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THINGS SURELY
BELIEVED AMONG US

         

The Word of God

 

1. How does God speak to us today?

 

          1. Hebrews 1:1

 

          2. John 12:48

 

          3. 2 Peter 1:21

 

2. What are the divisions of the Bible?

 

          1. Two major divisions

 

          __________________      __________________

 

 

          2. Five divisions of the Old Testament.

          Division                                       No. of Books

 

          __________________________  __________

 

          __________________________  __________

 

          __________________________  __________

 

          __________________________  __________

 

          __________________________  __________

 

 

          3. Five divisions of the New Testament.

          Division                                       No. of Books

 

          __________________________  __________

 

          __________________________  __________

 

          __________________________  __________

 

          __________________________  __________

 

          __________________________  __________

 

 

3. Can we be sure that our Bible is trustworthy?

 

          1. How long has the Bible been subject to criticism?

 

          2. Have any serious objections been raised?

 

 

4. Are human creeds necessary?

 

          1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

          2. 2 Peter 1:3

 

          3. Matthew 15:9

 

 

5. Can the Bible be understood?

 

          1. Ephesians 5:17

 

          2. Rules for understanding the Bible:

                    A] Approach with an open mind.

                    B] Observe who is speaking and to whom addressed.

                    C] Remember, we live under the New Covenant.

                    D] Recognize the natural divisions of the Bible.

 

 

6. Is the Bible the only authority?

 

 

7. The inspired Scripture is profitable for what four things? (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

 

          ___________________               ____________________

 

          ___________________               ____________________

 

 

The Holy Spirit

 

1. Is the Holy Spirit a person?

 

          1. John 14:17

 

          2. Notice these characteristics of the Holy Spirit.

                    A] He ___________.                    Acts 13:2

                    B] He ______________.              Acts 15:28

                    C] He ___________.                   Luke 12:12

                    D] He _____________.                Ephesians 4:30

                    E] He is ________.            Matthew 28:19

                    F] He is ___________.                Hebrews 9:14

 

 

2. Did Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit?

 

          1. John 14:16, 17, 26

 

          2. John 16:13

 

 

3. Who received the following measures of Holy Spirit power?

 

          1. Baptismal measure of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:2, 4, 5, 8

 

          2. Miraculous measure of the Holy Spirit

                    A] Acts 8:17-18

                    B] Acts 19:6

                    C] Romans 1:11

 

          3. Ordinary measure of the Holy Spirit

                    A] Acts 2:38

                    B] Acts 5:32

                    C] Romans 8:9

 

4. How does the Holy Spirit dwell in us?

 

          1. God dwells in us                      _________              1 John 4:15

 

          2. Christ dwells in us                              _________              Eph. 3:17

 

          3. Holy Spirit dwells in us             _________              Gal. 3:2

 

          NOTE: Faith is variable. It can be much or little. God dwells in and works through us to the extent of our faith. The more faith we have, the more God can accomplish through us. Smaller faith means that God can do less through us.

 

 

5. Does the indwelling of the Spirit give me supernatural power?

 

          1. 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

 

          2. Has an apostle laid hands on you?

 

 

6. What does the Holy Spirit do for the Christian?

 

          1. Bears witness.                         Romans 8:16

 

          2. Conquors sin.                          Romans 8:13

 

          3. Leads and directs.                   Romans 8:14

 

 

7. What was the major accomplishment the Holy Spirit?

 

          1. John 14:26

 

          2. John 15:26

 

          3. John 16:8

 

 

8. What are some false claims made today relative to the Spirit?

 

          1. Direct Operation on the hearts of sinful men.

 

          2. He still speaks to men today, apart from the Bible.

 

          3. He can be felt within ("better-felt-than-told").

 

          4. He begets hysterical, out-of-control behavior.

 

 

 

The Law and the Gospel

 

1. What are the three major dispensations of Bible history?

 

          Name of Dispensation                 Started                   Ended

 

          _____________________  __________            ___________

 

          _____________________  __________            ___________

 

