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Lessons on Salvation, the Church, Bible Study - Church of Christ EVANGELISM€¦ · classes and for...

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Page 1: Lessons on Salvation, the Church, Bible Study - Church of Christ EVANGELISM€¦ · classes and for evangelism purposes). I want to give a special thanks to Jeanne Sullivan. For her
Page 2: Lessons on Salvation, the Church, Bible Study - Church of Christ EVANGELISM€¦ · classes and for evangelism purposes). I want to give a special thanks to Jeanne Sullivan. For her

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Content: Salvation

THE STORY OF PAUL: WHAT SAVED HIM? (Page 3)

ACTS 2:38 EXPLAINED (Page 4-5)

THE SINNERS PRAYER (Page 6-7)

HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISEM (Page 8-11)

Church

THE TRUE CHURCH/BIBLE AUTHORITY (Page 12-23)

ELDERS AND DEACONS (Page 24)

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK ON KNOWING WHAT TO FOLLOW IN RELIGION. (Page 25-27)

WHAT ARE THE PROPHECIES OF REVELATION WE ARE TO NOT CHANGE IN

DOCTRINE? (Page 28-29)

IS IT SCRIPTURAL TO MEET IN A CHURCH BUILDING? (Page 30-33)

INSTITUTIONALISM: THE RED LINE OF BIBLE AUTHORITY (Page 34-42)

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Bible Study

BIBLE STUDY IS A MUST TO SPIRITUALLY SURVIVE (Page 43-47)

HOW TO REALLY GROW IN BIBLE STUDY (Page 48)

(Have the student(s) go around the table and each in turn, read a few

small paragraphs and have them look up scripture and discuss the

verses being read, in those paragraphs. The Teacher can do this as

well, if there is just one student. The Teacher should engage, by

asking questions on what is being read. Encourage them to take

notes if they wish. That is why the book gives room for writing in

these lessons. This book can also be used for personal study, Bible

classes and for evangelism purposes).

I want to give a special thanks to Jeanne

Sullivan. For her work in editing this book.

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THE STORY OF PAUL: WHAT SAVED HIM? Saul who became the Apostle Paul, when a sinner (1 Timothy 1:15), was religiously learned and was religious in action (Acts 22:3), and in this mindset killed Christians, (1 Corinthians 15:9) in all good conscious (Acts 23:1).

While traveling to hurt more of God’s people, (Acts 22:5) God appeared to Saul, (Acts 9:3-4) and Saul believed and confessed (Acts 20:8-10). He obeyed God’s commanded to go to Damascus to learn His Will, (Acts 9:6-8). When Saul arrived at this city, he was repentant. For Saul in sorrow of what he did, neither ate food nor drank for 3 days, (Acts 9:9). When Saul had the miracle of Jesus appear before Him in glory, he was blinded, (Acts 9:8) and later had another miracle happen when God restored his sight, (Acts 22:13).

Yet did any of these things wash his sins away and save him? Continue reading. When Saul was in sin, fasting, he prayed as a sinner a sinner’s prayer, (Acts 9:11), yet was not saved. Only when a man, named Ananias sent from God (Acts 22:12-16) came to Saul and told him to do the following, was Saul's sins washed away.

Acts 22:16 “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized (Greek word Baptizo/immersion) and wash your sins away, calling (Term used to confess His name Romans 10:9-13) on His name.”

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Acts 2:38 Explained. Beginning in Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (They heard they had killed the Lord, they were pierced with the Word, which is called God’s sword that divides hearts and penetrates, Hebrews 4:12. When they heard the Word, they had remorse. Some who are pierced and are emotionally cut, choose to turn from, not towards the truth. When the Jews heard the Word, a message to them that said, they had killed Jesus in Acts 7:51-54, they were pricked to the heart, as were the Jews in Acts 2, yet these Jews choose to ignore the message and instead to kill the messenger of the Word. This man who was named Stephan, became the first martyr.)

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” (Peter did not say to those in Acts 2, pray the sinner’s prayer, accept Jesus into your heart, see a miracle, etc. The newly inspired Apostle, by the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:4; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-5 said turn from your wicked life, save yourself Philippians 2:12 and be baptized “for” Greek word eis meaning same word “for” the remission or forgiveness of sins. Why baptism? Baptism is a reflection of what Christ did, His death, burial, and Resurrection. READ all of this chapter, very insightful, Romans 6. When we are baptized, as Christ died in the body we die to sin, through His sacrifice, Romans 6:6-7. We are buried with Him, in water, 1 Peter 3:20-21 which washed away our sins, Acts 22:16. This makes us alive with Christ, in repentance, Romans 6:12-13, to live a new life, Romans 6:4. This is the washing of water for sanctification, 1 Corinthians 6:11, which causes regeneration and rebirth through the Holy Spirit This salvation is not deserved of merit in our works, but of grace, Titus 3:5-6.

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Yet grace that is saving is shown in our faith, Ephesians 2:8-9 and our faith that counts before the Lord, is shown in how we respond to God’s will James 2:14-26 and is shown in how we give our love to Him, read both Galatians 5:6/John 14:15. So when Jesus says unless one is born again, it makes sense, that in Baptism we are to be born again of water and spirit John 3:5.

This new life and spiritual birth, is the “gift of the Spirit,” Acts 2:38 mentions. The gift of sanctification, given by Christ’s death. When we are baptized, we are saved, thus we have the Spirit’s seal of salvation, Ephesians 1:13. Christ called His Crucifixion a baptism of distress. What else would make Him sweet drops of blood or cry out to the Lord in the night. Nothing recorded. Luke 12:50 “But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!” But He did die for us. And He wants us to die spiritually with Him.)

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The Sinner’s Prayer: What does the Bible say? I have read the Bible from cover to cover. NOWHERE is the sinner’s prayer mentioned. In the OT, it was animal sacrifice that atoned for sin. (Leviticus 4:20- 35)

In the NT salvation came by a different sacrifice, Jesus, the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world, (John 1:29).

This forgiveness of sins came about by first believing in Christ in faith, (John 3:16), then through the public (Matthew 10:32) confessing of Jesus's name in faith, (Romans 10:9-10), which a few verses later, in verse 13, this is the context for the phrase, "calling on His name," in faith see Romans 10:9-13.

In this confession, the Ethiopian eunuch in (Acts 8:36-39), confessed Christ and was baptized, after hearing about Jesus. Why because faith acts, (James 2:19-20), to die to sin we must die spiritually in baptism, (Romans 6:1-7) this leads to sanctification and eternal life, (Romans 6:22).

Baptism in this context, joins us with Christ, in faith, (Galatians 3:26-28) to raise us anew, (Colossians 2:12). To wash away our sins, (Acts 22:16).

And in the year 62 AD, when Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:4-6, that there is ONE baptism, (As well as ONE faith, for the ONE body/church - Ephesians 1:22-23, etc) Peter also wrote in AD 62, that in the context of faith for salvation in Jesus in unifying with Him, that saving baptism is of water, (1 Peter 3:20-21).

Those who are baptized are commanded to first repent, (Acts 2:38), to be forgiven. Repentance is mentioned in (Romans 6:15-18), as part of the behavior, we must exhibit in dying to sin and unifying with Christ.

To arise and be new... (Romans 6:4-11). To put off the old man, (Ephesians 4:22). That is why, we must be born again of water and of His Spirit, (John 3:5) which sanctifies us through and in the washing. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

When we rise up to live a new life, we must be faithful to receive what is promised. (Revelation 2:10/Matthew 24:13). Then when we are striving to walk as Jesus commands us, we can have forgiveness in prayer when we slip up, (1 John 1:5-9). But we must not use grace as a license to sin, (Jude 4/Romans 6:1- 2).

