Our Elders Are Dying! What Do We Do Now? - Joey Ferrell

I grew up hearing the story of Chicken Little (you know “the sky is falling, the sky is falling") and I know this title sounds a little like that, but there is some reality in what the title means….

Let’s take a few minutes to look at what is becoming a major problem within the church of today, and what the biblical idea is that can help us to determine “what do we do now?"

(Disclaimer: I do not serve as an elder. I have not served as an elder. In my current role in ministry working with The Gospel of Christ, I do not feel that even if all of the “boxes” are checked (which I indeed struggle with at times), serving as an elder would not be practical in my opinion, whatever that is worth, to serve the kingdom in the local church in that capacity being that I travel many Sundays to preach and to events across the country. I have served in capacity in the past as a deacon for a congregation, and have studied the roles of leadership in depth; however, I do not claim to be the authority, nor infallible in my thoughts.)

The bible has a clear idea on biblical leadership in the church as given in several passages. The overarching picture given is the idea of “shepherding” a flock as can be seen in 1 Peter 5 where Peter, himself being an elder, encourages and instructs his fellow elders using the three classifications that we might label as “elder (pastor), bishop, and shepherd.”

In the United States, the church faces a challenge and has for many years. Many good men have stepped into the role of an elder and served in that capacity until they were unable for various reasons…or they die. Unfortunately, when this happens, it can be very devastating not only to the point at hand in the congregation, but it also may include a dissolve of leadership completely as is established through the words of scripture in having a plurality of elders. One man cannot serve as a “pastor” even though the common language of our day misuses the term to identify those who preach often that may never be qualified to serve in the biblical practicality of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. We won’t take this post to go over all of those qualifications, but we will touch on the idea of how one gets to that point.

So, with our elders “dying” with age or ability to serve, what do we do? Should we be concerned that the church may not have elders in the future or even in present? What is God’s prescription for elders in the church? Well, Paul told Titus to stay in Crete until there were elders and he told both Titus and Timothy what would be required, so there is definitely a biblical narrative that we need elders…in every congregation…when it is at all possible…so what do we do?

First off, we need to pray. Every congregation that does not have elders needs to pray about the future. Every congregation that has elders needs to pray about the future. Every congregation that has “issues” within the eldership of unqualified men, or sin in the camp or…needs to pray about the future.

Secondly, elders don’t just show up one day. As a matter of fact and expediency, it is probably unwise for a fairly new member (even if not a novice - which would disqualify one anyway) to serve as an elder. Why? Well, the principal of shepherding….a shepherd MUST know his sheep, and the sheep MUST know their shepherd. This takes time. This takes encouragement. This takes an open mind to both the man who may serve and the sheep who need him to serve to not be an impulse decision to “fill a spot” in absence.

Thirdly, elders need to be qualified. The church is NOT a business, a corporation or a social club where leaders are hired, appointed, or voted in because of their popularity or accomplishments…even though sometimes those lines are blurred because of the characteristics of good leadership in these latter mentioned organizations. Putting a man into a position that is not qualified is as equal to not having elders at all as they are in name only and not fulfilling the will of God.

Fourth, stop making it too difficult for men to become elders….hold on, read this again. For years, I have heard a lot of negative stories of how bad elders were treated…and it is even far greater to hear how preachers are treated at times! Why would any man want to serve (or his wife want him to serve) in a role that would constantly be torn down, mocked, challenged, scolded for decisions, and so on? Some state that a man is not qualified if he does not desire the work of a bishop (as we see in 1 Timothy 3); however, please pay closer attention to that context. The desire is a characteristic of the man, not a qualification. No man should serve that does not desire, but at the same time, qualified men should want to and work to have the desire….and that takes ALL of us to help encourage that desire, not just his own attitude. While it is true that some may desire the position in order to advance themselves, or to be in control (See 3 John about Diotrophese), or because they want to show their leadership talent, most elders I have ever met start with the true desire to serve God’s church and in turn His desires from a good place in their own heart. Stop questioning their motives, but also, men, please never ever think that this position is something that will change your status in the church or the community to elevate your importance.

Fifth, plant the tree now! It has been said in many an illustration that the best time to plant a tree you want to use for shade was many years ago….but the next best time is yesterday or today. You cannot expect a man that is living a worldly life one day to be converted tomorrow and be qualified to serve as an elder in two years. It just does not happen like that. Many times when a man is considered a reasonable age to become an elder, he has lived an entire life. Sometimes that life has things that have happened that would disqualify him…as early as he became an accountable age and knowledge of sin was known, even if before becoming a Christian (i.e., unscriptural marriages). The time for us to be seeking elders is always now, but it is not always the typical candidates that we seek. We need to be training our young me (and women) to keep their lives on track to become “elder” or “elder’s wife” material (deacon can also be substituted as the qualifications are very similar). Our young boys need to know what an elder is and how they can become one one day. They need to see the joy in desire of the office. The teenagers need to know that the role of elder is one that they can look up to and strive to be. The young adults that recently were married need to know that God has a purpose for their lives in the kingdom. The middle-aged couple that has been faithful in their Christian walk needs to be encouraged to consider working toward that goal of desire and qualifications. We need to plant the tree today!

I was asked recently, and this is not a new question, why do we not have “elder training” schools sort of like we do preaching schools. Well, there would probably be a half dozen answers to that and all would be possibly correct, or incorrect. But, we do have elder training in the form of studying the qualifications together as a church family, preaching from the pulpit as a preacher, going to classes that are offered by various congregations and other lectureship events, and as we started off - praying for open hearts to the idea and the right path for congregations and members alike to find and grow qualified men to lead and shepherd the church of God!

Threads - a study on Women's Role in the church - Amy Lawrence

Threads

Women In the Church

As in any organization, every person involved has their part to do in order for the machine to run properly. Every part matters. The church is made up of many individual threads in a tapestry - a picture that should show Christ to the world. No thread is above another in worth or merit. 

None of us are worthy of salvation, but salvation is still given without partiality, Rom. 3. Women are often seen as less in the church by those that do not understand the church because we are commanded to submit to men. We are to have no leading role in the services of assembly worship, 1 Tim. 2:8-15, and are expected to have a “gentle and quiet spirit”, 1 Pet. 3:1-6. To outsiders, this is seen as demeaning and unfair. I’d like to show anyone that is interested in truth why being a woman in the church is neither of those things. The women that make up their respective threads in the tapestry of the church are as important as any other thread.

I’d like to encourage anyone reading this to consider the background of the church. The general population misses what is found in the background of any image because they focus only on what stands out. Women are a vital part of the church, but our roles are primarily found beyond the obvious. We are the daughters, mothers, sisters, and wives that make up the female portion of each congregation, and we each have specific responsibilities that are attuned to our given talents. Many would label these responsibilities as unimportant, but they couldn’t be more incorrect. What makes our responsibilities within the church so important? I’m so glad you asked.

First and foremost, we can be a Christian influence. The most life-changing and significant decision any person can make in this life is becoming a child of God. Yes, that is more profound than ANY decision we will make as human beings. Such a choice allows one to be adopted into the family of God Almighty. That in itself is worthy of our gratitude, 2 Cor. 9:15. Being a part of the family of the Father of all Creation should not only be a priority, it should carry with it a desire to be pleasing to God with an attitude of service. The adoption is only the beginning of this abundant life, but I do not want anyone to be ignorant of what this physical life is, exactly; it is a life of service, Luke 9:23. If service is beneath you, then Heaven is beyond you. We’ve been given the example of service and humility to follow, John 13:1-17, but more than that…we’ve been given the recipe for happiness, vs. 17. Serving is always a fulfilling endeavor - not just for the one being served, but for the one serving also. I say this because every Christian, whether male or female, must understand that we are all here to glorify God, not ourselves, Is. 43:7. A part of serving God is serving one another in love, 1 Pet. 4:8-10.

One must also understand that organizations cannot function without structure and order. We have been given the details of the structure and order God requires of His people, the church. This is a concept that has always existed among God’s people. Rules and regulations are a necessity to maintain that ordered structure. If you do not like to be ruled and regulated and feel that you never will, then being a child of God is going to be difficult for you. Humility is a necessary element of being a servant, 1 Pet. 5:5.

Women are as much the living stones that make up the building of God as men are, 1 Pet. 2:4-10. All stones, however, are told what our place is in that building. Proud women tend to feel that they can tell God what their place should be instead of the other way around. They feel that they are too strong, capable, and intelligent to be submissive to rules of gender as found in scripture. What they don’t realize is that, without God, they are none of those things, 1 Chr. 29:12, John 19:10-11. Everything we are or hope to be we owe to God - the Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent Creator - and every human being that has ever existed was fashioned by Him for one reason and only one reason: to glorify HIM, Is. 43:7, 1 Cor. 10:31. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and HE will lift you up.” (James 4:10) 

We have several examples of women in scripture that were humble and obedient servants to God. Before I reference these, I want to point out one simple detail. These women are not lauded in secular history. Only in scripture are they even mentioned.

• Hannah

We meet Hannah in the first chapter of 1 Samuel. Society has changed drastically since then, but in Hannah’s time, barrenness was seen as a blemish for women. Hannah was taunted by Peninnah for being barren, but Hannah, instead of choosing to retaliate or find means outside of God’s will to have a child, chose to pray, 1 Sam. 1:10. God blessed Hannah with a son, 1 Sam. 1:20. She dedicated her son to God, both in name (Samuel = “name of God”) and in living sacrifice, 1 Sam. 1:20-22. 

• Tabitha (Dorcas)

In the latter portion of Acts 9, we meet a disciple of Christ named Tabitha. She had a significant reputation in her community - so much, that the widows of the city of Joppa were in tears when Tabitha had gotten sick and died, Acts 9:36-39. Tabitha had given these widows articles of clothing she had made with her own hands. 

• Priscilla

Along with Aquila, this couple worked with the apostle Paul in Corinth. They were of the same occupation as Paul (tentmakers), and so they had that in common, Acts 18:3. When Paul left Corinth, they travelled with Paul to Cenchrea, Acts 18:18-19 (where something happened for which both Aquila and Priscilla protected Paul at the risk of their own lives) and then to Ephesus. This couple also allowed the church to use their home for worship, Rom. 16:3-5, 1 Cor. 16:19, which was common in the first-century church.

