Tag: Denominationalism

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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). [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][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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The Church

Lesson 3 in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
In this lesson, after question 6 is answered, briefly explain the diagrams on the opposite page.

The first one (“Christ’s church”) shows one head (Christ) and one body (the church). You can ask, “Does this illustrate what the Bible teaches?” You can also explain that the Bible often uses physical things to illustrate spiritual concepts, and we can easily understand that all normal human beings have one head and one body; and this is what the Lord’s church is like.

The next diagram shows a deviation from the original design. A few hundred years after the church had been established, a number of changes had been made (as the Bible predicted, e.g. Acts 20:28-30), and an organization had evolved that was completely different from the church we read about in the Bible. There was one body (called “the Catholic Church”), but there were two heads — Christ was acknowledged as the head in heaven and the pope was considered the head on earth. Is this what the Bible teaches? (You may want to share Matt. 28:18 to show that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth).

A few hundred years after the Roman Catholic Church had been established, a number of people realized that there were many things different from what the Bible taught, and they attempted to make changes (or reforms), and this was the beginning of the Reformation Movement. The Catholics accused these reformers of “protesting” against the Catholic Church, thus they were called “Protestants.” These Reformation leaders had good intentions, but when they died their followers merely adopted the teachings of these men rather than following the Bible alone. They all acknowledged Christ as the only head, but now there were many different bodies, all wearing different names, teaching different things, worshipping in different ways, etc. (You may want to write the names of local denominations in some of the circles of the last diagram). Is this according to what the Bible teaches?

After the next two passages are covered, you can say something like: “This is what we’re trying to do, simply restore the one church we read about in the Bible.”

Lesson 3: The Church (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 THE CHURCH
1. Hebrews 5:8-9 

Jesus is the Saviour of whom?

2. Ephesians 5:23

Jesus is the Savior of what?

3. Ephesians 1:22-23

What is the body of Christ?

4. Ephesians 4:4-6

How many bodies does Christ have?

5. Matthew 16:16-18

What did Jesus promise to build?

Whose church did Jesus promise to build?

How many churches did Jesus promise to build?

6. Which of the following best describes the church?Lesson 3 Churches

WHAT DOES THE LORD DESIRE OF HIS CHURCH?

7. John 17:20-21

What did Jesus pray concerning those who would believe in Him?

What kind of unity does Christ and the Father have?

Do we see this kind of unity in the religious world today?

8. 1 Corinthians 1:10
What kind of unity is pictured here?

Does this describe the current situation in the religious world?

CONCLUSION

A. Must one be a member of Christ’s body (church) to be saved?

B. Which church do you want to be a part of?

Additional Scripture References
1. Matthew 7:21-27; James 1:21-25; 1 John 2:3-4, 17, 29

2. Acts 2:47; Ephesians 2:11-22; Colossians 1:13-14

3. Ephesians 2:16-19; 4:12, 16; 5:23, 29, 39; Colossians 1:18, 24

4. Romans 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 2:16; 5:23; Col. 3:15

5. Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 12:23

6. Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:13

7. John 10:30; Rom. 15:5-7; Philippians 1:27; 2 Cor. 13:11

8. Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 12:25; 1 Peter 3:8

 

“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).