          _____________________  __________            ___________

 

 

2. To whom was the law of Moses given?

 

          1. Galatians 3:19

 

          2. Deuteronomy 5:1-3

 

 

3. How long did the law of Moses continue?

 

          1. Galatians 3:16, 19

 

          2. Colossians 2:14

 

          3. Amos 8:5, 9-10

 

 

4. Of what value is the Old Testament to us?

 

          1. Romans 15:4

 

          2. 1 Corinthians 10:1-11

 

 

5. Are the warnings and encouragement found in the Old Testament for our benefit?

 

          1. Romans 15:4

 

          2. Hebrews 2:2

 

 

6. Of what value are the Old Testament prophecies?

 

          1. John 5:39

 

          2. Acts 8:32-35

 

 

7. What is the consequence of not understanding the proper relation between the law and the gospel?

 

          1. Many false doctrines will arise:

                    A] Sabbath worship.

                    B] Polygamy approved.

                    C] Instrumental music.

                    D] Saved without baptism.

                    E] Salvation by works.

 

 

8. Explain the terms "Law" and "Gospel."

 

          1. "Law" refers to _____________________________________

 

          2. "Gospel" means ______________________________________

 

 

9. What ended when the Law was taken out of the way?

 

          1. Priesthood.

 

          2. Animal sacrifices.

 

          3. Special holy days, feast days, fast days.

 

          4. ________________________________

 

          5. ________________________________

 

 

10. Now that we are under the Gospel, what should be our attitude toward the law?

 

          1. Romans 15:4.

 

          2. 1 Corinthians 10:11.

 

The Origin of the Church

 

1. What does the word "Church" actually mean?

 

          1. 2 Thessalonians 2:14

 

          2. Discuss some ways we use the word today.

 

 

2. How is the word used in the Bible?

 

          1. _______________                   Matthew 16:18

 

          2. _____________                      Galatians 1:2

 

          3. __________                            1 Corinthians 1:2

 

          4. ______________           1 Corinthians 11:18

 

 

3. Was the church part of God's eternal purpose?

 

          1. Ephesians 1:4

 

          2. Ephesians 3:11

 

 

4. What did the Old Testament prophets forsee regarding the church?

 

          1. Isaiah 2:2-3

 

          2. Daniel 2:44

 

          3. 2 Samuel 7:12-17

 

 

5. Was the church in existence during the days of John the Baptist?

 

          1. Matthew 3:2

 

          2. Matthew 16:18

 

 

6. Was the church in existence during the personal ministry of Jesus on earth?

 

          1. Mark 1:5

 

          2. Mark 9:1

 

          3. Acts 1:8

 

 

7. Is the church identical with the kingdom?

 

          1. Colossians 1:13

 

          2. 1 Thessalonians 2:12

 

          3. Revelation 1:9

 

          4. 1 Corinthians 15:24

 

          5. Matthew 16:18-19

 

 

8. What relationship does the church have to Christ?

 

          1. ____________                                  Matthew 16:18

 

          2. _________________                         1 Corinthians 3:16

 

          3. ________________                           Acts 20:28

 

          4. __________                                      Ephesians 5:23

 

          5. ___________                                    Romans 7:4

 

 

9. What is the relationship of the church to God?

 

          1. His ______________                         1 Corinthians 1:2

 

          2. His _____________                           1 Corinthians 3:16

 

          3. His ___________                    1 Timothy 3:15

 

 

10. What is the relationship of the church to men?

 

          1. Members of the church are called:

 

                    A] Saved

                    B] Saints

                    C] Believers

                    D] Disciples

                    E] Priests

                    F] Children

                    G] Christians

 

 

11. Was the church built on Simon Peter?

 

          1. Matthew 16:18-19

 

          2. 1 Corinthians 3:11



 

Membership in the Church

 

1. Does the church of Christ have terms of admission?

 

          1. Acts 2:37-47

 

 

2. Can the church save?

 

          1. Hebrews 5:9

 

          2. Ephesians 5:23

 