If we choose to sin and ignore God commands, faith alone, saying Jesus, Jesus, and doing good deeds will not save us, (Matthew 7:21-23), for in doing so, such behavior is insulting the gift of grace and Jesus' sacrifice, (Hebrews 10:26-31).

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The writer later says in this chapter, to not shrink back from faith, but to the saints, if they choose to persevere in trial and hardship, to not give up, that they will receive what is promised. (Hebrews 10:32-39). As is echoed in (Galatians 6:7-9), to sow for God, instead of to sin, is to reap a harvest of eternal life.

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Holy Spirit Baptism The Bible distinctly mentioned and set’s apart Holy Spirit baptism, by name in two different instances.

When it happens, it is mentioned as accompanied by signs and the mention of the Spirit coming on them.

Apostles are specifically mentioned as having received the Holy Spirit Baptism Acts 1:5; Acts 2:1-4

As was the gentile, Cornelius and his family. It was a shock to the Jews, when it came to this household, see example of Cornelius and his family – (Acts 10:44:48; Acts 11:15-17), if this was a normal occurrence for Gentile believers being saved, it would not have been. This was a God given and needed sign because the Jews did not think non-Israelites/except for practicing Mosaic converts, would be accepted by God, Acts 11:15-18.

The Apostles had the Holy Spirit Baptism, to guide them in God’s divine heavenly oracles, (John 16:13; John 14:26) and to give miracles, as proof what they said was of God, (Mark 16:20). They had the divine authority, (Matthew 18:18.)

When the Bible says for us to Baptize, and that people were baptized by others, it was an action that we are expected to follow. We can’t send the Holy Spirit on people; God does that, nowhere in the Bible does it teach that, so the command to try to baptize others to save them, would be a baptism we could do. The command was something people did to save others through Jesus, Acts 2:37-38; 41

Mark 16:15 “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

We are supposed to do so in His name, in the authority God’s given us in the scriptures to follow His Word.

Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them

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to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The name of Jesus Baptism is not Holy Spirit Baptism, read verses below. How people received the Holy Spirit, in the New Testament was though the Apostles laying their hands on them and imparting the Spirit. Read below and see also earlier reference to Gentile conversions of baptism, and how they needed to Apostles laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit. See below verses and ACTS 8:5-18

Acts 19:6:1 “It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. 2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.”

The Apostles had the Spirit to receive and preach divine revelation. They were here to teach and give us God’s truth, until we had all of scripture, everything we need to be fully equipped. 2 Tim 3:16

When the faith/belief of the saints was fully given by teaching, then the whole revelation was fully given to make us fully equipped. Bible says it was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 3

We now have everything we need for living a spiritual life and for godliness, following Him in a Christian life. 2 Peter 1:3-4, and the Apostles, qualifications of those who saw the Lord, died out. (who were witnesses of the Lord Acts 1:22, even Paul saw the Lord, Acts 22:6-8 and had signs that they showed the Spirit’s power, 2 Corinthians 12:12, do you see the dead being raised today, lame walking, paralyzed being healed? No.)

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So, did the Spirit’s imparting, though laying on of hands. The role of the Truth reveler of the Holy Spirit was finished, when that which was complete came, aka the whole message, no more revelation, from the Spirit and the divine gifts of teaching was needed.

It says thus, these imperfect things would cease, when what was complete came, then we would no longer see part but all of His truth. Then we can grow fully from a spiritual child to a man, knowing all we need spiritually to grow up in Him. 1 Corinthians 13:8-12

After the two examples of the Holy Spirit, the Bible says after thus, there is NOW only 1 baptism Ephesians 4:4, and 1 Peter 3:21 says it’s water saving Baptism.

Saying Baptism of the Holy Spirit saves is false, it is a sign God gives to those who embrace His teaching, in this context, so the Jews would believe they were acceptable to God, but having the Spirit come upon a person alone, does not save, if God choses to give it for other reasons as well… he allowed a murderer, a man rejected by God, as king, someone trying to David, a man after His own heart to have the Spirit.

1 Samuel 19:9 “Now there was an evil spirit from the LORD on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, and David was playing the harp with his hand. 10 Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, so that he stuck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

11 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him, in order to put him to death in the morning. 20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied. 21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.

22 Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu; and he asked and said, “Where are Samuel and David?” And someone said, “Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.” 23 He proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came

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upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 He also stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

Bible Baptism is synonymous in meaning as immersion; in fact that’s the Greek work for it.

Greek word, baptizó: Short Definition: submerge

907 baptízō – properly, "submerge" (Souter); hence, baptize, to immerse (literally, "dip under"). 907 (baptízō) implies submersion ("immersion"), in contrast to 472 /antéxomai ("sprinkle").

As a person is buried into the ground, so is Baptism compared too, as a burial. Romans 6:1 “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. “

No one has dirt sprinkled over his head, he must go into the ground and be buried, so it is with Baptism. Like unto a burial you don’t Sprinkle dirt for burial.

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The True church/Bible authority. Who do we listen to? How are we to worship to be pleasing to God? Does it matter? · Does it matter if we follow God’s teachings on church worship?The Bible makes it clear that we must obey God to be pleasing to Him.

Matthew 7:21“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23“And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.” Hebrews 5:9 “And, once made perfect, he (Christ) became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” God commands we worship in a certain way. Should we not, thus listen to His Word, in matters of worship?

· Christ/His truth: The authority of the churchThe Bible says there is one church. This church is under Christ’s rule and is called His body, (Ephesians 1:22-23) we are His members for service, and join His body/join with Christ, as His people, when we are saved in baptism, (1 Corinthians 12:12-25). But to remain in the body, we must submit to Christ’s truth, Christ who is the head, the authority, (Revelation 1:19- 20/Revelation 2:4-5). We must submit to Jesus’ truth in the matters of the church, which would include worship. We must do this for Christ has the headship/authority to govern the church. Ephesians 5:23 “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.”

· His church is one. It has one faith. And submits to Christ’s truth.Paul tells the Ephesians in Ephesians 4 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;5 one

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Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

The one faith is the Word of God, the inspired beliefs of God’s truths given of Christ (1 Timothy 4:6), and in adhering to other religious convictions/beliefs teachings is called leaving the Faith, (1 Timothy 4:1). The faith are truths we must obey, (Acts 6:7). Gospel truths, (Philippians 1:27/Colossians 1:23). Truths we must be united in, (Ephesians 4:13). This faith has for all time been delivered/revealed, (Jude 3). The Bible has all the inspired teaching. We have all scripture. And the scripture can equip us for every act of service, (2 Timothy 3:16-17). From His knowledge of truth, we have everything we need for life and godliness, (2 Peter 1:3-4). We need to more revelation.

In worship we must do all that He has given us authority to do.

Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name (authority) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

The words “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in His (authority) name.” means nothing should be added, that Christ has not given us authority to do, in word or deed, in matters of worship.

We are not to add to His Word. To say something is of Him, when God has not given it in revelation is a lie. The Lord needs nothing added, His Truth is perfect, (Proverbs 30:5-6). Where do we get authority? The Bible says through Christ’s teachings. Jesus said to His Apostles that He has all authority and that they are to teach what He has commanded them. Part of Christ’s teachings to His Apostles were for them to baptize in His name, so others could be accepted as His disciples. This command was also for salvation, (Mark 16:16). Matthew 28:16 “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

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His teachings must be followed if we are to be God disciples, (John 8:31). Such teachings equip us for His works of service. The church is to be based on His truth, this is how we are to know how we are to conduct ourselves in the church.