• Mary and Martha

These were the sisters of Lazarus, and Jesus loved them all, John 11. They frequently had Jesus in their home, and we are shown that Jesus taught while He was there, Lk. 10:39. He was both fed and heard, Lk. 10:38-42. 

When we address the roles of women as found in scripture, we can see that they do not measure up to the world’s standard of greatness. God’s standard, however, is the one that matters, and God’s standard has never changed, James 4:4-10.

What are the roles of women in the church? What can (and can’t) we do? Every Christian in the church is to, first and foremost, submit to one another, 1 Pet. 5:5. We are all members of the same body, and we must all be able to work together in order to accomplish the purposes of that body, 1 Cor 12. Does this mean we can rule over the men? No. The structure of the church is shown plainly in 1 Cor. 11:3. We must know our place. Anyone that has ever cooperated in carrying an extremely heavy load knows what it feels like when someone abandons their place. It doesn’t just affect the apostate. It affects every person underneath that load. 

We must also understand that every little bit helps. Too many get offended because they don’t want the “little bit” jobs. They want the big jobs that put them on the tall pedestal. What they miss is the importance of the little jobs. I am reminded of the Japanese moral story of a horse losing its shoe simply because it was missing a nail. “For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, the horse was lost. For want of a horse, the message could not be carried. For want of a message, the battle was lost.” There is no role in the church that is unimportant. Even when we don’t feel seen, El Roi sees, Gen. 16:13. He sees when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit those in need. He sees when we teach our children and fellow women about Him, influence others through our conduct, and exhibit a modest, gentle, and quiet spirit through how we dress and carry ourselves. Every little bit helps. You never know who has been brought to God simply through your influence - because they were able to see God through you, Mt. 5:16.

Allow me to list some of the things we as women can do in the church and in our homes to promote care for the church and sharing of the gospel. We can:

• -visit/call/send cards to the sick/shut in, Mt. 25:36

• -feed anyone that wants to eat, Prov. 31:14-15

• -clean the meetingplaces of the church, Prov. 31:27, Acts 16:11-15, 40

• -organize fellowship events, prepare communion, Eph. 2:19, Gal. 6:10

• -teach children/other women or aid other teachers, Deut. 6:7, Titus 2:4

• -keep teaching material up to date and stocked, 1 Pet. 4:10

• -participate in ladies’ days, Titus 2:4

• -volunteer to help in any task for worship, gospel meetings, VBS, missionaries, etc., Col. 3:17

• -be a good influence in the community in both service and conduct, Mt. 5:16

• -maintain your home, making sure your husband and children are well cared for, Prov. 31

• -be a godly daughter, wife, mother, sister, 1 Tim. 2:9-10

  
  I could go on, but I believe the gist is understood. There are a plethora of selections when it comes to what women can do. Just because we cannot be ahead of men in worship does not mean that we cannot do our part in spreading the Word. We are still the salt of the earth and the light set upon a hill. 

Our goal as Christians should be to draw all attention toward Christ. We should want Him to be seen. The only way to accomplish that is to look like Him, 1 Cor. 11:1. When we’re spiritually minded and focused, Christ is able to shine through us, 2 Cor. 4:3-7, and God is glorified, 1 Cor. 10:31. I hope that this study helps us to see that we are all threads in the beautiful tapestry of Christ, and we, as daughters of the King, have been given a place and responsibility that is profound. Godly women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.

Does it really matter how we worship? - Joey Ferrell

This week, Kristie and I are at a lectureship in Branson, MO. On the way here from our home, I had several hours to think about an article. At first, as we passed through rural Tennessee and Missouri, some of the “brands” of church buildings caught my eyes and thoughts. I have heard of many of the ones that were seen, but there were some new ones I had not…and I thought that would be an interesting exploration for an article. However, after hearing a very educational lesson during the lectures by Dave Miller, this topic seems much more pressing at this time.

We all should want to worship God. There are enough verses in the Bible to signify the importance, command, inference, and desires of God Himself for us to see that He indeed wants us to worship Him and Him alone! Even in the early days of man, God desired sacrifice - a part of worship. In the days of Noah, Moses, Elijah and the prophets, He described and desired worship. He expected His children to worship Him in the form, fashion, and example as is described throughout.

Think about the tabernacle. The intricacy of design for this particular time in history in which God was to be worshiped. Their were clear instructions from God regarding how and what to use to build it. Then you move to the temple. There were certain items that had to be used in the worship in the temple. While we do not have those types of definitive ideas about our “buildings” and places of worship today, we still have to understand that there is an element that God still designs worship in His own way!

Think about the story in John 4. Jesus meets the woman at the well. They have a discussion. She states that they worshiped in the traditions of their forefathers, but what does Jesus say? Take a look:

“The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.””

(John 4:19–24)

Jesus said that “all” would worship the way of the Father and not the ways of tradition. It isn’t about the place, or even the various items that we may add through tradition (that are not opposed to the commands of God), but it would be the way God wanted worship that would be accepted!

Fast forward a few decades and guess what happens…we start to see things stray from what God’s design and desire are. Look at what Paul addresses in the letter to the church at Colossi regarding some of the “self-willed” worship that was happening:

“These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.”

(Colossians 2:23)

Did you see that? The phrase “self-imposed religion” comes up. Who imposed? SELF. Not God, not Jesus, not even the Apostles in the “Apostles’ Doctrine” as is stated as viable in the book of Acts. Self…men and women deciding what is best for them…emotions…feel-good…lifting-up…praises of men. What a shame!

And, here we are, some almost 2,000 years later and what a mess we might see today. Think of the self-imposed items of the day:

• hand-clapping

• waving of arms

• praise teams

• instrumental music

• unauthorized leadership roles (women, non-Christians)

• statues or other idol types of devices taking “center-stage”

This list could go on and on with the variants of what man has decided that he knows better what God wants than what God knows it would seem. Why? Because it makes them feel good. It helps draw a crowd. It doesn’t offend people. It is what “everybody else” is doing. Yet, it is NOT what God has designed.

When Jesus told the Samaritan woman that worship would be in spirit and in truth, He was not saying it would be spirited to help aid truth. He said IN Spirit and IN Truth. We have no right to speak on behalf of God to add these types of things to our worship to “make us feel good!”

The idea comes up often about Nadab and Abihu submitting unauthorized fire as an example of adding to the worship of God…and rightly so. These men were told how to get the fire, what type of fire, and what to do with it…and they ignored God. Why? Maybe it was inconvenient to get what was required…maybe it was quicker…maybe they felt like it didn’t really matter. Boy were they wrong!

Worship to God matters. It matters when we do it, how we do it, and what we do it with.Let’s be men and women of God and respect His authority and not our own desires. Souls will be in the same punishment as Nadab and Abihu for their disobedience to God. Let’s put aside the “feel-good” ideas and just worship God the way He wants.

To paraphrase something that Dave Miller said - “If someone is bored with the worship designed by God in the Bible, the problem is with the person and not the Bible!”

You can view this lesson by Dave Miller that was delivered at the 8th annual Show Me State Lectures here.

"Go to church or the devil will get ya!" - Joey Ferrell

*Disclaimer: I do not own this sign or this image. It was found on the internet with dozens of others taken on I-65 North just outside of Montgomery Alabama.

Go to church or the devil will get ya! Well….sort of. I remember passing this sign probably 10-11 years ago coming back from a family trip to Florida. We were on I-65 north just outside of Montgomery. We had stopped at this sweets store that had a pink cow…yes, a real pink cow (It closed a few years afterwards) and had been laughing about that for miles…and then…there it was! I was like “WOW, did you see that sign?”

The sign was originally placed at this locaton by a local “Christian and Patriot” businessman using a metal devil from a former gas station in Prattville according to an article also found on the internet. It was toppled in a storm in 2016 and remained down until 2019 when it made a new appearance. It still stands today with the sons of the creator maintaining it. It catches a lot of attention and has been shared on social media sites for years.

Enough about the sign though…let’s get to the message! Let’s dissect it a bit:

“Go to church” - the world sees this as a valid statement. Even those in the church will use the phrase often. I am just as guilty in tradition as most others are too. But, we need to think about this a bit. We ARE the church. Certainly, we go to be WITH the church, and the semantics of the phrase can certainly make sense thinking about it that way.
In Acts 2, the Bible says that about 3,000 were added to “the church” and they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine - and it said that they met daily from house to house.

Throughout Acts, we see the church growing because they were hearing the truth and being added to the church…and then they would go AS the church.

When Paul instructed Timothy and Titus, and others, they were told to go TO the church in different areas, and of course, John records the words of Jesus TO the churches in Asia, each identified geographically.

So…in reality, we go WITH the church, TO the church and semantically TO church.

But what is there about “going to church” that will keep the devil from getting you? Well, nothing really…or almost nothing…with the wrong attitude at least. Hebrews 10:19-25 gives us a very good reasoning why we should come together. Ephesians 4 talks about the varying roles of those in the church and how the function of the teaching of the church is to increase growth, edify the saints, and strengthen our faith.

So, how does that keep the devil from getting you? Well, it doesn’t, but it does make it much harder as you are surrounded by like-minded people that care about your soul when you are with the saints of the church. In the book of Job, the devil was said to have been going to and fro across the earth. He is seeking those who he can devour, so how do we stop him from getting us? We increase our faith, we draw near to God, we flee from the devil, and what better way to do that than to be with the church?

While it is true that many feel that technology has opened new doors in “going to church,” but truly, there is nothing like being with the saints, worshiping, singing, praying together, communing, getting and giving handshakes and hugs, crying with one another, rejoicing with one another and lifting one another up as is described in Hebrews 10.

Maybe you or someone you know needs a little encouragement….let me invite you to “go to church” and find that encouragement. These are our people. They love you and me. They need you and me. And we need them!

Go to church…..or the devil will get you!