 

3. Must a man be voted into the church?

 

          1. Acts 2:47  The Lord does the adding.

 

          2. Acts 8:39

 

 

4. Is it essential that contact be made with the church of Christ prior to becoming a member?

 

          1. Luke 8:11  The seed is the Word of God.

 

          2. Notice these cases in the New Testament:

                    A] Ethiopian            Acts 8

                    B] Lydia                            Acts 16

                    C] Cornelius            Acts 10

                    D] Saul (Paul)                   Acts 9

 

5. What are the precise steps to take in becoming a Christian?

 

          1. Romans 10:17; John 6:45                  ________________________

 

          2. John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6                   ________________________

 

          3. Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30                        ________________________

 

          4. Romans 10:10; Matthew 10:32 _______________________

 

          5. Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16                        ________________________

 

 

6. What happens when a person is baptized?

 

          1. Remission of sins                              Acts 2:38

 

          2. Saved                                               1 Peter 3:21

 

          3. Sins washed away                             Acts 22:16

 

          4. Puts on Christ                                   Galatians 3:27

 

          5. Enters Christ                                     Romans 6:3

 

          6. Contacts blood of Christ           Romans 6:4

 

 

7. What does the Bible teach about infant baptism?

 

          1. Before one can be baptized, one must:

                    A] Hear the word and understand it.

                    B] Believe in Jesus.

                    C] Repent of their sins.

                    D] Confess with their mouth faith in Jesus.

 

          2. We must obey from the heart.  Romans 6:17

 

          3. Infants are not lost.

                    A] Matthew 19:14

                    B] Matthew 18:3

 

 

8. How is baptism performed?

 

          1. Acts 8:36; Matthew 3:11                              ____________________

 

          2. John 3:32                                                    ____________________

 

          3. Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12             ____________________

 

          4. Romans 6:5                                                ____________________

 

          5. John 3:5; Romans 6:4-6                    ____________________

 

 

9. Is there a contradiction between the grace of God and the obedience of men?

 

          1. Salvation is a free gift.             Romans 6:23

 

          2. It must be accepted.                          Colossians 2:6

 

          3. Conditions must be met.                    1 Peter 4:17

 

 

10. Is there a contradiction between faith and baptism?

 

          1. We are saved by faith.                       Romans 5:1; John 3:16

 

          2. But, what kind of faith saves?

                    A] Dead faith                     James 2:26; 18-19

                    B] Weak faith                              Romans 4:19

                    C] Obedient faith                         Galatians 5:6

 

 

11. Do men "join" the church?

 

          1. The Lord does the adding.                           Acts 2:47

 

          2. God writes their name.                      Hebrews 12:23

 

The Name of the Church

 

1. How important are names to God?

 

          1. God named several men in the Bible.

                    A] Abraham            Genesis 17:5

                    B] Jacob                           Genesis 32:28

                    C] John                             Luke 1:13

                    D] Jesus                           Matthew 1:21

 

          2. Would you name your child Judas or Jezebel?

 

 

2. Did the prophets forsee a particular name for the people of God?

 

          1. Isaiah 56:5

 

          2. Isaiah 62:2

 

          3. Acts 11:26

 

          4. Acts 26:28

 

          5. 1 Peter 4:16

 

 

3. What were individual members of the church called?

 

          1. Christians.  Acts 11:26

 

          2. Disciples.  Acts 19:30

 

          3. Saints.  Romans 1:7

 

          4. Brethren.  1 Corinthians 15:6

 

          5. Children of God.  Romans 8:16

 

 

4. By what names was the church known?

 

          1. The church. Colossians 1:18

 

          2. The body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:27

 

          3. "My church."  Matthew 16:18

 

          4. The church of God. 1 Corinthians 1:2

 

          5. The church of the living God.  1 Timothy 3:15

 

          6. The churches of Christ.  Romans 16:16

 

          7. The household of faith.  Galatians 6:10

 

          8. The church of the Lord.  Acts 20:28

 

 

5. Were the early Christians permitted to wear the names of men?

 

          1. 1 Corinthians 1:12-13

 

          2. 1 Corinthians 3:4-7

 

 

6. Why do we object to non-scriptural religious names?

 

          1. Acts 4:12

 

          2. The name bestows honor on the person or thing.

 

          3. The church belongs to Christ.  Matthew 16:18

 

 

7. What is a safe position in the matter?

 

          There is no surer path religiously than to do Bible things in Bible ways and call Bible things by Bible names.