1 Timothy 3:15 “but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

To have unity we need to be in Christ. This was the Lord’s Prayer to the Father right before He died on the cross, (John 17:20-21). This was Jesus’ wish for us. Also, our Head is also called the shepherd. Who was to be our guide that is if we are willing to be His sheep. In this we need to listen to His voice, to be counted as His, there is one flock and one shepherd, Christ, (John 10:14-16). Bible unity is being united under and subject to Christ as Head and His voice/words heeded as a Shepard speaks guiding the Sheep. To Be His Sheep, one must only listen Jesus’ words/voice, not of other men and their uninspired teachings/voice, (John 10:5). · Inspired Men.When the Apostles were before Jesus at His resurrection, in Matthew 28:18-20 He said, that all authority was given to Him and then in His authority gave them a commission to teach all He had commanded them. So they did, in the Spirit, confirming the Word of God with signs (Mark 16:14-20). This is why we listen to what they taught and practiced. They received the Spirit, (Acts 1:4-5, Acts 1:8/Acts 2:1-4) and were guided into all truths by the Spirit, (John 14:26 /John 16:13). That is why Jesus said what they bind will be bound, for they were acting/speaking by the Spirit, (Matthew 18:18). What the Apostles spiritually practiced is commanded of us to follow, (1 Corinthians 11:1/Philippians 3:17/4:9.) All the words of Jesus’ came from the Father (John 12:49) and was also given by the Spirit. When One in the Godhead speaks, They all speak.

The Apostles performed miracles and spoke truth through the Spirit. Such "Signs and Wonders" were from Apostles, who had seen the Lord, picked of Jesus in His life, (Luke 6:12-16), or had been with Jesus in His whole lifelong Ministry, (Acts 1:21-26), with one exception Paul, who he said Jesus appeared to him as an Apostle LAST as one abnormally born, for He had persecuted the church (1 Corinthians 15:8-10), last means no other, it is the last. Only Apostles through the Spirit could impart the gifts of the Spirit, See story of Simon the Sorcerer, despite other Christians like Phillip

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the Evangelist being there, they had to send up the Apostles to give the new Christians the Spirit, (Acts 8:9-25) (Also See Acts 19:6) And no other should speak another "Gospel" (Which is God's standards, 1 Timothy 1:8- 11) other then what the Apostles/inspired men have given, (Gal 1:6-10).This is what Paul wrote to believers of Jesus and the Resurrection at thattime. He said, "walk in truth of the Gospel," (Acts 2:14).For the Jews during that time were choosing to listen to others and follow uninspired men instead. If people still had the Miracles that these men had, we would know of them and the world would tell us. Such people would be hounded by the Press, have governments and media come to them, the world would readily show videos of such signs today. If someone could cure cancer and aids in the hospitals, they would be world renown, especially in the digital age where news travels as fast as the speed of sound. But we don't.

The Apostles were teaching Jesus' words and standards and thus could bind in authority, because the authority of Jesus' teachings was being taught by them. Apostles were men who could raise the dead, heal the unhealable, cure the blind, drive out demons, and the whole world stood up and took notice, (this was a Mark of an Apostle 2 Cor 12:12) we don't see such wonders and signs from men today, they were given to confirm the divine words that were spoken, (Mark 16:20) in this day we have all the revelations of God.

So, Jesus is our authority, (See also Hebrews 1:1-4) He spoke by the Father's will, (John 12:49/John 14:10). The Apostles are our authority, they spoke what Jesus had given them to say and were led by the Spirit, after being told by Jesus on His ascension to Heaven to wait in Jerusalem to receive Power from on high and the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5;8), which they did in the following chapter, (Acts 2:1-4), confirming what Jesus said, the some of you will not taste death till you see the Kingdom (The church Mathew 16:17-19) come with Power, and as Christ told the Apostles, to wait for that Power, it indeed did come. In this Power, the Spirit confirming the divine message of inspiration these men received by Signs and Miracles, (Mark 16:20). So, Christ is the Head, the Shepherd, we are to Listen to His voice, the Apostles shared His words, this is the Beliefs God has handed down to us, called the Faith. If we are in the Faith, under Christ we are unified with Him.

· Religious Denominational Divisions

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God’s people must be united in His faith/teaching. They must be united in one mind. Not divided. The word “Denomination” means division. We must remain IN the Faith of God.

The inspired Apostles writes in 1 Corinthians 14 “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge...10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name (authority) of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” How are people divided from the faith/the teachings of God, by following other men’s teachings, (uninspired men) that are not from Christ.

Romans 16:17 “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”

The Bible says there is ONE Faith/teaching. That is His truth. We are not to add man made teachings to it. In matters of worship, God calls adding things the Bible has had mentioned, vain worship and a sign people are not right with God, in their hearts.

Matthew 15: 8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

This eliminates creeds, books, rules, from uninspired men.

In matters of religious teaching, we should only speak God's oracles that means no additions or subtractions from His oracles. We should just do what God has said, (1 Peter 4:11). · What are the Bible teachings for worship?· Giving: How the Bible says the church is to giveUpon the first day of the week. 1 Corinthians 16:2 How do we add to this command? We give on another day. How do we subtract from this command? We don’t give at all.

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Not grudgingly but as he purposed. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 The New Testament does not say to give a specific sum.

How the money is to be used by the church. This we must do to not add to God's Word and distort it. When you take away from God's teachings in not doing them or add to them, you distort the teaching and distort it, pervert it, you make His truth into something else, something other than the pure truth of His Word. That’s what Paul warned about. Paul said people would distort the truth to have people follow after them, (their teachings). What do you think denominational-ism is? It’s people following creeds, from uninspired men, (Acts 20:27-30). 1. Preaching the Gospel to the lost and to the saints.Christ the head of the church commanded, it, said tell the world and teach those who are made disciples what I command you. (Matthew 28:19-20). And the church did in devoting themselves to the Apostles teachings. Paul the inspired Apostle says, Preachers should be paid to preach, (1 Corinthians 9:14). 2. Helping needy saintsIn benevolence to hurting saints.... churches can help another church who have saints, (2 Corinthians 9:1-6) in need, (besides their own congregation), in benevolence, (Romans 15:25-28; 2 Corinthians 8:18- 20). This context is talking about a famine in Jerusalem that was hurting the saints at the church there, (Acts 11:27-30). But the Bible says in this regard, that such Christians must truly be in need and must first look to having support from one’s family, before even a local congregation can help. (1 Timothy 5:3-10.) Accountability first starts at the home, (2 Thessalonians 3:10/1 Timothy 5:8.) When it comes to helping non-Christian people, like orphans, the poor, the hurting, we can look to individual personal responsibility. We can help Christians and non-Christians that is our duty God expects of us. When it comes to meeting needs of the world, these are things that we can do ourselves. And are asked of us to do as individuals, (1 Timothy 6:18). Read also the following verses...

James 1:26 “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is

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this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” This is clearly talking to individual people

These are the only ways the Bible says church money is to be used. How do we add to giving in the Bible? We add to how the Bible says the church money is to be used. This would include ice cream socials, date nights, paintball games, etc. Does that help the needs of hurting poverty suffering saints? NO. Does funding a wrestling match, or going to a museum, directly teaching the lost? Or is it adding to the commands already given, making additions?

IN ANY ACT OF WORSHIP, WE MUST JUST TEACH AND PRACTICE WHAT GOD SAYS IN HIS GOSPEL? TO ADD TO HIS WORD IS TO DISTORT IT.

