodus 20:8-10

When the Jews were commanded to keep the Sabbath day holy, did this mean annually, monthly, or every week?

Consider the following:

  1. The church at Corinth was instructed to observe the Lord’s Supper as often as they assembled for worship (1 Cor. 11:18-26).
  2. They assembled every first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2; cf. Acts 20:6-7).
  3. Other early Christians assembled on the first day of the week to observe the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7).

Therefore, how often should Christians today observe the Lord’s Supper?

 

THE ELEMENTS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

6. Matthew 26:17, 26-29

What kind of bread did Jesus use? (cf. Ex. 12:20)

What was in the cup? (cf. Gen. 40:9-11).

What does the bread represent?

What does the fruit of the vine represent?

 

PROCLAIMING THE LORD’S DEATH

7. 1 Corinthians 11:24-26

How are Christians to remember and proclaim the Lord’s death?

How long is this to be done?

8. Matthew 7:24-27

What is required to be a true follower of Jesus?

If someone fails to do what the Lord says, the way He says to do it, is this person a true follower of Jesus?

 

CONCLUSION

A. Does the Bible teach that the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper is an important part of being a member of Christ’s church?

B. Do you want this to be a part of your obedient response to the Lord?

 

Additional Scripture References

  1. Rom. 5:6-11; 1 Cor. 1:23; 15:1-4; Gal. 6:14; 1 Peter 2:21-24; 3:18
  2. Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
  3. Mark 16:9 (cf. 1 Cor. 15:17-20); John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7
  4. Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:20, 24-26
  5. John 4:23-24; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14: 33, 40; Hebrews 10:23-25
  6. 1 Cor. 5:7-8; 10:16; 11:24-25; Gen. 49:11; Lev. 25:5; Num. 13:20; Song 2:13, 15; Isa. 5:1-4; Jer. 6:9; Rev. 14:18
  7. Matthew 26:26-29; John 8:31; 14:15; Galatians 2:20
  8. Matthew 7:21-23; 12:50; 15:8-9; 1 John 2:3-6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

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Identifying the Church: Musical Praise

Lesson 3b in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
Most denominational people assume that instrumental music in Christian worship is acceptable. Some will be convinced otherwise after lesson 3a, but many will need further instruction.

The main purposes of this study are to illustrate another difference between man-made religious groups and the New Testament church, and to stress the importance of worshipping God acceptably (if or when the student decides to obey the gospel).

If the student is still not convinced, use other supplementary studies to test his/her attitude. For many people it just takes time to sink in.

Lesson 3b: Identifying the Church: Musical Praise (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

 

1. 2 Corinthians 3:12-16

Does the Old Testament serve as today’s model and guide for Christian life and worship?

Which part of the Bible, the Old or New Testament, is our final authority today?

[Refer to Lessons 1 and 1b if necessary]

How can we find out about the kind of musical praise God desires in Christian worship?

2. After reading each passage that relates to the kind of musical praise sanctioned in the NT, mark the appropriate column.

Vocal? Instrumental? Both?
  Matthew 26:30
  Mark 14:26
  Acts 16:25
  Romans 15:9
  1 Corinthians 14:15
  Ephesians 5:19
  Colossians 3:16
  Hebrews 2:12
  James 5:13

 

3. Galatians 3:10-11; 5:1-4 [Note: “the law” = the old covenant, Heb. 9:18-22]

If a person adopts an Old Testament religious practice that is not authorized in the NT, is that person obliged to keep the whole OT law?

What is the spiritual condition of those who attempt to go back under the old law?