 

          Martin Luther, "I pray you leave my name alone, and call not yourselves 'Lutherans', but christians. Who is Luther? My doctrine is not mine. I have not been crucified for anyone."

 

The Organization of the Church

 

1. How important is proper church organization?

 

          1. Today - Churches have popes, patriarchs, canons, archbishops, bishops, priests, pastors, etc.

 

          2. When there are too many cogs within cogs, wheels within wheels, it is difficult to operate.

 

          3. Apostalic christianity was simple and sound in principle and operation.

 

 

2. Who was the head of the church in the first centruy?

 

          1. Ephesians 1:22-23.

 

          2. Colossians 1:18.

 

          3. There is no earthly head of the church.

 

 

3. Who served immediately under Christ?

 

          1. The apostles. They were:

                    A] Guided into all truth.  John 16:13

                    B] Wrote with authority. 1 Cor. 14:37

                    C] Teaching doctrine. Acts 2:42

 

 

4. How is a local congregation organized?

 

          1. Elders.

                    A] Acts 14:23.

                    B] Philippians 1:1.

                    C] Titus 1:5.

 

          2. They were also called:

                    A] Bishops.

                    B] Pastors.

                    C] Overseers.

                    D] Shepherds.

 

          3. These words are interchangeable.

                    A] Acts 20:17, 28.

                    B] 1 Peter 5:1-3.

 

          4. Always a plurality in each congregation.

                    A] Acts 14:23.

                    B] Philippians 1:1.

                    C] 3 John 9-10.

 

          5. Qulaifications are given.

                    A] 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

                    B] Titus 1:5-9.

 

          6. Deacons were also servants of the church.

                    A] Philippians 1:1.

                    B] Qualifications are given. 1 Timothy 3:8-13

 

 

5. Were there district and national officers of the church?

 

          1. No organization larger than the local congregation existed.

 

          2. Elders have authority over the "flock among you."

 

 

6. What was the result of changing the organization of the church?

 

          1. "Bishop" was better than a bishop. "Elder" was higher than an elder.

 

          2. By 325, "Bishops" were setting rules for the church around the world. The Council of Nicea passed laws for local churches.

 

 

7. Must the qualifications for elders and deacons be met?

 

          1. A bishop "must be blameless..." 1 Timothy 3:2

 

          2. Keep in mind that:

                    A] Some are absolutes. These must be met.

                    B] Some are relative. We must look for a high standard.

 

          3. With few execptions, the qualifications for an elder are also the requirements for all christians.

 

 

8. What is the work of elders?

 

          1. Feed the ________________. Acts 20:28

 

          2. ____________ the flock. 1 Peter 5:1-2

 

          3. Watch for ______________. Hebrews 13:17

 

          4. ___________ the affairs of the church. Hebrews 13:17

 

          5. Encourage the ____________, support the ________. They are to be an example to the flock. 1 Peter 5:3

 

          6. ___________ the word of God. Hebrews 13:7

 

          7. Exercise ________________ when needed. Titus 1:10-11

 

          8. ___________________. 1 Thessalonians 5:12

 

 

9. What is the duty of the congregation to the elders?

 

          1. ____________ them. 1 Thessalonians 5:12

 

          2. Call them when ___________. James 5:14-15

 

          3. _____________ them highly. 1 Thessalonians 5:12

 

 

10. How are elders selected?

 

          1. Only example is in Acts 6:1-7.

 

          2. Must meet the qualifications.

 

          3. Congregation must accept their leadership.

 

 

11. Can elders and deacons be removed from office?

 

          1. The Bible gives no time limit to their service.

 

          2. When a man ceases to be qualified he should cease to function as an elder or deacon.

 

          3. When moral weakness renders him unfit for service, he should resign.

 

          4. It is the duty of the other elders to remove him if he refuses to step down from the office.

 

 

12. What did the apostolic fathers write regarding church organization?

 

          1. "Elect therefore for yourselves bishops and deacons who are worthy of the Lord." Didache, 90 AD.