As Paul warns in Galatians 1:6 “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” In the context of only doing what Christ has given us scriptural authority to do in Col 3:17, a few verses back God commands to sing in church worship, Col 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body (the church is the body Ephesians 1:22-23); and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

So, in worship we are to sing, God tells us to not add/subtract to His Word, as the many verses already mentioned point out. So, if we subtract from this command by having a chorus, where some people sing, then we change God's command. The command is for all of God's people to sing. If we remove people and add instruments to His command and have a jazz concert and no one sings, we sin again, for God command is for us to sing to Him. If we add to His command to sing the use of instrumental music to our singing, we err, for God says about worship, “Whatever you do in

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word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...” Has Christ taught anywhere to use instruments? No. He tells uninspired man to not add to His Words. To abide in the truth and not go beyond it. We are to worship within the confines of the lines God has marked out for us. To not go beyond His teachings, (2 John 9 “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.”

· You may ask what about the OT, they used instruments in worship?They also offered up animal sacrifices, did circumcisions, had ceremonialrites, abstained from certain foods, observed no work on the Sabbath, hadreligious New Moon festivals, etc. Do we do any of these things? Arepeople were put to death often times, when they did a deliberate sin.,(Numbers 15:30). For that is the OT teaching in the Law.

The Bible says Christ has delivered us from the Old Law/Covenant to His Law, the Law of the Spirit. The Old Law was called the “Law of sin and death,” (Romans 8:1-2) for when people sinned, under that Law, it many times lead to being put to death. Christ delivered/put an end this law, (Romans 10:4/Colossians 2:14-16). See also (Hebrews 8:8 13/Galatians 3:16-19). The New Covenant is Christ’s will/Testament. Established in His death, (Hebrews 9:15-17). Would you like someone changing your desired testament/will? Would like someone changing what you put into it, by adding or subtracting what they would rather have in YOUR WILL? Christ has established His covenant through the shedding of His blood for you (Matthew 26:28). Who are we to change His teachings?

Does that mean the Old Testament is irrelevant? No, we can still learn from the examples (1 Corinthians 10:6-11) of the OT, and see Gods attitude for what is right and for sin. Such as He does not like His Word being messed with. Did not like it then and does not like it know. His attitude does not change, (Hebrews 13:8). Remember Nadab and Abihu. They were priests under the Old Law, who offered up unauthorized fire before the Lord, because it suited them. God did not say they could not, but give them details of what they could and should do. They choose to go outside of the bounds of what He had asked. God said this dishonored Him as unholy, (Leviticus 10:1-3). But people will ask, but it accomplishes good things. How can that be wrong? In whose eyes, yours, mine, or Gods? Any time we break what

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God has given, in His Word, by changing the Gospel to fit us, or in making a secular teaching binding as a creed, for a church to practice, we erode of the framework of the foundations of Bible authority, we sin, we give the devil a handhold to work on us and His church a little more. Remember in King Saul’s day, he thought the good was to offer a sacrifice to preserve his army for war, when people were deserting, yet God said otherwise. He said keeping God’s commands was more important, (1 Samuel 13:5-14). This was a continual flaw with the Israelite's in the OT. They continued to do what they thought was right in their own eyes, (Judges 17:6/Judges 21:25). Just because we think we know best does not make it Bible correct, nor spiritually pleasing to God. If God had wanted it done, don’t you think He would have had commands and Bible examples for us to do it? (Proverbs 14:12) When we follow Christ, we are His disciples (John 8:31-32). When we follow other men, who distort the truth, (Acts 20:29-30) by adding or subtracting from God's teachings, we are their disciples.

When you add ingredients to your grandma's recipe or subtract ingredients, it's no longer, grandma's recipe, it's something else. When you change a dead man's will, by adding what you would rather have in that will, ignoring that man's wishes, you distort his will into something that man did not will to be done. Christ's New Convent/Testament is His will for us. Should we change His will?

· When it comes to workshop we are commanded to attend when the saintsmeet, (Hebrews 10:25-26).And when we meet to worship in the right (attitude) spirit and to worship IN His truth, (John 4:23-24). · When we worship God tells us we are to talk to God in prayer and listen toHim through His Word, that is what church Bible class and sermons do,(Acts 2:42).· We also worship as God commanded by observe the Lord’s Supper?Why do we observe the Lord’s Supper?Reasons below...Christ did the Lord’s Supper for His followers to remember Him and commanded it be done. Mark 14:22 “While they were eating, He took

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some bread, (Which was Passover bread Mark 14:1;12-22, Passover bread was unleavened bread Exodus 12:15) and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” 23 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 “Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine, (which was fruit from a vine, aka grape juice, commonly used in Jewish times for drinking) until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Leaven in the Bible spiritually represents sin. In doing this Supper we remember Christ is our Passover, lamb 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, who took away the sins of the World, John 1:29)

We are supposed to follow His spiritual example and Jesus did the Supper. 1 John 2:6 “the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”

Jesus said the Lord’s Supper was necessary for eternal life, to eat and drink what represents Him. John 6:53 “So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.54 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever.”

Jesus told His disciples to do the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of His coming death on the cross, AND after He left them, that is what they did. 1 Corinthians 11: 23 “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 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.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

They, the disciples after His ascension, in turn taught this as well as Christ’s other teachings...

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Matt 28:18 “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The Apostles were told to observe the Lord’s Supper as we read in the above Chapters and verses, AND we are taught to follow their spiritual examples from the Bible. Philippians 3:17 “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”

Because the Word says they follow Christ 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.2 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.… “

The term in Mark 14:22, Matthew 26:26, Luke 22:19, of “breaking bread” is used of the church when they met to remember Christ’s command for them, do this in remembrance of me... Jesus took bread and broke it. Mark 14:22 “While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He “broke it” ... And is shown in the Bible being done...after His ascension by His disciples. Acts 20:7 “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.”

Who’s the we, read this and you see it was assembled Christians coming to break bread and hear the Apostle Paul preach God’s Word. Early church days when people were baptized after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came on the Apostles, (Read all of Acts 2) the Christians, meet together to do what? Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the “breaking of bread” and to prayer.”

Which was not a common meal, (1 Corinthians 11:20-22.)

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They did this on each first day of the week, when God established a day for remembrance, and on this day, it is to be remembered ON that DAY each time. God’s commands, are absolute, no “sometimes,” about them. When God say’s don’t kill, it does not mean sometimes one should observe this command, it is a absolute, as is all of His truths. Though we are not under the Old Law today, (Gal 3:16-17/Col 2:14-17) We can see some examples of this: Old Testament Jews, observed each and every Sabbath, because God says, “observe the Sabbath,” (Exodus 20:8) He did not say each and every Sabbath. Yet if they neglected this absolute command they died. If they decided to skip a Sabbath, (Exodus 31:15). Same with the Feast of weeks, it was to be observed every 7 years, not just on the 7 years, when the Jews felt like it, but it was expected of God, as an absolute. (Leviticus 25:4.)

Not a place for meals, 1 Corinthians 11:22-34. God’s church Kingdom is spiritual in nature, Christ said... in John 18:36, "My kingdom is not of this world...” His Kingdom is not about worldly, non-Bible based things, and it’s not for secular recreation, entertainment. We should not add root beer to the Lord's Supper or pizza and subtract the elements God commanded for remembering Christ's death. It’s not about pleasing us, but on remembering Christ death.

As all the verses point out above. We are not to change the instructions God has given us. It’s presumptuous, arrogant, and vain to worship God any other way, then the way HE WANTS TO BE HONORED.