Deflated Christians - Let them work! - Joey Ferrell

“Deflated members of the church”

I used to ride my bicycle very often. Sometimes, I would ride 30-50 miles at a time, nearly once a month or so. It was so soothing, it was so refreshing, and it was quite time consuming…but worth the trade off.

I’ve not found myself with as much energy and balance of time to ride anywhere near as much as I once did. Matter of fact, I may have only ridden my bicycle 4-5 times the entire year last year.

Not only do the muscles that are used in riding begin to deteriorate, the desire also seems to diminish with the more “missed opportunities.” But, beyond even these challenges, come more.

The last time I wanted to “jump on the bike,” I couldn’t. Why? Because I had neglected to use the bike for the purpose it was intended. Not only had I neglected the use, but it simply hung on the hanger in the garage designed to hold it. So, why couldn’t I ride?

When I went to check the tires for proper inflation, they were lacking. They needed air. So, I got the pump out, and started pumping. After a few pumps, the tire seemed to begin to inflate. It was not long, however, that I heard a prompt “psssshhh”. This sound was the tube inside of the tire.

The tube had deteriorated. It was what we might call “dry-rotted” from where the tires had not been inflated or through normal use had any fluctuation in pressure. The tube was ruined.

Luckily, I had an extra tube. I took the tire apart, replaced the tube, put it back together, back on the bicycle, and began inflating. All was going well…until I began to notice the stress cracks on the tire itself as it expanded. Although that was a concern, I decided that it was safe to at least venture out a few miles…and I did. It was an incredibly bumpy ride. See, the tires had taken on an irregular shape from not being inflated and they were riding very wobbly.

I finished my ride that day…only about 7-8 miles. It was frustrating. I knew I could do much more than this, but I had neglected to use and care for the instrument in which was needed for the ride.

Do you realize that the same can and does happen in the church?

There are members within congregations who have a zeal and desire to work for the Lord…and they are looked over, pushed aside, or completely ignored. Maybe they can lead singing, or a prayer. Maybe they have a zeal for evangelism. Maybe they just want to be asked to do something that would be helpful in some way…but, for some reason or another, they just are expected to hang out on the pew and let others do things that maybe they can do as well or better, and want to when some of the ones doing…do not.

You know what happens to that member? They become deflated. They lose their ability to perform as best they can and even can become torn down so bad that they wouldn’t even be dependable if they were tasked with serving.

I saw an ad for a used bike similar to mine this past week. $400. I thought, that’s a pretty good price considering that that model sells for over $1,000. For a brief moment I thought, “maybe I should make an offer and keep it for a back-up.”

It was then that I realized that maybe my trusty bicycle could probably serve someone better that would properly use and condition the service of the instrument as it was intended to be used. Maybe I need to put mine up for sale. After all, if I am not going to use it, it will just continue to deteriorate to a point of little to no value or usability.

This is a very serious problem and challenge that I see even in my own efforts to serve. Church….don’t let those who desire to serve or have a particular opportunity that can be of benefit to the Lord’s kingdom deteriorate. Let them work. Use them. Learn from them. Help them.

Was that a visitor? - Parker Webster

(This was an article posted on Facebook, used with permission - title given by TGOC)

Was that a visitor?

How do outsiders feel in our assemblies? A new assembly and a new type of worship is intimidating. Do we realize our visitors have taken a great step of courage to walk into worship?

One of the worst things we can do to that shocked, newly challenged visitor is to ignore their presence. Many will leave in a daze having experienced a new way to serve God while not making any personal connections.

About a week ago, I learned a much needed lesson. I was a visitor. I knew what to expect from the worship and teaching. However, on this occasion my family was COMPLETELY ignored. This wasn’t some back row dash after worship. We sat near the front, took notes, and all sang out. Not a word spoken, not even a handshake. We were all very discouraged.

My family will be fine—we have amazing church families back home, we are saved, and we are deeply connected to the work of the Kingdom.

What about that visitor? What will they think? How will they feel? Will they ever darken the doors again?

We may only have one shot. Get out of your comfort zone. Don’t just stare, go speak to them. Don’t just thank them for coming, ask them about their life. Sit back and listen. Let the love of Jesus shine through you. (Col. 3:15)

God Hates Strife in the Body - Ben Bailey

God Hates Strife in the Body

The Psalmist issued a challenge to all of God’s people when he said, “behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Ps. 133:1). In the New Testament Christians are encouraged by Paul to “endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). While unity and peace is God’s ideal standard, sometimes, Christians don't act the way they should and strife is created. What is it that causes this strife and how do we deal with strife in the body of Christ?

One of the chief causes of strife among God’s people is evil or perversion in one’s heart. Since sin is a heart problem, it should come as no surprise that strife is generated in the heart of man. The Proverbs writer said, “A perverse man sows strife…” (Prov. 16:28). When someone is not following the Spirit of Christ in their life, strife is going to come.

A failure to control the tongue is another cause of strife. In fact, this may be the chief reason for strife in the body of Christ today. Solomon said, “A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating” (Prov. 18:6). When we are so busy talking that we forget to think about what we are saying, chances are we may be saying things we shouldn’t.

How then do you stop strife? People who are always belittling or making fun of others must be silenced. The Proverbs writer said, “Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease” (Prov. 22:10). To avoid strife—mind your own business! The Bible says, “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like who takes a dog by the ears” (Prov. 26:17). To stop strife, gossip must be stopped. Scripture says, “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases” (Prov. 26:20).

Another main cause of strife in the Body of Christ is pride. When people think they are better than others and look down on or belittle other people to make themselves feel better, it is guaranteed to create strife. The Wise sage said, “By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom” (Prov. 13:10).

May each of us remember that God hates it when people cause strife in His church. “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:16-19). Just as Jesus prayed for unity in His church, may we make it or aim to only say and do those things that build up the body of Christ (John 17:20-21).

Are the Titles ‘Pastor’ or ‘Priest’ Biblical? - Ben Bailey

Often we hear religious leaders referred to as “pastor” or “priest”.  Are these biblical names that should be applied to the religious leader today?  Is it right for a man to wear these names?  Let’s examine what God has to say on the matter.

Should a religious leader be referred to as “Pastor”?  In the New Testament, the word pastor is used exclusively of the work and office of an elder.  For example, the word for pastor/shepherd is found in Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:2-4.  In both cases, it is used to describe the work and office of overseers.  The New Testament church did not have a single “pastor” because it is not authorized in the Bible.  In every case where shepherds or pastors are spoken of it is always a plurality of men (1 Peter 5:1; Acts 20:17).  In the New Testament, there is not one case of a single “pastor” ruling the church.  In fact, the one case we have of a man trying to rule the church by himself is condemned by God (see 2 John 9-10).  A common misconception many have is the preacher is the pastor.  Dear friend, this is not a biblical concept.  Nowhere in the Bible will you find the preacher referred to as the pastor.  In fact, most of them could not be a pastor because they do not meet the qualifications for a pastor/elder found in 1 Timothy 3.  The churches of Christ do not have a head pastor because it is not authorized in the Bible (Col. 3:17).  However, we do have pastors or elders as used in the biblical sense of men shepherding the church of God (Acts 20:28).

Should any religious leader wear the title of “Priest” or “Father”?  In the New Testament, Jesus is our High Priest who made one sacrifice forever for sins (Heb. 3:1; 8:1; 10:12).  The purpose of the priest under the Law of Moses was to make sacrifices to God for the people’s sins (Lev. 1-5).  However, the New Testament teaches that we are no longer under the Old Law (Col. 2:14).  Jesus Christ, as our High Priest, offered himself to God as sacrifice (Heb. 9:14).  Churches of Christ do have a High Priest, Jesus Christ Himself.  Since Jesus is our High Priest, and He has made one sacrifice for sins forever, why do some denominations still have men as priests?  Where is the biblical authority for having priests?  There is none.  In fact, the Scripture says, “Call no man father” (Mt. 23:9).  

These clear teachings of Scripture illustrate for us the need to go back to the Bible and study the Scriptures.  It teaches us that we must not believe what we have always heard.  Instead, we must search the Scriptures for ourselves.                     --Ben Bailey

Does the Name Matter? - Ben Bailey

Does the Name Matter?

Recently someone told me they thought it didn’t matter what a church called itself as long as they worshipped correctly. Is this true according to the Bible? Could a church called itself any name and be acceptable to God as long as they worship correctly? Let’s consider for a moment why it does matter what the church called itself. In fact, just like worshipping God correctly is essential, going by what the rest of the Bible says about the church is also essential. Notice why this is true.

The name of the church is important because the Bible tells us not to add to or take away from God’s Word (Rev. 22:18-19). If the name of a church is not found in the Bible, we would be adding to God’s Word. If the name is found in the Bible and we choose to call it by something not found in the Bible, we would be taking away from it.

The name of the church is important because the Bible specifically tells us not to go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6). If the name of a church is not found in Scripture we are going “beyond what is written.”

The name of the church is important because we are to do everything by the authority of Christ, who is the Head of the church (Col. 3:17; Mt. 28:18; Eph. 1:22-23). Whatever God, Christ or the Holy Spirit referred to the church as is what we should refer to it as.

The name of the church is important because the name we call the church should only bring honor and glory to God, Christ or the Holy Spirit not men (1 Cor. 10:31). If the church is called the church of Mark or Mark’s church, who is that bringing honor to?

The name of the church is important because the Jesus died for and shed His blood for His church (Acts 20:28). The act of Jesus dying on the cross purchased the church. Since it was his blood that paid the price for the church, it should wear His name (Mt. 16:18).

The name of the church is important because the name shows ownership and the Lord as the builder and founder of the church is the only one who has the right to be owner of the church (Mt. 16:13-18).

The name of the church is important because the church is the Bride of Christ and as His bride it should wear His name (Eph. 5:22-31).

The name of the church is important because we are only to speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11). Here are the names the Bible refers to the church as:

Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Mt. 16:13-18). Thus, it is the church of Jesus or the church of Christ.

It is referred to as the church of the Lord (Acts 20:28).

It is referred to as the church of God in Scripture (1 Cor. 1:1-2; Gal. 1:13)

It is referred to as the church of the Living God (1 Tim. 3:15).