Which of the following OT practices should be adopted into Christianity today

Old Testament Practice                     New Testament Teaching

□ Musical Instruments Psa. 150              Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16

□ Dancing Ex. 15:20; Psa. 149:3            1 Corinthians 14:40; James 5:13

□ Animal Sacrifices Lev. 1:1-17              Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 9:28

□ Burning Incense Mal. 1:11                   Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4

□ 7th-day Sabbath Ex. 20:8-11              1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7

□ Circumcision Gen. 17:10-14                Romans 2:28-29; 1 Corinthians 7:19

□ Jewish feasts Ex. 23:14-19                  Colossians 2:14-17; 1 Cor. 11:26

□ Killing the disobedient Deut. 21:21       2 Thessalonians 3:6, 13-15

□ Food restrictions Deut. 14:8-10            1 Timothy 4:1-5; Acts 10:12-16

□ Tithing Num. 18:26; Mal. 3:10               1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7

□ Levitical priesthood Ex. 40:15               Hebrews 7:12; 1 Peter 2:5-9

□ Polygamy Ex. 21:10; 2 Sam. 5:13         1 Corinthians 7:2; Ephesians 5:23

□ Jerusalem temple Isa. 44:28                 Acts 17:24; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

□ Jew/Gentile distinction Eph. 2:11-12    Galatians 3:26-28; Eph. 2:13-19

 Why or why not?

 4. Matthew 26:17, 26-30

The Lord has specified what two elements for the Lord’s supper?

 Which of the following ingredients would be permissible to substitute for or add to the Lord’s supper?

□ potatoes

□ cake

□ lemonade

□ jelly beans

□ peanut butter

□ coffee

□ water

□other?

Why or why not?

What verse in the New Testament authorizes any of the above?

Since the New Testament specifies heart-based singing as the form of musical praise in Christian worship, which of the following would bempermissible to substitute for or add to it?

□ piano

□ guitar

□ bagpipes

□ dancing

□ organ

□ drums

□ fireworks

□ other?

Why or why not?

What verse in the New Testament authorizes any of the above?

5. In the absence of any NT authority, the modern-day practice of worshipping God with man-made musical instruments is based on whose authority?

□ OT worship (1 Chron. 15:16) □ Roman Catholic innovation (Rev. 22:18)

□ Ancient paganism (Dan. 3:5, 15) □ Personal preference (Jer. 10:23)

If you are still unsure, would you have an objection to singing praises to God in worship without the accompaniment of musical instruments?

 

Additional Scripture References and Information

  1. Rom. 7:1-7; Gal. 3:19-25; Eph. 2:11-16; Col. 2:13-17; Hebrews 7:12; 8:6-13; 9:1-15
  2. John 4:23-24; Heb. 13:15. Note: All NT references to musical instruments (e.g. Luke 7:32; 1 Cor. 14:7; Rev. 14:2) are used for illustrative purposes or to symbolize things other than Christian worship.
  3. Heb. 7:12; 8:6-13; 10:1-10; James 2:10. Note: In John 10:34 and 15:25 Jesus quoted Psalms 82:6 and 69:4, attributing both of these passages to the Jewish “law.”
  4. 1 Co. 4:6; 11:23-26; Rv. 22:18-19; cf. Gen. 4:3-5 (He. 11:4); Lev. 10:1-3; He. 7:12-16
  5. Prov. 3:5; 14:12; Acts 17:24-25. Note: While instrumental music in ancient times was common among infidels (Gen. 4:21; Job 21:12; Dan. 3:5-15), it was adopted in Jewish celebrations only after the Israelites had spent over two centuries with the Egyptians (Ex. 15:20; Judg. 11:34). It was David who introduced musical instruments into Israel’s corporate worship (1 Chron. 15:16; Ezra 3:10), but whether or not this ever had divine sanction is a matter of dispute (cf. Amos 6:1-5). Nevertheless, singing from the heart is the only kind of worship-music authorized in the new covenant of Jesus Christ, and church history attests to a cappella singing as the only form of musical praise in Christian worship for several hundred years after the time of Christ. It was not until the mid-7th century AD that the organ was first introduced into Roman Catholic worship, although it did not become commonplace until after the 8th century. Early Reformation leaders strongly opposed mechanical instruments in worship as a Roman Catholic innovation, but by the 1800s most Protestant denominations had gradually adopted the practice. Those committed to the restoration of NT Christianity, however, have rejected all unauthorized additions or alterations to the simple NT pattern.