 

          2. "They preached district by district and city by city and appointed their first converts, after testing them by the spirit, as bishops and deacons of those who were going to believe." Clement of Rome, 90 AD.

 

 

The Lord's Day

 

1. Which day of the week is the Lord's day?

 

          1. John was "in the spirit on the Lord's day." Revelation 1:10

 

          2. The Sabbath was sign between God and Israel. Exodus 31:13-17

 

          3. Sabbath was kept because God delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt. Deuteronomy 5:15

 

          4. Gentiles were never under the law of Moses.

 

 

2. How did the Israelites observe the Sabbath?

 

          1. A day of rest. Deuteronomy 5:12-14

 

          2. Any who worked were put to death. Exodus 31:15

 

          3. Picking up sticks resulted in death. Numbers 15:32-36

 

 

3. When did the observance of the Sabbath cease?

 

          1. Colossians 2:14-17.

 

          2. Ephesians 2:14-16.

 

          3. Romans 7:6.

 

          4. Amos 8:5; 9-10.

 

 

4. Did Jesus keep the Sabbath day?

 

          1. The law was in force until the death of Christ. Hebrews 9:16-17

 

          2. Jesus kept the law without sin. Hebrews 4:15

 

 

5. When did Sunday begin to be observed as the Lord's Day?

 

          1. Church was established. Acts 2:1

 

          2. Christ was raised from the dead. John 20:1

 

          3. Christians met to remember his death. Acts 20:7

 

          4. Gave to the work of the church. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

 

 

6. What did the early church fathers say regarding the obervance of Sunday?

 

          1. "No longer observing the Sabbath but living according to the Lord's Day, in which also our life    arose through Him and His death." Ignatius, 110 AD

 

          2. "We keep the eighth day for joy, on which also Jesus arose from the dead and when he appeared ascended into heaven." Barnabas, 130 AD

 

          3. "On the day called Sunday there is a gathering together in the same place of all who live in a city or rural district...Jesus Christ our Savior arose from the dead on the same day." Justin Martyr, 135 AD

 

          4. "It is well known that...we regard Sunday as a day of joy...to us Sabbaths are foreign." Tertillian, 200 AD

 

7. What happened on Sunday?

 

          1. The resurrection of Christ. Matthew 28:1

 

          2. All appearances, where the day is mentioned, are on Sunday.

 

          3. Early church met on Sunday to partake of communion. Acts 20:7

 

          4. Christians met to give of their means. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

 

 

8. What kind of day was the Lord's day?

 

          1. A day to _____________ with other Christians. Matthew 18:20

 

          2. A day to partake of _________________. Matthew 26:29

 

          3. Excitement and __________. Revelation 1:10

 

          4. A time of _____________. 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7

 

          5. A day of ________________. Acts 2:42

 

9. What are some uses and abuses of the Lord's Day in our time?

 

          1. Sunday has become a day of travel, play, shopping, visiting, relaxing, sports and personal pleasure.

 

          2. The man on the street sees Sunday as "his" day.

 

          3. Many say, "This is the only day I have to do what I want." The fact is; This is the only day you DO NOT have.

 

SUNDAY SUGGESTIONS FOR SAINTS

 