It is referred to as the church of Christ (Rom. 16:16; Gal. 1:22).

It is referred to as the church of the firstborn, which is another name for Jesus (Heb. 12:23; Col. 1:15-19; Rom. 8:29).

The name of the church is important because calling the church by men’s names or denominational names is specifically and explicitly condemned in Scripture (1 Cor. 1:10-13).

Friend, a careful study of the Scripture helps us to see that what we call the church really does matter. We need to call the church by names that are in Scripture and that bring honor and glory to God not men. May God help us to glorify the church Jesus died for in everything we say and do! --Ben Bailey

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #4 - The Mennonite Religion

1. Introduction
   1. When did this denomination start? 1525
   2. Where did it start? Zurich, Switzerland

   3. What is a Mennonite? The official statement of the Mennonite Church (USA) is:

      Mennonites are a Christian faith group that began in the 16th century. Currently there are over one million members world-wide. Mennonite beliefs and practices vary widely, but following Jesus in daily life is a central value, along with peacemaking. Menno Simons was an early prominent leader and eventually the group became known as “Mennonites” because of his name.1

      There are about 1.7 million Mennonites worldwide (as of 2012).2

   4. Who founded this religion, and where did the name “Mennonite” originate? The most widely recognized founder was a Catholic priest by the name of Menno Simons who left Catholicism and began the Mennonite religion; as stated in the above point, they officially state that the name “Mennonite” comes from Menno Simons.3
   5. Who is the head of the Mennonite religion? Jesus is claimed as the Head of the Mennonite church. However, there are large numbers of conferences that take place in the Mennonite church (see the next outline point).
   6. What is their authority? The Bible – and what is voted on at the various conferences.
   7. Are the Mennonite and Amish religions different branches of the same belief? Yes. Both came from the Anabaptist radical reformation in the 16th century.
2. Mennonite Doctrines Examined
   1. Concerning salvation:
      1. The Mennonite Confession of Faith states, "We receive God’s salvation when we repent of sin and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord."4 The Confession of Faith further states, "Our response includes yielding to God’s grace, placing full trust in God alone, repenting of sin, turning from evil, joining the fellowship of the redeemed, and showing forth the obedience of faith in word and deed."5
      2. The Scriptures teach that belief and repentance must be combined with confession and baptism in order to receive salvation (Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 13:3; John 8:24; Acts 2: 38). Why, according to Mennonite doctrine, are belief and repentance necessary, but confession and baptism are not?
   2. Concerning baptism:
      1. The Mennonite church proclaims, "We believe that the baptism of believers with water is a sign of their cleansing from sin. Baptism by water is a sign that a person has repented, received forgiveness, renounced evil, and died to sin, through the grace of God in Christ Jesus."6
      2. Jesus and His apostles taught that baptism was for the forgiveness of one’s sins and that it was performed prior to salvation (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Galatians 3:27).
   3. The frequency of the Lord’s Supper is left up to each congregation’s discretion.

      1. The Mennonite Conference statement says:

         The practice of the early church was to celebrate the Lord’s Supper frequently, every Lord’s day or even daily (Acts 2:46). The Anabaptists in the sixteenth century also shared the Lord’s Supper often as a sign of their renewed covenant with God and each other. Our churches are encouraged to celebrate the Lord’s Supper frequently, so that they may participate in the rich meanings of this event for the worship and life of the church.7

      2. Do the Scriptures authorize our taking the Lord’s Supper daily (Acts 2:46)? No, they do not. The New Testament authorizes the Lord’s Supper to be taken only on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Exodus 20:8).
   4. Many Mennonite congregations practice foot washing on a congregational level.
      1. The Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective says, "Congregations are encouraged to practice foot washing when it is a meaningful symbol of service and love for each other. "Washing the feet of the saints" (1 Timothy 5:10) is one way of representing Christ to each other in acts of hospitality, service, and love."8
      2. Is foot washing sinful? No. Yet, in the New Testament, it was practiced on an individual (not congregational) level as an act of humility toward one’s fellow man (John 13:1-30).

Study Questions

1. Compare the origin, date, place, and founder of this denomination with the New Testament blueprint. Does this denomination’s blueprint match that of the New Testament?
2. Whose name does the Mennonite church carry? Is this biblical? What passages clearly condemn the practice of naming the church after another man?
3. The Mennonite Confession of Faith states that a person can be saved when he repents of sin and accepts Jesus as Lord. What passages prove this is not all you have to do to be saved?
4. Mennonites believe that baptism is only a sign of one’s faith and cleansing from sin. List and discuss passages that prove this doctrine false.
5. Do you find it odd that the Mennonites left the Catholic church as “rebaptizers” yet they don’t even believe baptism is essential to salvation? Isn’t there a contradiction in this thinking somewhere?
6. Does the statement, "The practice of the early church was to celebrate the Lord’s Supper frequently, every Lord’s day," not tell us something about their view of Bible Authority? How can one make a statement like this and not follow through with the implications of that statement?
7. What passages and principles teach the Lord’s Supper is to be observed on every first day of the week?
8. Is foot washing an act of worship? If not an act of worship, what was the purpose of foot washing? What would be wrong with having foot washing in worship today?
9. In the New Testament, was foot washing an individual or congregational activity?

References

1. Online: (http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/who-are-the-mennonites/), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
2. Online: (http://www.mwc-cmm.org/article/world-directory), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
3. Hugo McCord, What About the Mennonite Church?, Haun Publishing Company, Pasadena, TX.
4. Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, 1995, Online: (http://www.mcusa-archives.org/library/resolutions/1995/1995-8.html). 
5. Ibid.
6. Mennonite Confession of Faith, Article 11.
7. Online: (http://www.mcusa-archives.org/library/resolutions/1995/1995-12.html), Commentary note 4.
8. Online: (http://www.mcusa-archives.org/library/resolutions/1995/1995-13.html), Commentary note 3.

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #2 - The Greek Orthodox Religion

1. Introduction
   1. The Greek Orthodox religion claims 5 million adherents in the United States.
   2. Orthodoxy represents a split among differing Catholic thinkers.
2. History of the Greek Orthodox Religion

   1. How did Orthodoxy begin? It began as a schism when Catholicism of the east and Catholicism of the west clashed. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America cites the following facts as contributing to the beginning of Orthodoxy:

      The West was concerned with the Passion of Christ and the sin of man, the East emphasized the Resurrection of Christ and the deification of man. While the West leaned toward a legalistic view of religion, the East espoused a more mystical theology. Since the Early Church was not monolithic, the two great traditions existed together for more than a thousand years until the Great Schism divided the Church. Today, Roman Catholics and Protestants are heirs to the Western tradition, and the Orthodox are heirs to the Eastern tradition.1

   2. When did Orthodoxy begin? On July 16, 1054 , Cardinal Humbert, the head of a papal delegation, sent excommunication of Cerularius for the removal of the filioque2 from the Creed; the practice of married clergy; and liturgical errors. The date of 1054 is the traditional date marking the beginning of the schism and the excommunication of Patriarch Michael Cerularius by papal legates.
   3. Where did the Orthodox religion begin? Constantinople.
   4. Where is the headquarters of the Orthodox religion? There is none.
   5. Who is the head of the Orthodox religion? Orthodoxy says, "Each Church is led by a synod of bishops. The president of the synod is known as the Patriarch, Archbishop, Metropolitan, or Catholicos. Among the various bishops, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is accorded a "place of honor," and is regarded as "first among equals.""3
   6. What is their authority? The Orthodox Church has two sources of authority: Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. Orthodoxy defines tradition as follows: "Holy Tradition, of which Holy Scripture is a part, includes the writings, teachings, Acts of the Apostles, saints, martyrs, and fathers of the Church, and her liturgical and sacramental traditions throughout the ages, the oral tradition of the early Church and the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils."4
3. Scriptural Reasons Why I Cannot be a Part of Orthodoxy
   1. I cannot be a part of Orthodoxy because the Bible is not their only guide (Colossians 3:17; 2 Peter 1:3; Matthew 28:18). The Orthodox Church lists these nine sources as authoritative: Revelation, Tradition, Bible, The Liturgy, The Councils, The Fathers, The Saints, Canons, and Church Art.5

   2. Their belief in tradition is in conflict with what Jesus taught about manmade doctrine (Matthew 15:79; Revelation 22:1819; 1 Corinthians 4:6). The Orthodox religion claims:

      Holy Tradition is, therefore, that which is passed on and given over within the Church from the time of Christ’s apostles right down to the present day. … Holy tradition is … the total life and experience of the entire Church transferred from place to place and from generation to generation. Tradition is the very life of the Church itself as it is inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit.6

   3. The Orthodox religion puts trusts in the councils of men instead of the counsels of God (2 Timothy 3:1617; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Proverbs 28:26). Concerning this, those in Orthodoxy state:

      The dogmatic definitions [dogma refers to "official teachings"] and the canon laws of the ecumenical councils are understood to be inspired by God and to be expressive of His will for men. Thus, they are essential sources of Orthodox Christian doctrine.