If a boy had a Birthday party and his mom heard he wanted chocolate cake... He also asked for no veggies, because he hates green plant food. On the day before the party the boy also asked for no clowns because he said he’s afraid of them.

When the mother heard his wishes, she went out and got for the party, strawberry cake, a clown and salad, because these were things she liked. How would that honor the boy’s B day wishes? Church is not about pleasing ourselves, it’s not about doing what we want or what we think should be done. It's about honoring God's wishes and pleasing Him.

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Eldership and Deacons The church is guided in the truth ((1 Peter 5:1-4/Acts 20:17, 28-30) by Elders who are also called in the same context of Acts 20, Bishops/Shepherds, who are also called Pastors (Ephesians 4:11) which is the same Greek word and meaning for Shepherds, (The Bible does not lump the role of Preacher with Pastor, but notice in Ephesians 4:11, they are distinct from Preachers/Evangelists).

As Acts 20 says, the local church is under the oversight of the Elders of that church, who are to spiritually feed God’s church people, (Acts 20:28- 32). This means the Elders work at a local church. Their role is in an autonomous/singular church relationship.

These men are to defend against false teaching, against those who distort the truth. They support the truth, they guide the sheep in the great shepherd’s words.

Notice there is no other leadership governing in the church, (Popes, Priests, Universal Council, etc,) other than Christ through the Bibles truth and the Eldership, who are to guide the people of a church in that truth. Such men are to be honored, (Hebrews 13:17).

We should not add what God has left silent in the matters of His church and worship. Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name (authority) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

The Elders must have qualifications to be appointed, in this context the Elders are also called Overseers, (1 Timothy 3:1-7/Titus 1:6-9).

Deacons are helpers of the Elder-ship and the church in matters of church work. They too must be appointed. (Acts 6:1-5). They too must have qualifications, (1 Timothy 3:8-12).

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An in-depth look on knowing what to follow in religion.

Most divisions, confusing contradictions between one religious group and another comes from people not understanding Bible authority and in that authority, on how to use it, in the way God asks. The reason for this first lesson is to share from the Bible what it says on how we get authority and how we are to apply it, in following the scriptures. If we are to be pleasing to God and do what He wants, we need to know this important topic and learn its truths. Let's look at where the Bible says we get religious authority in making our decisions.

First let's look at some passages that say Jesus Christ, (as God) is our source of authority

Matthew 28:17 "When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” From this we read that Christ has ALL authority, including in His teachings, (which truths He spoke in the Father's Name John 5:23 and in the Father's words John 12:49, confirming their inspiration and divinity by Miracles John 14:11-12; Acts 2:22) and His Apostles were charged by the One who has all authority to teach His truths and save others. This is why in Matthew 18:18, Christ said to them, "whatever you bind will be bound." The Apostles were teaching Jesus' words and standards and thus could bind in authority, because the authority of Jesus' teachings was being taught by them. Apostles were men who could raise the dead, heal the unhealable, cure the blind, drive out demons, and the whole world stood up and took notice, (this was a Mark of an Apostle 2 Cor 12:12) we don't see such wonders and signs from men today, they were given to confirm the divine words that were spoken, Mark 16:20 in this day we have all the revelations of God.

We have all the beliefs/the things of faith handed down through the revelation of the Apostles, the believers of Christ Jude 3 and we have everything we need to live a spiritual life, be godlike in following our Lord

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and gaining His precious promises, (heaven, a relationship with God, etc) from these things, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

The authority we get is from the Apostles and from their writings, and it is able to equip us for everything good thing God wants us to do in following His will. We NOW HAVE ALL Scripture and it is inspired. 2 Timothy 3:16- 17 And no other should speak another "Gospel" (Which is God's standards 1 Timothy 1:8-11) other then what the Apostles/inspired men have given. Gal 1:6-10. This is what Paul wrote to believers of Jesus and the Resurrection at that time. He said, "walk in truth of the Gospel." Acts 2:14, for they were choosing to listen to others and follow uninspired men instead. If people still had the Miracles that these men had, we would know of them and the world would tell us. Such people would be hounded by the Press, have governments and media come to them, the world would readily show videos of such signs today. If someone could cure cancer and aids in the hospitals, they would be world renown, especially in the digital age where news travels as fast as the speed of sound. But we don't.

Such "Signs and Wonders" were from Apostles, who had seen the Lord, picked of Jesus in His life. Luke 6:12-16 or had been with Jesus in His whole lifelong Ministry, Acts 1:21-26, with one exception Paul, who he said Jesus appeared to him as an Apostle LAST as one abnormally born, for He had persecuted the church 1 Corinthians 15:8-10, last means no other, it is the last. Only Apostles through the Spirit could impart the gifts of the Spirit, See story of Simon the Sorcerer, despite other Christians like Phillip the Evangelist being there, they had to send up the Apostles to give the new Christians the Spirit, Acts 8:9-25 (Also See Acts 19:6)

Another reason we need to listen to the Apostles, aka their examples, writings, words, is that they were divinely inspired by and guided the Holy Spirit. The Apostles were told by Christ that they would be "lead into all truths" by the Holy Spirit, John 16:13 and that "when the Counselor come, whom I will send you, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about me." John 15:26 So Jesus is our authority, (See also Hebrews 1:1-4) He spoke by the Father's will. John 12:49/John 14:10 The Apostles are our authority, they spoke what Jesus had given them to say 1 Corinthians 14:37 and were led by the Spirit, after being told by Jesus on His ascension to Heaven to wait in Jerusalem to receive Power from on high and the Holy Spirit Acts 1:4-5; *8, which they did in the following chapter, Acts 2:1-4, confirming what Jesus said, the some of you will not taste death till you see the

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Kingdom (The church Mathew 16:17-19) come with Power, and as Christ told the Apostles, to wait for that Power, it indeed did come. In this Power, the Spirit confirming the divine message of inspiration these men received by Signs and Miracles. Mark 16:20 Since Christ gave them His truths to tell and the Spirit to guide them in sharing His message, given by the Father, and they wrote down the New Testament, and the Bible says, "all scripture is inspired of God." 2 Timothy 3:16-17, then the scripture is a reliable source, if we are to believe Jesus and God. If not, then we can't believe anything in regard to God or Christ. Proverbs 30:5-6 says God's words are perfect don't change them, don't add to them. This is a false, a false path, His Word alone is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and only in God's Bible teaching is understanding. Psalms 119:104-105 We also follow their spiritual examples again because they were guided by the Spirit to speak and do spiritual things. We are commanded for this reason to do so on following this pattern Philippians 3:17; Philippians 4:9 and for the reason that they follow Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1. They had the authority 1 Thessalonians 4:2; *8 and were guided by the Spirit Ephesians 3:4-5.

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What are the Prophecies of Revelation we are to not

change in doctrine? What is the prophecy of Revelation we are not supposed to add to or subtract from?

Revelation 22:18 "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll."

Beside it showing God's attitude towards us in messing with His divine Word, (Proverbs 30:5-6) specifically, the prophecy is about 4 main things in Revelation, that the WHOLE Bible teaches directly in its message or indirectly in its underlining themes. When you thus change any of Jesus’ truth shown below and the concepts it is connected too, are you not changing the Book of Revelation.

That of...

1. The need to obey Him and in sin repent. (Revelation 2:5/Revelation3:3)

By overcoming through hold fast and keeping His Works (Revelation 2: 24-26/Revelation 3:11-12).

2. His second and final coming (Revelation 3:11/Revelation 16:15), whichimmediately leads too...

3. Judgement of the bad and good, those who follow in His truth and thosewho don't. (Revelation 20:12-13)

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4. The heavenly reward for those who obeyed and eternal punishment ofhell for those who did not. (Revelation 21:6-8; 27/Revelation 20:14-15)

You can see even in Revelation 22:12-15, were the above contextual verse is mentioned, that even in this chapter, it is talking about what the overall BIBLE book espouses.