1. Anticipate the day. Let it be the high-water mark of the week.

2. Begin the preparation of Bible lessons early in the week, allowing proper time for reflection and study.

3. Plan meals which will not be hectic and complicated, allowing the entire family more leisure and study time.

4. Plan and lay out the children's clothing on Saturday night.

5. Get into bed at a decent hour.

6. Arise Sunday morning with adequate time to eat and dress leisurely.

7. Listen to a Sunday morning broadcast of the gospel on radio or television as you prepare for the day.

8. Pray early Sunday morning for the success of the Lord's work on that day.

9. Leave in time to enter the church building and collect your thoughts before the service begins.

10. Listen carefully to the announcements, for they provide personal opportunities to be of service.

11. Sing fervently and thoughtfully.

12. Listen respectfully to the sermon, applying it to your own life and destiny.

13. Commune reverently,pray fervently, give cheerfully.

14. Give a portion of the afternoon to visiting the sick, those who need encouragement, fellow christians, and those whe are prospects.

15. At the close of the day, be in your place praising God from whom all blessings flow.

 

The Lord's Supper

 

1. When was the Lord's Supper instituted?

 

          1. Matthew 26:26-29.

 

          2. 1 Corinthains 11:23-30.

 

 

2. What is its meaning?

 

          1. A _______________. Luke 22:19

 

          2. A ____________________. 1 Corinthians 11:26

 

 

3. How often should the Lord's Supper be observed?

 

          1. Acts 20:7 is an approved example.

 

          2. "On Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally insturcts, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise togheter and pray, and, as we before said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been given, and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons." JUstin Martyr, 135 AD

          NOTE: The term "president" refers to the one who presides at the Lord's Table and offers the prayer of thanks.

 

 

4. Who may administer it?

 

          1. No specifics are given here.

 

          2. All christians are priests. 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:10

 

          3. It does not require a special "church offical."

 

5. Who may partake of it?

 

          1. Matthew 26:29.

 

          2. Luke 22:30. The Lord's Table is located inside the Lord's Kingdom. To partake of the table, one must be in the kingdom.

 

          3. The kingdon is the church. Matthew 16:18-19

 

 

6. How does one partake of the supper?

 

          1. Reverently.

 

          2. "Discern (___________) the Lord's body. 1 Corinthians 11:29

 

          3. ________________________. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

 

          4. Anticipating Christ's ______________. 1 Corinthians 11:26

 

 

7. Is there a fixed order of serving?

 

          1. Pass trays through the pews.

 

          2. All go to the front to be served.

 

          3. We can stand or be seated.

 

          4. Individual cups or a larger cup.

 

 

8. What is transubstantiation?

 

          1. It is a belief that the literal flesh and blood of Jesus are present in the supper. Matthew 26:26-28 is taken in a literal sense. "This is my body." "This is my blood."

 

          2. After 1 Corinthians 11 says "This is my body" (verse 24) it is still called "bread" (verse 27).

 

 

9. In what way have men over-emphasized the supper?

 

          1. Thinking that this is ALL that is required of them.

 

          2. Many skip Bible Study; are not involved in the work; refuse to give; don't sing; and leave after communion. They think that they have done their duty.

 

          3. The Lord's Supper is not more important than other parts of the worship.

 

10. In what way have men under-emphasized the supper?

 

          1. Some only observe communion annually, quarterly or monthly.

 

          2. 1 Corinthians 11:26. "As ____________" not "As seldom."

 

11. What are some physical hinderances?

 

          1. Whispering and distracting noises.

 

          2. People getting their money out during the Lord's Supper.

 

          3. Inadequate preparation by those who are serving the audiance.

 

          4. Unnecessary movement.

 

          5. An uncomfortable building.

 

 

12. What is the purpose of the Lord's Supper?

 

          1. 1 Corinthains 11:24. In rememberance of Christ.

 

          2. 1 Corinthians 11:26. Show the Lord's death.

 

          3. 1 Corinthians 10:16. Communion, fellowship.

 

Singing in the Church

 

1. Has singing always played a vital role among the people of God?

 

          1. Moses sang. Exodus 15:1

 

          2. Hannah sang. 1 Samuel 2:1-10

 

          3. The angels sang. Luke 2:14

 

          4. Jesus sang. Matthew 26:30

 

          5. Paul sang. Acts 16:25

 

          6. There is singing in heaven. Revelation 15:3

 

 

2. What is the purpose of worship?

 

          1. "Worship" literally means "to fall on your face before God."