      Seven councils are the most revered today. They are as follows:

      CouncilYearDoctrinal Result

      Nicea I325Formulated the First Part of the Creed, defining the divinity of the Son of God

      Constantinople I381Formulated the Second Part of the Creed, defining the divinity of the Holy Spirit

      Ephesus431Defined Christ as the Incarnate Word of God and Mary as theotokos

      Chalcedon451Defined Christ as Perfect God and Perfect Man in One Person

      Constantinople II553Reconfirmed the Doctrines of the Trinity and of Christ

      Constantinople III680Affirmed the true humanity of Jesus by insisting upon the reality of His human will and action

      Nicea II787Affirmed the propriety of icons as genuine expressions of the Christian Faith

   4. I cannot be a part of the Orthodox religion because of the religion’s exaltation of certain “saints.” Concerning these saints, those in Orthodoxy state, "The point has been rightly made that men can learn almost as much about the real meaning of Christianity from the legends of the saints produced within the tradition of the Church as from the authentic lives themselves."7 Jesus clearly taught that we are not to inappropriately honor or worship other humans (Matthew 4:10; Revelation 19:10; Philippians 2:5; 1 Peter 2:21ff.). [Question: What is the difference between the "legends" of the saints and their actual lives?]
   5. Orthodoxy is not a part of New Testament Christianity because of its icons, which are in essence idols. Concerning these icons, the Orthodox Church says, "The icon is Orthodoxy’s highest artistic achievement. It is a gospel proclamation, a doctrinal teaching and a spiritual inspiration in colors and lines."8 Much is said in the Bible about the worship of images (1 Corinthians 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 John 5:21). [Question: How is an icon like an idol?]
   6. Orthodox beliefs of theistic evolution are not in line with the biblical view of Creation. Concerning their belief in theistic evolution, those in Orthodoxy state, "God, however, did not create everything individually and all at once, so to speak. He created the first foundations of existence, and then over periods of time (perhaps millions of years, see 2 Peter 3:8)."9 The doctrine of seven literal days of creation, however, is clearly seen in the "morning and evening" language of Genesis 1 and Exodus 20:11. [Question: What is wrong with believing that God used evolution to create the world?]
   7. I cannot be a part of the Orthodox religion because of Orthodoxy’s belief in original sin (Matthew 18:15; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ezekiel 28:15).

   8. Orthodoxy cannot be a part of New Testament Christianity because of its emphasis upon the “church building” as a fundamental part of the religious experience:

      The church building is patterned after the image of God’s Kingdom in the Book of Revelation. Before us is the altar table on which Christ is enthroned, both as the Word of God in the Gospels and as the Lamb of God in the eucharistic sacrifice. Around the table are the angels and saints, the servants of the Word and the Lamb who glorify him – and through him, God the Father – in the perpetual adoration inspired by the Holy Spirit. The faithful Christians on earth who already belong to that holy assembly – " … fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God … " (Ephesians 2:19) – enter into the eternal worship of God’s Kingdom in the Church. Thus, in Orthodox practice the vestibule symbolizes this world. The nave is the place of the Church understood as the assembly and people of God. The altar area, called the sanctuary or the holy place, stands for the Kingdom of God.10

Study Questions

1. What factor(s) led to the formation of the Greek Orthodox denomination?
2. When did this denomination begin? Who founded it? Where was it founded? Is all of this in accord with the beginning of the New Testament church?
3. What is wrong with this group’s sources of authority?
4. Do the Scriptures teach that the definitions and canon laws of ecumenical councils are inspired by God? Why would someone make this kind of statement?
5. What is wrong with tradition being the life of the church?
6. Can men learn as much from the "legends" of the saints as they can from the "lives" of the saints? What does the term legends imply?
7. Is there anything wrong with having an icon? Discuss how this relates to people wearing crosses or having angel figurines in their houses.
8. What does the Greek Orthodox denomination believe about creation? Do the Scriptures teach theistic evolution?
9. Discuss Ezekiel 28:18 and original sin.
10. Is a “church building” essential to New Testament Christianity? Is it sinful? At what point does it cross the line between expedient and sin?

References

1. Online: (http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7052), retrieved on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
2. The filioque is a heavily disputed part of the Nicene Creed that forms a divisive difference in particular between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. In the Orthodox tradition, the line in question reads, "We believe in the Holy Spirit … who proceeds from the Father," while in the Catholic tradition it reads, "We believe in the Holy Spirit … who proceeds from the Father and the Son." It is most often referred to as simply "filioque" or "the filioque."
3. Online: (http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7052), retrieved on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
4. Online: (http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8032), retrieved on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
5. Thomas Hopko, The Orthodox Faith, Volume 1 (Doctrine), Online: (http://www.oca.org/OCIndex-TOC.asp?SID=2&book=Doctrine&section=Sources%20of%20Christian%20Doctrine).
6. Online: (http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=2), retrieved on Wednesday, February 08, 2006 .
7. Online: (http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=7), retrieved on February 08, 2006 .
8. Online: (http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=9), retrieved on February 08, 2006 .
9. Online: (http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=13), retrieved on February 08, 2006 .
10. Online: (http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=43), retrieved on February 08, 2006 .

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #13 - The Nazarene Religion

1. History of the Nazarene Denomination
   1. When did the denomination start? October 1895 
   2. Where did this movement start? Los Angeles, California

   3. How did this movement start? The Nazarene religion began as a means of helping the poor and needy.

      In October 1895 , Phineas F. Bresee, D.D., and Joseph P. Widney, M.D., with about 100 others … organized the Church of the Nazarene at Los Angeles. They believed … that their expenditures of time and money should be given to Christlike ministries for the salvation of souls and the relief of the needy. They organized the church accordingly. They adopted general rules, a statement of belief, a polity based on a limited superintendency, procedures for the consecration of deaconesses and the ordination of elders, and a ritual. These were published as a Manual beginning in 1898 . …

      The Year of Uniting: 1907 – 1908 . The Association of Pentecostal Churches of America, the Church of the Nazarene, and the Holiness Church of Christ were brought into association with one another by C. W. Ruth, assistant general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, who had extensive friendships throughout the Wesleyan-holiness movement. Delegates of the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America and the Church of the Nazarene convened in general assembly at Chicago, from October 10 to 17, 1907 . … Further, the General Assembly adopted a name for the united body drawn from both organizations: The Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene. …

      The second General Assembly of the Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene met in a joint session with the General Council of the Holiness Church of Christ from October 8 to 14, 1908 , at Pilot Point, Texas. The year of uniting ended on Tuesday morning, October 13 , when R. B. Mitchum moved and C. W. Ruth seconded the proposition: "That the union of the two churches be now consummated." At 10:40 a.m. , amid great enthusiasm, the motion to unite was adopted by a unanimous rising vote.

      Denominational Change of Name. The General Assembly of 1919 , in response to memorials from 35 district assemblies, officially changed the name of the organization to Church of the Nazarene because of new meanings that had become associated with the term "Pentecostal."

      … After 1908 various other bodies united with the Church of the Nazarene.1

   4. Who founded the Nazarite religion? Phineas F. Bresee. He founded this movement with its motto being "Let the Church of the Nazarene be true to its commission; not great and elegant buildings, but to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, and wipe away the tears of sorrowing, and gather jewels for His diadem."2
   5. Who is the head of the Nazarene denomination? While no one person is considered to be the head, the Nazarene movement recognizes the need for a “head” when they say, "We are agreed on the necessity of a superintendency that shall complement and assist the local church in the fulfilling of its mission and objectives. The superintendency shall build morale, provide motivation, supply management and method assistance, and organize and encourage organization of new churches and missions everywhere."3 This “superintendency” is visible in the form of a General Assembly conference and preamble. The current General Superintendent is Paul Cunningham.
   6. What is their Authority? The Bible and the Church of the Nazarene Manual, including their 16 Articles of Faith.
2. Nazarene Doctrines Examined Scripturally
   1. Divine Healing
      1. One of the major doctrines of the Nazarene movement is divine healing. Concerning this belief, the Church of the Nazarene Manual says, "We believe in the Bible doctrine of divine healing and urge our people [to seek](sic) to offer the prayer of faith for the healing of the sick. We also believe God heals through the means of medical science."4
      2. The idea of "divine healing" is not a twenty-first-century phenomenon. It is something that occurred in the first century for a specific purpose and with a specific end in sight (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4; Acts 8:18; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10; James 1:25; Zechariah 13:2).
   2. Baptism

      1. The Nazarene denomination differs greatly from Scripture on baptism. Nazarenes state:

         Baptism being a symbol of the new covenant, young children may be baptized, upon request of parents or guardians who shall give assurance for them of necessary Christian training.

         Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant.5

      2. The Scriptures do not teach that young children need to be (or can be) baptized (Isaiah 7:16; Matthew 18:3; John 8:24: Romans 7:1-4; Luke 13:3). Also, the mode of baptism in Scripture is performed only by immersion (Mark 1:9-10; John 3:23; Acts 8:37ff; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12).
   3. Justification, Salvation
      1. The Nazarene denomination says: "We believe that justification, regeneration, and adoption are simultaneous in the experience of seekers after God, and are obtained upon the condition of faith, preceded by repentance."6
      2. While faith and repentance are necessary, they alone will not save (James 2:24; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 18:8).
   4. Women Preachers/Leaders

      1. The Nazarene Church Manual says:

         The Church of the Nazarene supports the right of women to use their God-given spiritual gifts within the church and affirms the historic right of women to be elected and appointed to places of leadership within the Church of the Nazarene, including the offices of both elder and deacon.7

      2. It is clear from Scripture that women are not to be placed in leadership positions (1 Timothy 2:8-11; 1 Corinthians 14:34ff; 1 Corinthians 11:1ff).
   5. Religious Name
      1. The Nazarene religion affirms that the name "Nazarene" is approved by God in Acts 24:5.
      2. Question: Is the name "Nazarene" approved by God for followers of Christ? Or, was this name given as a term of derision by the enemies of Christ?

Study Questions

1. What is wrong with October 1895 ; Los Angeles, CA; Phineas F. Bresee; and Paul Cunningham?
2. The Nazarene denomination is a culmination of bits and pieces of four religious organizations. List those denominations and explain how each group contributed.
3. Is a desire to feed the hungry and clothe the poor a reason to start a religious movement? Or, should that duty be performed within the body of Christ? (See Acts 6.)
4. What is implied by the term Superintendency? What is wrong with having a General Assembly?
5. Explain why it is wrong to have the Bible and a church manual. Support from Scripture.
6. Are divine healing and the prayer of faith the same type of healing? Divine healing may solicit prayer, but does the prayer of faith ask/solicit divine healing? See James 5:13.
7. What would you do if a family responded to the invitation and wanted to have their two-year-old child baptized?
8. What does it mean to allow women to use their spiritual gifts in the church? Do we do that today? Are we inhibiting women from using their gifts by not letting them lead?
9. How did Tertullan use the name "Nazarene" in Acts 24:1-5? What is implied by the term "Nazarene"? Were the Jews happy that their Messiah might possibly have come from Nazareth? See John 1:46

References

1. Church of the Nazarene Manual ( 2013 – 2017 edition, Nazarene Publishing House, Kansas City, MO, 2013 ), pp. 18–20.
2. Online: (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/2004/issue82/10.32.html?start=3), retrieved June 2, 2014 .
3. Church of the Nazarene Manual ( 2013 – 2017 edition, Nazarene Publishing House, Kansas City, MO, 2013 ), p. 40.
4. Ibid., p. 35.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid., p. 32.
7. Ibid., p. 186.