Second Coming - 12 “Look, I am coming soon!"

Judgement and Reward "My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."

Obedience (Baptism Acts 22:16/1 Peter 3:21) 14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city."

Disobedience - 15 "Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."

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Is it Scriptural to Meet in a church building? First question: Is it Scriptural to attend a church in a building? I am going to go very basic here. The 411 and ABC’s of fundamentals. Lay it out as concisely as I can. So here it goes.

There are two types of commands in the Bible general and specific.

Example: “Go into all the World and preach the gospel,” (Matthew 29:16- 20) is a general command. Paul the Apostle used a boat, walked, otherJews may have taken camels, donkeys, the rich could have taken horses,chariots, etc. Now days, we can take an airplane, a taxi, a bike, a train, etc.Or even use Facebook, blogs, media, Twitter, TV, Radio, pay forevangelists, (as they did also back then 1 Corinthians 9:11-14,) etc, toshare the Word of God.

Now IF this was a specific command, like go into all the world and preach the Gospel on a donkey, then we would be obligated to go into all the world riding a donkey.

You see the difference.

Okay now to the main topic. WE are commanded to meet and a not to neglect coming together when we do. We are given a general command to meet together, does not specify the place. (Hebrews 10:24-25).

The Apostles/Christians met in different places, the Temple in Jerusalem, (Acts 2:46; 5:12) in homes, (Acts 2:46) etc under Nero’s persecution they meet in the catacombs. You see they followed the general command in meeting in places they choose.

Now it would be different if the Bible said a specific command instead of a general command, a specific command would be one of the following, “meet in a synagogue, or in the Jerusalem Temple, or by a river.” See the difference.

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So, following the Word, we meet. Most people in this US Country meet in a building owned by the congregation as a reliable and convenient way to reach the unsaved world who may be looking for a local church and in this as this helps with the members who may meeting in numbers, for ease of finding the location, making it easy to access, etc. Meeting by the river could be bad for the elderly in July weather, meeting in tombs distracting, meeting in homes, overcrowding, so as to make it that not all people could come, nor easy to find for people who don’t see signs, a building, etc, of those who are lost or those seeking a place who are already saved. And seeking for a place to worship in the Temple in Israel would be inconvenient, etc.

Yet it is a general command, “meet.”

We as mentioned above are given a general command to go into all the world to spread the gospel, part of that world is here in the local area, one way we CAN, not must, but can spreading the gospel is in meeting in a easy to find and accessible local building, were sinners can find a place to worship, hear truth and be saved.

What else does it say? Let’s read the whole content.

Matthew 28:16 “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

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That is right, teach the saved, God’s truths. Must be important right. Knowing and doing what God wants. Since these were Christ’s last words.

When we meet in a local building, we perform both commands. We can better reach the lost and teach the saved.

When we are given a general commanded to do something, like “go into all the world and preach,” we can choose how to do it. Youtube, internet radio, paid preachers, etc.

When we are given a general command to do something, like “meet,” we can do likewise. We can meet that command spiritually with funds, people, resources, etc, to support and uphold that command.

The church is not a local tag word, “park,” “house,” “temple,” it’s the following...

1 Timothy 3:15 “but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

What makes a church a church, is if they are supporting the truth, in conduct the Bible teaches and are acting like a family towards God and each other, in upholding that truth.

This answers the second question: What is giving? Christ is the head/authority of the church, and the church is His body, (Colossians 1:18) we as members of that body the church give, (Romans 12:3-8), and when we do so, generously, (2 Corinthians 9:7) especially those gifted, (see Romans 12:3-8) and should be doing so cheerfully, as well ( 2 Corinthians 9:7,) to “the support of the truth.” If Christ is the head and His truth is to be followed, then we as His members of the church need to give to support its commands and teachings. Bibles, church meeting place, Gospel meeting flyers, power-point, places to sit, air conditioning,

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bathrooms, all help with people being able to hear the truth, passing out from, the heat, collapsing due to standing for hours, not being able to go to a place to worship, because you don’t want to be stuck needing to do natures call, and having nowhere to go, are all deterrents to hearing the truth, these aids help with that. With obeying the truth, that of assembling, worshiping, hearing the Word. Giving meets the Bible commands the head of the church has given us, which His members to do of meeting to assemble, worship, teach, etc. This is under the oversight of the church Elders, who are to spiritually feed God’s church people, (Acts 20:28-32) again in an autonomous church relationship, each member supporting each other.

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Institutionalism the Red Line of Bible Authority Institutional-ism is basically a justification of behavioral practices of churches. Churches practice this due to their “good intentions” and the desired effects they want to produce.

Institutional-ism is a group of churches forming a work or creating a governing institution, like orphan’s homes, hospitals, colleges, etc.

Many non-denominational, denominational and religious bodies, practice this, despite God being silent on the subject of churches going beyond church autonomy. The Bible says each church is supposed to be self- governed and run, in submission to Christ and His Word.

If you follow man-made rules, personal wants and good intentions, then such action has you adding things to God's Word or subtracting from His Will. Such behavior is vain...and worthless in God's sight. If the Bible does not say due instrumental music, or have a priest, use a Pope or create an institution or pool funds for stuff the Bible has not authorized, then those who do such are distorting God’s Gospel for another one and are teaching to do things that others follow as rules of men.

Matthew 15:9 ► "They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely HUMAN RULES.'" If a church does this, or a man does this in creating a institution with the Lord’s funds that the Bible has not given Apostolic example (Philippians 3:17/Philippians 4:9) or a command to do something, then that person is disobeying God's command to do ALL things in His Name or authority. If you are doing religious things outside of the Bible, it's not in His authority you are doing it. (And it's Christ who has all authority Matthew 28:18)

We must only follow what Christ has given us to follow from His Word. Colossians 3:17 ► "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it ALL in the NAME (authority) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." We are commanded to walk IN the truth, not outside of its bounds. When we go outside of it, we are doing something else. 2 John 4 ► "It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking IN the truth, just as the Father commanded us." (See also verse 9 for further context on the teaching/truth.)

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Proverbs 30 ► "5 Every word of God is flawless; 6 Do not ADD to His words... Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar." So, when a man is having you change what God wrote, in adding to His flawless will, that man's will, going beyond, what He wrote down that is wrong.

If we do what man wants, instead of what God wants, does it please Him? No these are His wishes, His commandments. To be loved and to love God, to be accepted by Him, we should listen to Him.