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

 

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Identifying the Church: Worship

Lesson 3a in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
Use this lesson if the student is (or has been)…

  • actively involved in a particular religious group
  • thinks all religious groups are the same
  • wants to know how to identify the church of the Bible.

This lesson ought to show a difference in the worship of the Lord’s church and of most other religious groups, in particular with regard to the Lord’s supper and/or Music.

If there are no questions or problems at the end of this study, you are ready to move on to Lesson 4.

Additional supplementary lessons should be used if questions arise or more information is needed.

Lesson 3a: Identifying the Church: Worship (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

 

HOW TO WORSHIP

1. John 4:23-24

Does it matter how you worship God?

What does it mean to worship “in spirit”? (cf. Psa. 77:6; 143:4; Rom. 1:9; Eph. 6:6)

What does it mean to worship “in truth”? (cf. John 8:31-32; 17:17)

2. Matthew 15:8-9

Is this the opposite of true worship?

What two things made this worship meaningless?

 

WHEN TO WORSHIP

3. Hebrews 10:24-25

Does God want Christians to assemble together?

4. Acts 20:6-7

Although Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem (v. 16),

does verse 7 indicate why he stayed in Troas for 7 days?

5. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

How often did these Christians assemble together?

 

WHAT TO DO IN WORSHIP

6. Acts 20:7

What did Paul do in this assembly? (cf. vs. 24-27, 32)

How is the spirit (or heart) involved in this aspect of worship? (cf. Rom. 6:17; 10:8)

7. Acts 2:42; 12:5, 12

What did early Christians regularly do when they assembled together?

Is the heart (or spirit) used in prayer? (cf. 1 Cor. 14:15)

8. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 

Christians are instructed to do what each Sunday?

Must one’s heart be in it? (cf. 2 Cor. 9:7)

9. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29

What is being described here?

How is the heart involved?

If the Lord’s supper is to be observed when Christians assemble for worship, and early Christians assembled every Sunday (1 Cor. 16:2) and met on Sundays to observe the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7), how often should it be observed today?

10. Ephesians 5:19

What does this instruct Christians to do?

What kind of musical praise is specified here?

Must singing come from the heart?

TRUE WORSHIP
John 4:23-24		 VAIN WORSHIP
Matthew 15:8-9
“truth” “spirit” “teachings of men”
Teaching God’s word
Acts 2:42; 20:7		 Word in your heart
Rom. 6:17; 10:8		 Book of Mormon, philosophy, opinions
Prayers
Acts 2:42; 12:5		 Pray with spirit
1 Cor. 14:15		 Statues, incense, beads, vain repetitions
Free-will giving
1 Cor. 16:2		 Give cheerfully
2 Cor. 9:7		 Bingo, fund-raisers, tithing, indulgences
Lord’s supper
1 Cor. 11:23-29		 Examine/worthy
1 Cor. 11:27-29		 Transubstantiation, yearly, monthly, cake & coffee
Singing
1 Cor. 14:15		 In your heart
Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16		 Dancing, organs, guitars, clapping, etc.

11. Revelation 22:18-19

 Of those items listed in the far right column, which ones may

be added with God’s approval?

Why or why not?

 Additional Scripture References

  1. Acts 17:23-25; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Corinthians 14:40; Revelation 4:11
  2. Leviticus 10:1-2; Mark 7:6-13; Colossians 2:18; Hebrews 11:4
  3. Matthew 18:20; 1 Corinthians 11:33-34; 14:23, 26
  4. Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:24-26 (cf. Acts 21:4; 28:14)
  5. Mark 16:9 (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-20); 1 Corinthians 11:26
  6. Acts 2:42; 6:4; 8:25; 11:26; 15:32, 36; 18:11; 1 Corinthians 14:26
  7. Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1
  8. Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:1-15; Philippians 4:15-20
  9. Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:22-25; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
  10. Mark 14:26; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12
  11. Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; 1 Cor. 4:6; Gal. 1:8-9; 1 John 2:3-5; 2 John 9

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).