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #8 - The Methodist Religion

1. History of the Methodist Religion
   1. When did this movement start? 1739
   2. Where did it start? England
   3. Where is their official headquarters? The United Methodist Church (UMC) does not have a church headquarters. The structure of the denomination is similar to that of the United States government.1
   4. Who founded this movement? The sole founder of this movement is John Wesley. Concerning their founder, the UMC states, "May 24, or the nearest Sunday, is Aldersgate Day or Aldersgate Sunday. This celebrates our founder John Wesley’s life-changing experience at a meeting on Aldersgate Street, London, May 24, 1738."2

   5. What is their authority? The Bible, church conferences, and the sermons and commentaries of John Wesley are authoritative. Concerning the pioneers of the UMC and their belief about authority, the Methodist Book of Discipline says:

      [T]hey were equally confident that there is a “marrow” of Christian truth that can be identified and that must be conserved. This living core, as they believed, stands revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. They were very much aware, of course, that God’s eternal Word never has been, nor can be, exhaustively expressed in any single form of words. They were also prepared, as a matter of course, to reaffirm the ancient creeds and confessions as valid summaries of Christian truth. But they were careful not to invest them with final authority or to set them apart as absolute standards for doctrinal truth and error.3

2. Methodist Doctrine vs. Bible Doctrine
   1. Official Authority
      1. Methodists have a Book of Discipline that gives the official rules and regulations of the church, along with the church’s articles of faith. This book is man-made.
      2. The Bible claims that it is our only guide for rules, regulations, and beliefs (2 Timothy 3: 16-17; 2 Peter 1:3; Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19; Acts 2:42).
   2. Faith and Works
      1. Methodists teach, "Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort."4
      2. The Bible says that faith without works is a dead faith (James 2:24; Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9; John 3:36).
   3. Free Will
      1. Methodists teach, "The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such that he cannot turn and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and works, to faith, and calling upon God" (Article VIII).5
      2. The Bible teaches that man is a free moral agent and that he can and must call on God out of his own will (Joshua 24:15; Acts 10:34; Galatians 2:6; 1 Timothy 2:4-6).
   4. Church
      1. Concerning the church, Methodists believe that "the Christian Church is the community of all believers under the Lordship of Christ."
      2. The Bible teaches that Jesus built only one church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 12:13; Colossians 2:18).
   5. Name of Christ
      1. Methodists believe that there is nothing in a name. Thus, Christians can wear any name they wish.
      2. The Bible teaches that we must do only that which is authorized (1 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 3:17; Isaiah 63:19; Micah 4:5).
   6. Essentiality of Baptism
      1. Methodists do not believe that baptism is essential to salvation.
      2. The Bible clearly teaches the essentiality of baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16; John 3:5).
   7. Candidates and Modes of Baptism
      1. Methodists believe that babies are candidates for baptism and that pouring, sprinkling, or immersion is acceptable (although sprinkling is preferred).
      2. In the New Testament, baptism (Greek, baptidzo,) is performed only on accountable men and women (Isaiah 7:16; Acts 8:12) only by immersion (John 3:23; Mark 1:9-10; Acts 8:37-42; Romans 6:1-4).
   8. Abortion
      1. The Methodist religion approves of abortion in some cases. Their official statement about abortion says, "In continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures."6
      2. The Bible does not authorize the taking of an unborn child’s life (Exodus 21:22-25; Jeremiah 1:5; Amos 1:13; Proverbs 6:6-9).
   9. Alcohol
      1. The Methodist religion offers contradictory positions regarding the use of alcohol. In one place it is stated, "We affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God’s liberating and redeeming love for persons." Yet, just four lines down, it is suggested, "with regard to those who choose to consume alcoholic beverages, judicious use with deliberate and intentional restraint, with Scripture as a guide" should prevail.7
      2. The Bible teaches that a Christian should abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22; Ephesians 5:18; Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29-35).
   10. Women Preaching

       1. The Methodist Manual says that women can preach, teach, and be pastors or bishops:

          On May 4, 1956, in Minneapolis, the General Conference of the Methodist Church approved full clergy rights for women. Half a century later, the fruits of that action are the nearly 12,000 United Methodist clergywomen who serve the church at every level, from bishops to local pastors.8

       2. The Bible teaches that women are to be in a place of submission in the presence of other men, and are not to preach publicly in a mixed audience (1 Timothy 2:8-12; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35; 1 Corinthians 11:3).
   11. Worship Music
       1. The Methodist church uses instrumental music in its assemblies. Interestingly, even John Wesley condemned such an action when he wrote, "I have no objection to instruments of music, in our chapels, provided they are neither heard nor seen."9
       2. The New Testament authorizes only the use of singing for our music (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17; Leviticus 10:1-2; Hebrews 8:13).
   12. Communion
       1. Many Methodist congregations partake of the Lord’s Supper only on the first Sunday of each month and on Christmas and Easter.
       2. In the New Testament, early Christians partook of the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week (Acts 20:7 cf. Exodus 20:8; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 2:42).

Study Questions

1. What does it imply when Methodists say, "there is a ‘marrow’ of Christian truth that can be identified and that must be conserved"?
2. Why do people often put their faith in men, like John Wesley?
3. What is wrong with having a Book of Discipline, Creed, or Confession of Faith?
4. While Faith Only may be a comforting doctrine, is it biblical?
5. Is there anything in a name? Prove your point from Scripture.
6. The Methodist religion teaches that all “believers” are part of the greater Christian church. Is this a biblical idea? Explain your answer.
7. Why are babies not proper candidates for baptism? What parts of the plan of salvation can a baby not fulfill?
8. Does the Methodist view of abortion condone situation ethics? Discuss what situation ethics is and how to refute it.
9. Often times, when men create a religion, it isn’t long until they are found contradicting their own teaching. Such is the case with the Methodist view of alcohol consumption. What motives do you think would cause them to be against alcohol in one place and for it in another?
10. Does the New Testament authorize women to preach? Support your answer from Scripture.
11. What did John Wesley say about instrumental music? What do the Scriptures say about it?

References

1. Online: (http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1370), retrieved February 15, 2006.
2. Online: (http://www.interpretermagazine.org/interior_print.asp?ptid=1&mid=8838&pagemode=print), retrieved February 15, 2006.
3. Patterson, Ronald P., editor, The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, (United Methodist Publishing House, Nashville, TN, 1984,) p. 67.
4. Ibid., p. 57.
5. Ibid., p. 57.
6. Online: (http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1732), retrieved February 15, 2006.
7. Online: (http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1755), retrieved February 15, 2006.
8. Online: (http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1021), retrieved February 15, 2006.
9. Clarke, Adam, Commentary on the Bible, Vol. 4, p. 685.

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #7 - The Baptist Religion

1. History of the Baptist Denomination
   1. When did the denomination start? 1607–1609
   2. Where did this movement start? London, England
   3. How did this movement start? This movement began during the Reformation of the sixteenth century. Baptists were originally called Anabaptists and were closely associated with (and even partly indoctrinated by) Menno Simmons, founder of the Mennonite religion. Anabaptists (or Baptists) were considered unique in the Reformation because they believed that those who had been sprinkled as children needed to be re-baptized as adults.1
   4. Where did the name “Baptist” originate? There is no reference in the Bible to the church ever being called "the Baptist church" (see Romans 16:16). Most likely, Baptists were labeled Baptists because they insisted on the rebaptism of adults who had been sprinkled. (Note: It is a misconception on the part of both Baptists and non-Baptists alike that the name “Baptist” came from John the Baptist.)
   5. Who founded the Baptist religion? John Smythe, a British separatist who become infatuated with Mennonite teaching.
   6. Who is the head of the Baptist denomination? Christ is called the Head, but the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) sets policy concerning faith and doctrine.
   7. What is their authority? Scripture is claimed to be their guide in all matters. However, tradition and creeds are also very important.
2. Baptist Doctrine Examined in Light of Scripture
   1. Baptists believe that a church can omit certain requirements of the Gospel and yet still be pleasing to God.
      1. The Standard Baptist Manual says, "A body of Christian disciples may fail to meet some of the requirements of the gospel, and still be a true church of Christ."2
      2. The Scriptures teach if we leave out any of the requirements of the Gospel, then we are no longer pleasing to God (Revelation 2-3; Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; Revelation 22:18-19; 2 John 9; 1 Corinthians 4:6).
   2. Baptist doctrine teaches that baptism is a good command of Christ to follow, but that it is not essential to salvation.
      1. The Standard Baptist Manual says, "Baptism is not essential to salvation, for our churches utterly repudiate the dogma of ‘baptismal regeneration’; but it is essential to obedience since Christ has commanded it."3
      2. The Scriptures are clear on the essentiality of baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3: 21; Galatians 3:27). (Note: The Scriptures do not teach the idea of baptismal regeneration – i.e., that there is some “mystical power” in the water itself that effects salvation.)
   3. Concerning the Lord’s Supper, Baptists believe that this is a command of which the time and frequency have been left up to man.

      1. The Standard Baptist Manual says:

         As to the time, place, and frequency of the ordinances, no Scriptural directions are given. These are left optional with the churches. They are usually observed on Sundays, but not necessarily. As to the Supper, our churches have generally come to observe it on the first Sunday of each month.4

      2. An approved example of the day and frequency of the Lord’s Supper is found among first-century Christians (Acts 20:7 cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
   4. Baptists believe that to become a part of the Baptist Church, a person must be “voted in.”