 

          2. Worship is to glorify God and edify people.

 

          3. Each christian must give his own love and gratitude and praise to God.

 

3. What type of music was used in New Testament worship?

 

          1. Ephesians 5:19.

 

          2. Colossians 3:16.

 

          3. 1 Corinthians 14:15.

 

          4. James 5:13.

 

          5. Romans 15:9.

 

4. Was instrumental music practiced by the Jews in the Old Testament time?

 

          1. Psalm 150.

 

          2. 2 Chronicles 29:25.

 

          3. Many other practices were part of the Old Testament worship which are not part of the New Testament church.

 

 

5. Is an instrument of music only an aid?

 

          1. Playing a mechanical instrument is an altogether different type of music from singing.

 

          2. Instruments do not aid singing. They add an new element into the worship.

 

 

6. When did instrumental music begin to be practiced in the church?

 

          1. It was at least 600 years before the church used any instrumental music.

 

          2. It was not in common use until the 12th century.

 

 

7. What did the early church leaders say regarding this?

 

          1. "The use of singing with instrumental music was not received in the Christian churches, as it was among the Jews in their infant state, but only the use of plain song." Justin Martyr, 139 AD

 

          2. "Only one instrument we use, the word of peace wherewith we honor God: no longer the old psaltery, trumpet, drum, and flute." Clement of Alexandria, 200 AD

 

          3. "David formerly sang psalms, also we sing today with him; he has a lyre with lifeless strings, the church has lyre with living strings. Our tongues are the strings of the lyre." Chrysostom, 375 AD

 

 

8. Was instrumental music acceptable to all the reformation leaders?

 

          1. John Calvin, "Musical instruments are no more suitable than the burning of incense."

 

          2. John Wesley, "I have no opposition to an organ in the chapel, provided it is neither seen nor heard."

 

          3. Adam Clarke, "Music as a science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor. I farther believe that the use of such instruments of music in the Christian Church, is without the sanction and against the will of God; that they are subversive to the spirit of true devotion, and that they are sinful."

 

          4. Charles Spurgeon, "I would not more sing with machinery than to pray with machinery."

 

          5. John Bingham, "Music in churches is as ancient as the apostles, but instrumental music is not."

 

 

9. How important is good singing?

 

          1. The word "singing" in all its forms is found almost 150 times in the Bible.

 

          2. It is important to God. It should be important to us.

 

 

10. How are we to sing?

 

          1. 1 Corinthians 14:15.

 

          2. John 4:24.

 

          3. Ephesians 5:19.

 

 

11. Why are we to sing?

 

          1. Colossians 3:16.

 

          2. Ephesians 5:19.

 

12. What are we to sing?

 

          1. Ephesians 5:19.

 

          2. James 5:13.

 

          3. Matthew 26:30.

 

 

13. What are some hindrances to good congregational singing?

 

          1. Not reading the notes properly.

          2. All of the men singing soprano.

          3. Improper pitch or rhythm.

          4. Poor song selection.

          5. Failing to cooperate with the song leader.

          6. Using the same songs endlessly.

          7. Our unwillingness to study how to sing better.

          8. Not starting the service on time.

          9. The refusal of many to sing.

          10. People arriving late.

          11. Not concentrating on the worship.

 

 

Giving to God

 

1. The fundamentals of giving include:

 

          Periodic                                      Upon the first day of the week

          Personal                                     Let every one of you

          Providential                       Lay by

          Proportionate                              As God hath prospered you

          Purposeful                                  In store

          Preventive                                  No gatherings when I come

 

 

2. WILL A MAN ROB GOD?  Mal. 3:8

 

          WHEN WE ROB GOD, WE ARE ALSO ROBBING OTHERS.

 

          1. The _______________ is robbed of respectability.

 

          2. The _______________ are robbed of salvation.

 

          3. ________ are robbed of eternal life in heaven.