John 14:23 ► "Jesus replied, anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." We are commanded to obey His Gospel, for in Judgement...there will be... 2 Thessalonians 1:8 ► "retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." And any other Creed, teaching, other than the Bible, is not the "gospel" God wants preached or followed. Galatians 1:6-8: ► "6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to DISTORT the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!" See also the following verses, on the seriousness of distorting the truth, Acts 20:29-30. Remember Nadab and Abihu. They were priests under the Old Law, who offered up unauthorized fire before the Lord, because it suited them. God did not say they could not, but gave them details of what they could and should do. They choose to go outside of the bounds of what He had asked. God said this dishonored Him as unholy. Leviticus 10:1-3 But people will ask, well doing this does good. In whose eyes, yours, mine, or Gods? Any time we break what God has given, in His Word, by changing the Gospel to fit us, or in making a secular teaching binding as a creed, for a church to practice, we erode of the framework of the foundations of Bible authority, we sin, we give the devil a handhold to work on us and His church a little more. Remember in King Saul’s day, he thought the good was to offer a sacrifice to preserve his army for war, when people were deserting, yet God said otherwise. He said keeping God’s commands was

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more important. 1 Samuel 13:5-14. This was a continual flaw with the Israelite's in the OT. They continued to do what they thought was right in their own eyes. Judges 17:6 Judges 21:25 Just because we think we know best does not make it Bible correct, nor spiritually pleasing to God. If God had wanted it done, don’t you think He would have had commands and Bible examples for us to do it? Proverbs 14:12 In benevolence to hurting saints.... churches can help another church who have saints, 2 Corinthians 9:1-6 in need, (besides their own congregation), in benevolence, (Romans 15:25-28; 2 Corinthians 8:18- 20.) This context is talking about a famine in Jerusalem, that was hurting the saints at the church there, Acts 11:27-30. But the Bible says in this regard, that such Christians must truly be in need and must first look to having support from one’s family, before even a local congregation can help. (1 Timothy 5:3-10.) Accountability first starts at the home, (2 Thessalonians 3:10/1 Timothy 5:8.) Giving to others who have need in the church is important. But no were does it say in the Bible that autonomous congregations helping a congregation with funds for needy saints in that local body, is the same as a group of people making a man-made organization, to handle funds as they see fit, or have churches pool funds for projects and programs, in recreational, religious goals. Not in helping the world or even needy Christians. Each time a church gave, it was someone who took the funds from a one church to another, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4. Or from one church by someone, to a Preacher in funding need, Philippians 4:18. It was one church sharing it via a person or persons, (see 1 Corinthians 16:1-4) to another church or person.

That was how a church received funds from another church, it went directly to the church in need, to help the needy saints at that local body. That money was received to be used under the oversight of the Eldership of that local church, for each church is guided by the Shepard's who are over their own flock. This is under the oversight of the church Elders, who are to spiritually look out after and spiritually feed God’s church people, that they are tasked to look after in congregation they are a part of, (1 Peter 5:1-2; Acts 20:28-32). Again, in an autonomous church relationship.

When it comes to helping people, like orphans, the poor, the hurting, we can look to individual personal responsibility. We can help Christians and

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non-Christians that is our duty God expects of us. When it comes to meeting needs of the world, these are things that we can do ourselves. And are asked of us to do as individuals, (1 Timothy 6:18). Read also the following verses...

James 1:26 “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” This is clearly talking to individual people. For more context, see also verses 19-25. Galatians 6:10 says for us to do good to all men. Who is the us. Let’s see, the context.

Galatians 6:1 “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

So, who is the “we,” in this context, in the “Therefore,” it is talking about a man, living as he should, and in sowing to the Spirit, is doing good. This whole context above is talking about individuals. Example: Man and woman have a role as husband and wife, Ephesians 5. Fathers have a role in disciplining their children, Ephesians 6:4. Yet the church has a role in singing in worship, Colossians 3:15-16, partaking in the Lord’s Supper, (1 Corinthians 11:23-25); Teaching/Prayer (Acts 2:42-47); Not forsaking Assembly (Hebrews 10:25-26), Giving, (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Some roles are commanded in general commandment or specific, of both the

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church and the individual, like teaching others, Matthew 28:16-20 (General command) 1 Peter 3:15 (individual command) and in giving prayer, (Romans 12:12, 1 Corinthians 7:5). You may ask, why are you pointing this out? Because people who want to make an organized institutional group in joining churches together for work and funding or in making a organization point to these verse and take these verses out of context. They sadly say these verses apply to the church. The church in worship and action is separate from the individual. They are different and have different roles, according to what God has commanded each.

An argument people who want to do these things use is in Matthew 28:16 “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

They taught everything, via Christ command here and also via the Holy Spirit, (John 16:13). The Apostles taught the truth. Of which they were inspired by the Holy Spirit and guided, (Acts 1:4-5; 8/Acts 2:1-4), in the letters they wrote, and teachings they taught, such teachings as in having a preacher be paid by a church to preach, etc, see 1 Corinthians 9:11-14/ Philippians 4:18. They want to have churches paying for an organization to manage children orphan homes and hospitals. They say Matthew 28:19 is an expedient. Expedient is God saying for us to do something, and we find the best way to carry out that commandment. And in Matt 28:19 to “go and make disciples of all nations,” is a general command in Bible authority. In making disciples, we can choose how we “Go” to share the gospel, plane, email, Facebook, funds from church in evangelism, blogging, paying a Preacher, doing a Gospel Meeting, etc. But we cannot change the command itself. Does it say “Go” and make disciple and teach...AND O by the way, make a hospital for sick people, and fund a church party. Yes, the result “may” emphasis may, because such things are not likely to happen, but yes, it may cause someone who be curious about the religious group you are

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with, but that is after you add all these secondary applications to this specific command to Go, save, teach.

How we choose to carry out this command to teach and save is up to us, it is our choice. But it is talking about a specific thing, teaching the gospel. The command changes when you change the command and apply other things. Like Nursing homes for helping older people with housing, daycares for babies. Example: We are commanded to sing, so if we sing, does it make it right to add instruments when we have no directive and are commanded to just do what the Bible says? We are commanded to seek qualified men as Elders and Deacons, does that mean, if we do so, we can also appoint a Pope, Arch Bishop, female Preacher, etc?

Just because God has told us to do a thing, does not mean we can go past the thing, He has told us to do, to do our own thing.

A organization that changes the Bible pattern and authority guidelines on church autonomy to suit a hierarchy staff governmental goal, is going beyond what is written, it is not speaking where the Bible speaks and remaining silent where it is silent.

Let’s look at what the Bible teaches in apostolic authority, in what we are to follow in the Bible PATTERN.

Notice in the passage below, that when Paul the Preacher was in need in the region of Thessalonica, the Philippian church did not send the funds to the Thessalonica church, but DIRECTLY to Paul, through a PERSON . And each time Paul mentioned his need, it was about the issue of a church sharing funds with him. It was supposed to go to Paul, the person, that was what was expected, it was not expected or mentioned that churches should be pooling their funds together, creating a organization, or moving or storing funds in different churches for Paul.

Philippians 4:10 “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from

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Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”

Nowhere in the Bible does it say anything otherwise then the above.

Besides the church at Philippi, the Macedonia church and the Achia church also gave to an individual, Paul, to take funds to the needy saints in the church at Jerusalem church, Romans 15:25-29. The Galatia church gave as well, see 1 Corinthians 16:1. Only time churches helped another church, was through autonomous actions carried out by an individual, who came to take money to needy saints. DID not work collectively, to create a bigger work. Each local church as an autonomous body, sent money to Jerusalem to help needy saints in the Jerusalem church.

The church at Corinth also gave to Jerusalem, they gave to help the needy Jerusalem church. (Will mention the verses below, to answer their last argument that tries to say the church can use its funds for non-Christian member benevolence.)

In ALL Bible apostolic examples, the churches are giving to a person to give to a church with needy saints, not to an institution. And again, scriptural Bible relief needs to be to saints. That is the only time church benevolence is used. Every Bible example is for the saints.

The argument goes as follows. The people who advocate the misuse of church funds point to 2 Corinthians 9:12-13 Argument to be made for churches helping non-Christians is in 2 Corinthians 9:12-13. They read verse 13 and see ALL MEN. And imply that this must mean, the church was giving to anyone and everyone. Not just the needy saints, at Jerusalem.

Let’s read the context, starting with 2 Cor 8, Paul urges their support to do what the Macedonia church did, which was to give to the Jerusalem church. Please read with me, I will mark the places that we need to pay careful attention to.