      1. For example, the Standard Baptist Manual says:

         It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but "one Lord, one faith, and one baptism," and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church, and at once endowed him with all the rights and privileges of full membership. In that sense, “baptism was the door into the church.” Now, it is different; and while the churches are desirous of receiving members, they are wary and cautious that they do not receive unworthy persons. The churches therefore have candidates come before them, make their statement, give their “experience” and then their reception is decided by a vote of the members. And while they cannot become members without baptism, yet it is the vote of the body which admits them to its fellowship on receiving baptism.5

      2. To see the scriptural problem with this, one needs to look no farther than Acts 2:38ff. (especially verse 47).
   5. Baptists believe that in order to be saved, one must “pray to ask Jesus to come into his heart.”

      1. One of the best-known Baptist preachers, Billy Graham, speaks for the majority of Baptists on salvation when he says:

         Here is how you can receive Christ: Admit your need (I am a sinner). Be willing to turn from your sins (repent). Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Him as Lord and Savior.)6

         The person seeking salvation is then invited to pray this prayer:

         Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name. Amen.7

      2. Baptist teaching on salvation is in conflict with the New Testament which teaches that one must do more than most Baptists teach. For example, a person must hear the word (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of past sin (Luke 13:3), confess Christ (Romans 10:10), be baptized for the forgiveness of one’s sins (Acts 2:38), and live a faithful Christian life (Revelation 2:10).
   6. Baptists offer misguided examples of salvation (such as the thief on the cross).
      1. "Baptists believe that the Bible teaches that baptism is important but not necessary for salvation. For example, the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43) … experienced salvation without the necessity of baptism."8
      2. A thorough study of the Scriptures shows that the thief on the cross is not a good example of salvation for four reasons:
         1. The argument is based on an unproven assumption that the thief was never baptized (cf. Matthew 3:5-6).
         2. The thief lived and died under the Old Testament (Hebrews 9:15-17).
         3. The thief was unable to believe that Jesus had died and risen from the grave because Jesus had not yet died nor risen from the grave (Luke 23:39-46; 24:1ff).
         4. Jesus had power while on Earth to forgive sins any way He chose (Mark 2:10).
   7. Baptists employ instrumental music in their worship to God.

      1. However, even the well-known Baptist preacher of the last generation, Charles Spurgeon, wrote in his commentary on Psalm 42:

         David appears to have had a peculiarly tender remembrance of the singing of the pilgrims, and assuredly it is the most delightful part of worship and that which comes nearest to the adoration of heaven. What a degradation to supplant the intelligent song of the whole congregation by the theatrical prettiness of a quartet, bellows, and pipes. We might as well pray by machinery as praise by it.

      2. Also, justification for such a practice cannot be found within the New Testament. Every reference to singing in the New Testament is a cappella (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
   8. The religious celebration of such holidays as Christmas and Easter is not founded upon the Scriptures; rather, we remember a memorial feast weekly (1 Corinthians 11:26 cf. Acts 20:7).
3. How to Convert a Baptist
   1. Remind them of the importance of having God’s authority for everything we do in worship and life (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 28:18; 1 Corinthians 4:6).
   2. Ask them, "If a person were to take the Bible only, would he or she become a Baptist?" Have them explain their answer.
   3. Teach the fundamental “who, what, when, where, and how” of the New Testament church.
   4. Look at clear examples where people had to do more than “just believe in Jesus” (e.g., James 2:24; Matthew 7:21-23).
   5. Discuss the worship of the church as found in the Book of Acts (Acts 2:42).
   6. Look at passages in the New Testament which teach that baptism is essential to salvation (Mark 16: 16; Acts 2:38; John 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:10).

Study Questions

1. Did John the Baptist start the Baptist denomination? Who began this religious movement? What is wrong with John Smythe starting this movement?
2. Can a church "fail to meet some of the requirements of the gospel" and still be a true church of Christ? What Scriptures teach we must go exactly by what the Bible says?
3. What passages teach baptism is essential to salvation?
4. Do the Scriptures teach the idea of baptismal regeneration (i.e., something mystical/magical occurs in the waters of baptism)?
5. Are there any Scriptural directions given concerning the time, frequency and place of the Lord’s Supper?
6. What is wrong with someone being “voted in” to a religious group? See Acts 2:47.
7. Compare Billy Graham’s Plan of Salvation with the Lord’s. What are the differences? Whom would you rather put your faith in?
8. Is the sinner’s prayer even found one time in Scripture?
9. Why is the thief on the cross not an example of salvation for people today?
10. What is wrong with celebrating religious holidays like Christmas or Easter?

References

1. Mead, Frank S., Handbook of Denominations (Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN, 1985), p. 35.
2. Hiscox, Edward T., The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches (American Baptist Publication Society, Philadelphia, PA, 1951), p. 12, note 1.
3. Ibid., pp. 20–21, note 8.
4. Ibid., pp. 20–21, note 5.
5. Ibid., pp. 22.
6. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Online: (http://www.billygrahamlibrary.org/PGView.aspx?pid=13), retrieved April 3, 2014 .
7. Ibid.
8. Online: (http://baptistdistinctives.org/articles/believers-baptism/), retrieved April 3, 2014 .

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #10 - The Seventh Day Adventist Religion

1. History of the Seventh Day Adventists
   1. When did this movement start? 1830 (officially 1843–1844)
   2. Where did it start? New York/Maine
   3. Where is their official headquarters? Silver Springs, Maryland1
   4. Who founded this movement? The movement began with William Miller and was later developed and popularized by Ellen G. White.

   5. What is their authority? Adventists affirm:

      The Church Manual has existed in its current format since 1932. It describes the operation and functions of local churches and their relationship to denominational structures in which they hold membership. The Church Manual also expresses the Church’s understanding of Christian life and church governance and discipline based on biblical principles and the authority of duly assembled General Conference sessions. "God has ordained that the representatives of His church from all parts of the earth, when assembled in a General Conference, shall have authority."—9T 261 [Testimonies, volume 9, page 261].

      … No attempt should be made to set up standards of membership or to make, or attempt to enforce, rules or regulations for local church operations that are contrary to these decisions adopted by the General Conference in session and that are set forth in this Church Manual.2

2. False Prophecies of Seventh Day Adventists
   1. False prophecies of William Miller

      1. Concerning the end of the world, Miller said:

         I was thus brought, in 1818 , at the close of my two-year study of the Scriptures, to the solemn conclusion, that in about twenty-five years from that time [ 1843 ] all the affairs of our present state would be wound up.3

         (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)

      2. Coinciding with this prophecy, Miller further said that during the Jewish year running from March 21, 1843 , to March 21, 1844 , Christ would return.4 (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)

      3. When these prophecies failed, Miller stated,

         Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with God and man, I should have to do as I have done. … I confess my error, and acknowledge my disappointment; yet I still believe that the day of the Lord is near, even at the door.5

         (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)

   2. False prophecies of Ellen G. White
      1. On April 7, 1847 , Ellen White allegedly had a vision where she was taken into the holy of holies and saw the Ark of the Covenant and the Ten Commandments, with a "halo of glory" around the Sabbath commandment.6
      2. Concerning Miller’s chart about the end of the world, Ellen White said, "I have seen that the 1843 chart (Wm. Miller’s) was directed by the hand of the Lord and that it should not be altered, that the figures were as he wanted them."7 (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
      3. Ellen G. White prophesied the world would end in 1843 , 1844 , 1845 , and 1851 . She wrote, "Now ( 1851 ) time is almost finished, and what we have been 6 years in learning they will have to learn in months."8 (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
   3. Some of the more far-fetched prophecies of Mrs. White
      1. "Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach."9
      2. "Thousands have been induced to enlist with the understanding that this war is to exterminate slavery, but now that they are fixed, they find that they have been deceived, that the object of this war is not to abolish slavery, but to preserve it."10
      3. "Eggs should not be placed upon your table. They are an injury to your children."11
      4. "We bare positive testimony against tobacco, rich cakes, spirituous liquors, snuff, tea, coffee, flesh meats, butter, spice, mince pies … "12
   4. The little “White Lie”
      1. Walter Rea did considerable research for his book, The White Lie, and provided documentation to show that Ellen G. White was actually plagiarizing much of her writing from her husband who, in turn, had plagiarized verbatim from a book written by J.N. Andrews.13
      2. A detailed discussion of this matter can also be obtained from The Interactive Bible.14
3. Doctrines of the Seventh Day Adventists
   1. The Sabbath

      1. One of the main doctrines of this group is Sabbath keeping. Concerning Sabbath keeping, the Seventh Day Adventist Church Manual says:

         The beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God’s kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts.15

      2. What does the Bible teach about the Sabbath?
         1. Sabbath keeping was not a command of creation for all people. It was a command that started with the Law of Moses and was given only to the Jews (Exodus 20:8; Exodus 31:12ff; Nehemiah 9:14; Psalm 147:19-20; Deuteronomy 5:3-6).
         2. The Sabbath was done away with at the cross of Christ (Ephesians 2:14ff; Colossians 2:14ff; Romans 7:1ff.).
         3. Jews cannot condemn Christians for not keeping the Sabbath (Colossians 2:16-17).
         4. The Christian day of worship is the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7).
   2. The Old Law
      1. Adventists believe, "The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age."16
      2. What does the Bible teach about the Old Law? The Old Testament Law is not binding on Christians today.
         1. The Ceremonial Law of Moses and the Moral Law of God are the same (Ezra 7:6, 12; Luke 2:22-24).
         2. The Law itself prophesied that it would be replaced by a "new covenant" (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
         3. The Law (including the Ten Commandments) was nailed to the cross (Romans 7:1ff., esp. vs. 7: "The Law that said, "You shall not Covet," is dead"; Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 2:14).
         4. By the time of the writing of the Book of Hebrews, the Old Law was obsolete and ready to vanish away (Hebrews 8:13).
   3. Hell
      1. Adventists claim that Hell, as a place of eternal torment, is a myth: "The finally impenitent, including Satan, the author of sin, will, by the fires of the last day, be reduced to a state of non-existence, becoming as though they had not been, thus purging God’s universe of sinners."17
      2. What does the Bible say about Hell?
         1. There is something worse than death or annihilation (Hebrews 10:27-29).
         2. Hell is just as eternal as the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 9:14; Mark 9:44).
         3. People who die do continue to exist beyond this life (Mark 12:26; Luke 16:19-31).
   4. The Plan of Salvation

      1. Concerning the plan of salvation, Adventists teach:

         Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace.18

      2. The biblical plan of salvation is more than what Adventists teach. The Bible teaches that to be saved, one must believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of past sins (Luke 13:3), confess the Lord before men (Romans 10:10), and be baptized for the remission of one’s sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).
   5. Mankind’s Sin

      1. Adventists take a Calvinistic view of the nature of man by saying:

         When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil.19

      2. The Bible teaches that God made man upright and that we each choose the path of sin (Ecclesiastes 7:29; Genesis 1:26; Ezekiel 18:20; 28:12, 15; Romans 5:12).
   6. Foot Washing
      1. Adventists suggest that foot washing is an ordained command of God for the church today. The Seventh Day Adventist Church Manual says, "The Master ordained the service of foot-washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love."20
      2. Foot washing in the Bible was done on an individual level and was never commanded by God for the church (John 13:14-15).