 

 

3. Should the church have:

 

          1. A budget? Churches should plan their work. Members should know where the money is going.

 

          2. A bank account? Checks provide a means of showing where the money was spent.

 

          3. Any savings? Look again at the parable of the unjust steward. (Luke 16:1-13) Christians must learn to use money wisely for the good of the Kingdom of God.

 

 

The Mission of the Church

 

1. What is the mission of the church?

 

          1. The mission of the church is NOT:

                    A. Social, Fellowship, Recreation

                    B. Bring a large crowd together.

 

          2. The mission of the church is summed up in three words:

                    A. Evangelism.

                    B. Edification.

                    C. Benevolence.

 

 

2. What is evangelism?

 

          1. The Greek word means to preach the gospel or announce glad tidings.

 

          2. The major task of the church is found in:

                    A. Mark 16:15.

                    B. Matthew 28:18.

 

3. What is edification?

 

          1. Root meening is "to build a house."

 

          2. The mission of the church includes the building of members by training and teaching. New christians must be fed properly so they can grow into mature, active members of the body of Christ.

 

          3. Matthew 28:20.

 

          4. Romans 14:19.

 

          5. 1 Peter 3:18.

 

          6. Ephesians 4:15.

 

 

4. What is benevolence?

 

          1. We are to provide assistance for those in need.

 

          2. Galatians 6:10.

 

          3. James 1:27.

 

          4. Galatians 6:2.

 

          5. Matthew 25:31-46.

 

          6. Matthew 5:16.

 

 

5. What are some hinderances to world evangelism?

 

          1. Selfishness.

 

          2. Ignorance of the true purpose of the church.

 

          3. Prejudice.

 

          4. Unconcern and indifference.

 

          5. A feeling of inadequacy in the face of such huge needs.

 

          6. Unwillingness to provide missionaries with necessary tools for the task.

 

          7. Wrangling over methods.

 

 

6. What are some hinderances to local evangelism?

 

          1. Too busy.

 

          2. Lack of knowledge.

 

          3. Unwilling to pay the price.

 

          4. Expect elders and preacher to do this work.

 

          5. Lack of experience. Many have never tried to teach a Bible Study.

 

 

Religious Unity

 

 

1. What is the ecumenical movement?

 

          1. "Ecumenical" means __________________________.

 

          2. This movement seeks to unite all believers in Christ into one religious group.

 

          3. The problem with the movement is that unity is sought by the ignoring _________________ and __________________________.

 

 

2. Is religious division the will of God?

 

          1. John 17:20-21.

 

          2. John 10:16.

 

          3. 1 Corinthians 1:10.

 

          4. There is no defense of religious division.

 

 

3. Has religious division robbed Christianity of much of its power?

 

          1. John 17:21.

 

          2. Many have turned away from christianity because of the conflicting doctrines.

 

 

4. How did denominationalism begin?

 

          1. Ephesians 4:4.

 

          2. 2 Thess. 2:1-8.

 

          3. 1 Timothy 4:1-3.

 

          4. Departures from the pattern formed the Roman Catholic Church.

 

          5. Attempts to reform corruptions led to the Reformation Movement led by Martin Luther.

 

 

5. What are the identifying marks of denominationalism?

 

          1. Earthly _____________. Eph. 1:22-23.

 

          2. Earthly ________________. Eph. 3:15.

 

          3. Earthly ____________________________. Phil. 3:20.

 

          4. Unscriptural ___________________. Matthew 23:7-15.

 

          5. Recognized statement of belief, _________. 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

 

          6. Unscriptural ________________ requirements. Acts 2:38, 47.

 

 

6. How may we all be one religiously?

 

          1. Not compromise with _____________. Gal. 1:8; 2 John 9-11.

 

          2. Not just emphasize points of ____________________.

 

          3. Not by agreeing to all sit under the _________ ____________.

 

          4. Submitting ourselves afresh to the ____________ of God.

 

 


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