2 Corinthians 8:1 “Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4

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begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints...” Finishing in chapter 9 of 2 Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 9:1 “For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness. 6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly... 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. 13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all men.” So, this is obviously talking about saints in Jerusalem who are having their needs supplied. Which in this context of this ministry are thankful for such generosity and thus glorify God.

“All men,” would thus if you want to imply this word, (which I don’t), could mean other saints in that region who could also be helped as well, since again in this context IT IS TALKING ABOUT NEEDY SAINTS.

Nowhere in the Bible does it mention the churches were ever giving money to non-Christians. In all the verses I used above and in this article, you can see in the Bible scriptures that the Bible mentions church benevolence for saints, and saints only.

Nor does it mention in the chapter passages of, 2 Cor 8-9 non-Christian benevolence, not once, in these chapters, not once in any context, example or scripture, except in “all men.” Don’t you think it strange, that Paul waits to now to briefly say this word, when the rest of the context in these chapters and in the Bible is silent?

I don’t quote scholars, but I like the scripture this reliable and knowledge preacher, Rodney Pitts uses, and the common-sense application he shows. I readily have agreed with what this man says, it’s Bible based, and reflects what I have learned in my study. Thus, I mention his words and highlight his article to be looked at below.

Source article... http://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume33/GOT033260.html

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“One might be quick to point out that the text says that they gave to "all men," but it must be remembered that the word "men" is italicized to show that it is not in the original text, and has been added by the translators. Thus, the answer to the problem lies not in the addition of the word "men," but in the correct understanding of to whom the "all" refers.” “In order to have a correct understanding of the word "all" in this verse, we need to first define it. All, or pantas in the Greek, is defined in two ways: (1) Without the article it is "every, every kind or variety or whatever ismentioned or under consideration ",

(2) With the article it is "the whole of the one thing referred to, one object,with the noun it means 'all.' In the plural it signifies the totality of the thingsreferred to" (all emphasis mine, rbp) (Vine's Expository Dictionary). Thus,the word does not mean "all men" or "all saints" or even "all sinners" forthat matter; it is simply a word that means "all" of whatever is referred to inthe context. This point is clearly seen in various verses.

In Galatians 2:14 Paul was said to have rebuked Peter before "'all." Are we to believe that Paul took Peter and rebuked him in front of sinners in the world, or just in front of "all" the saints present? This same idea is seen in Paul's admonition to rebuke those that sin before "all" (1 Timothy 5:20). Does the context allow us to believe that Paul was telling Timothy to rebuke erring Christians before saint and sinner alike? Surely from these verses we can see that the word all is limited by the context in which it is found. And, as we shall soon see, the "all" of 2 Corinthians 9:13 is limited by its context as well.”

People who say we should just do what the Bible says, don’t go outside of the Word, in worship, music, etc, but are willing to make an exception to going beyond the bounds of the Word, in this matter, are following the teachings of men and are not abiding in Christ’s Bible pattern and authority. But certain of these teachers due make the arguments above. To lead people astray, 2 Peter 3:16.

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Bible Study Is a must to Spiritually Survive I've done a lot of things to help people remain faithful to God, I've visited them, invited them for Devo's, food and singing, practiced hospitality, etc. What I learned from this...is that Entertainment and fun, with a little Devo time does not and I repeat, does not give foundation building. Many have fallen away. What gives foundation building, deep spiritual root planting is this.

Giving others a need for accountability, checking up on that accountability, and having that accountability be daily Bible study, on essentials to growth and maturity, aka the Bible truths in the Holy Spirit's/Christ's doctrine, principles, standards. First and foremost.

The other things like reading through Leviticus with its circumcision, and animal offerings, can come later, but the emphasis now, should be to grow in the teachings of Christ, what He says is right and wrong.

AS the Bible says in Hebrews 5: 12 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” 3 Bible lessons, if people bother to even come to church is STILL not enough. Do you eat 3 meals a week? No you'd get frail and slowly DIE! Yet God compares the Word of God to food (and milk 1 Peter 2:2 “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”) Above verse, also Deuteronomy 8:3 “He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.” Jeremiah 15:16 “Your words were found and I ate them, and your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

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Ezekiel 3:3 “He said to me, “Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.” Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth.” God's Word is said to be More NECESSARY then food, as Job 23:12 says. "I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.“ People, especially one's sitting at the feet of inept teachers, preachers, who give an incomplete diet, (instead of all the Bible food groups, IA the whole council/message of God.

2 Timothy 4:17 “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” Acts 20:27 “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” Jeremiah 26:2 “Thus said the Lord; Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord's house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word.” Acts 5:20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” By offering soft junk food fluff or false nonsense, will get weaker and weaker. And slowly believe less in conviction, do less in following Him, and in time stop coming to church all together.

Titus 1:9 says we need to know the Bible to know what truth is and what it is not. If we only listen to others and depend solely on them, we are in danger of being led astray. “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” How to rectify this?

Family's daily teaching their kids.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred

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writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Genesis 18:19. “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” As commanded to train IN the Lord, Ephesians 6:4. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Daily training self, not monthly, weekly, when you're bored, but daily. To impress on mind and heart.

Deuteronomy 11:18-19. 18 “You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 19 You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.” For application in daily meditation.

Psalm 1:1-3 1 ‘“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” Joshua 1:8. 8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

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This is how we are strong against Satan and overcome, 1 John 2:14. 14 “I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” Churches need to emphasize accountability and help with that. For we must look diligently, consistently, into the Word,

1. For salvation establishment, 1 Timothy 4:15-16, 15 “Take pains withthese things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will beevident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching;persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvationboth for yourself and for those who hear you.”2. For divine blessing James 1:23-25, 23 “Anyone who listens to theword but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at hisface in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away andimmediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intentlyinto the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—notforgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed inwhat they do.”3. For growth and spiritual security 2 Peter 1:3-11, 3 “His divine powerhas given us everything we need for a godly life through ourknowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, havingescaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self- control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never

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stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 4. For the purpose of not slipping, Psalm 37:31. 31 “The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.”Christians, nothing wrong with getting kids together for Chuck E Cheese, Shopping trips, but if you want to help church teens grow, make Bible time important, do grounding Bible lesson classes with them, have them sign accountability sheets, with rewards for daily and weekly study on given, NEEDED themes. Get the group together and talk about what is read over Pizza. So many teens and college people are falling away, church people, parents, despite the fun things you do with them. START doing Bible study things.

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HOW TO REALLY GROW IN BIBLE STUDY 1. Mark up your Bible with scriptures. Find a page in the Bible that talks onBaptism for salvation, for example, then find other passages and write themall in that page location. Easy to reference. And quickly learn the passagesthrough this.

2. Read your Bible daily at least an hour. Make it applicable and pray onwhat you read. Try to create a desire and longing for the Word, throughmaxims, tell yourself to crave His truth.

3. Memorize a passage each week.

4. Further down the road, when ready, pick a theme and try to write a shortarticle from the Bible passages on that theme, this will require a lot of studyand research, this will create learning. When comfortable with that, try towrite a longer article or sermon on a specific Bible theme. Make this amonthly routine, then with time a weekly routine.

5. Regularly teach a Bible class, either a new convert class, a kid’s class, alady’s class, a church class or a home study group class, if possible. Thereis no better way to learn then through this method.

6. The more you read the more you will want to read, for the more you readthe more you will grow spiritually. This will create stronger Bible convictionsand principles and help you to cherish the Bible above anything else thisworld can offer or give. FAN this desire, feed it, love it, and nurture it.


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