Study Questions

1. Compare the origin (date, time, place, founder) of the Seventh Day Adventist religion with the New Testament blueprint. Do the two match?
2. Where in the Bible did God ordain that representatives of His church from all parts of the earth, when assembled in General Conference, shall have authority?
3. List two of William Miller’s false prophecies. If a prophet even lies one time, what does Deuteronomy 18:22 say about that person?
4. List two of Ellen G. White false prophecies. If a prophet even lies one time, what does Deuteronomy 18:22 say about that person? If Ellen White is known to be a liar and a false prophet, what does that say about the religion she founded?
5. What passages teach Christians are no longer under the Sabbath?
6. One of the claims Seventh Day Adventist make about God’s law is that the Ceremonial Law and the 10 Commandment Law were not the same. The Ceremonial Law was done away with – not the 10 Commandments. What passages show these laws are one and the same?
7. Seventh Day Adventists believe that Hell is not a real place. Rather, the wicked will be annihilated or cease to exist. What passages prove that Hell is a real place where people will suffer for eternity?
8. What do these religious people believe one must do to be saved? Is that in accord with what the Scriptures teach?
9. List and discuss three passages that teach man is not born in sin.
10. Is foot washing a command/act of worship for the church today?

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #11 - The Church of Christ, Scientist, Religion

1. History of the Christian Science Movement

   1. When did this denomination/cult start? The official statement from the Christian Scientist website says:

      In 1866 , after many years of study, Mary Baker Eddy discovered what she considered to be the Science of the Christianity which Jesus taught and lived. She dedicated herself to teaching, preaching, and healing others through this system for applying spiritual laws – Christian Science – and in 1875 she published her primary book about it, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. By 1879 , she founded the Church of Christ, Scientist.1

   2. Where did the denomination start? Lynn/Boston, Massachusetts.
   3. Who founded this movement? Mary Baker Eddy is the sole founder of the Christian Science movement.
   4. Where are the headquarters of this denomination? Boston, Massachusetts.
   5. How did this movement come about? The seeds of this movement can be found in Mrs. Eddy’s constant struggles with pain and illness throughout her life. It is reported that she was a nervous child who missed much schooling. For years, she was a semi-invalid. Some believe that she had a spinal weakness which caused seizures and that eventually resulted in a complete nervous breakdown. Throughout her life, she continued to be in very poor health. On February 1, 1866 , she fell on icy pavement and was severely injured. She reported that the doctors had pronounced her injury fatal and that she had only a few days to live. Interestingly, she read the passage of the paralytic in Matthew 9:2-8 and took up her bed and walked with better health than she had ever experienced before.2 Mary Baker Eddy was plagued by (and apparently obsessed with) sickness. Eventually, she allowed that obsession (rather than the Bible) to direct her in religious matters.
   6. What is Christian Science? Christian Science says that believing on Jesus and following His works "can mean resolving difficult challenges with health, relationships, employment, and other personal and global issues through prayer. People who practice Christian Science are free to make their own choices about what to think and do in each situation, including health care. … Christian Science teaches that it’s never God’s will for anyone to suffer, be sick, or die. Instead, it shows how God is entirely good, and therefore His will for each of us is only health and life."3 This doctrine is a “health gospel.” If you have truth on your side, then you will be healthy in body.

   7. Who is the head of this religious movement? Amazingly enough, Mary Baker Eddy is still the head of this church. Notice the following statement from the Church of Christ, Scientist, website:

      The Church of Christ, Scientist and its officers are governed by the By-Laws in the Church Manual. … Everyone shares the same pastor, the Bible and Science and Health. … The First Church of Christ, Scientist was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879. The church, its officers, and members will always be governed by the By-Laws in the Church Manual … and Christian Science churches and societies are democratically run.4

   8. What is this denomination’s authority in religious matters?

      The Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures are the primary texts used for individual study and spiritual growth. Together, they form the foundation for Christian Science teaching and practice and are used during church services as well. Eddy ordained these books as a "dual and impersonal pastor" for these services. According to the church’s official website, followers use both books to "unlock the Bible. … It was the specific mission of Science and Health to give the world this key to the Scriptures to open up their treasures and enable everyone to use them."5

   9. How many members does the Church of Christ, Scientist, have? Christian Science is in a strong state of decline among religious people.

      According to its governing By-Laws, The Church of Christ, Scientist does not report for publication the number of its members. … Unofficial sources provide a variety of resources to suggest that the Church has been ina long period of decline. An unofficial web page traces the growth of the church from 8,724 members in 1890 to 55,000 members in 1906 . A special US Census in 1936 recorded 268,915 Christian Scientists. In the Spring 1992 edition of the Christian Research Journal, William Alnor states church membership had gone from 268,000 members in the 1930s to 150,000 members in 1992 . As an indirect measure of the Church’sstrength, that same article cites statistics showing that the circulation of the Church’s celebrated Christian Science Monitor decreased from 240,000 in the 1960s to 100,000 in 1992 .6

2. Church of Christ, Scientist, Doctrines Examined in Light of Scripture
   1. The Bible’s Accuracy

      1. Christian Science teaching about the Bible leaves a person with the impression that it is a book that contains errors and that does not present the full religious truth on all matters. Mrs. Eddy said:

         The decisions by vote of Church Councils as to what should and should not be considered Holy Writ; the manifest mistakes in the ancient versions; the thirty thousand different readings in the Old Testament, and the three hundred thousand in the New, these facts show how a mortal and material sense stole into the divine record, with its own hue darkening to some extend the inspired pages.7

      2. The Bible is not a book that has been tainted by man. It is the full and complete will of God and it is completely accurate (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:160; 2 Peter 1:19-21; John 8:32; 17:17; 2 Samuel 23:2).
   2. The Godhead’s Nature
      1. Christian Science completely denies the triune nature of God. Mrs. Eddy said, "The theory of three persons in one God (that is, a personal Trinity or Tri-unity) suggests polytheism, rather than the one ever-present I Am."8
      2. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are all part of the Godhead (Genesis 1:26-27; Matthew 6:9; John 1:1-4; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:30; Colossians 1:15-17; John 20:28; Titus 2:11-13; Hebrews 9:14).
   3. Christ’s Deity
      1. Christian Science teaches a false view of the deity of Christ. The textbook for Christian Science says, "Jesus Christ is not God, as Jesus himself declared, but is the Son of God."9
      2. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is God (Matthew 1:19-21; Mark 2:3-10; John 1:1ff.; 8:58; 10:30; 20:28; Revelation 1:8).
   4. Jesus’ Sacrifice

      1. Christian Science denies the ability of Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice to save. It's position:

         One sacrifice, however great, is insufficient to pay the debt of sin. The atonement requires constant self-immolation on the sinner’s part. That God’s wrath should be vented upon His beloved Son is divinely unnatural. Such a theory is man-made.10

      2. The above statement is in complete contradiction to what the Scriptures teach (Matthew 26:28; 27:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 2:9; 10:12; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 2:1-2; Revelation 1:5).
   5. Heaven vs. State of Mind
      1. Concerning Heaven, Christian Science says, "Heaven is not a locality, but a divine state of Mind in which all the manifestations of Mind are harmonious and immortal."11
      2. The Bible teaches that Heaven is a real place of eternal bliss (Matthew 25:46; John 14:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:2; Philippians 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:9; Revelation 21:1-4).
   6. Final Judgment vs. Day-by-Day Judgment
      1. Christian Scientists do not believe that there is a final Judgment Day awaiting us. "No final judgment awaits mortals, for the judgment-day of wisdom comes hourly and continually, even the judgment by which mortal man is divested of all material error."12
      2. The Bible clearly teaches there is an appointed day that God will judge the world (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; John 5:28-29; Acts 17:30-31; 24:25; Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 4:17; Revelation 20:12-15).
   7. Physical Sickness vs. State of Mind
      1. Christian Science affirms that sickness, pain, and other physical ailments are not a reality but only states of mind. They say, "Sickness and disease are illusory, the product of a false belief, and not an actual result of sin. The cause of all so-called disease is mental, a mortal fear, a mistaken belief."13 In fact, Mrs. Eddy taught that a person should not go to a doctor or take medicine.
      2. The Bible clearly teaches that sickness is real and that we all must face it (countless cases of sickness in Matthew-John; Acts 9:37; 2 Corinthians 12:7ff.; 2 Timothy 4:20; James 1:2-3; 5:13).

Study Questions

1. What led Mary Baker Eddy to found the Christian Science Movement? Is this a good reason to start a religious movement?
2. What is the Christian Science movement all about? Is it what we would call a “health gospel”?
3. Does the Church of Christ, Scientist, fit the divine blue print for the church? Show from Scripture what the divine blue print is and how the Church of Christ, Scientist, movement does not fit God’s pattern.
4. Show from Scripture that sickness is not just “in your head.”
5. Mrs. Eddy claimed that the Bible was full of many errors and had been corrupted by men. Show how her claims are both deceptive and contrary to the facts.
6. Does the Bible teach there are three persons in the Godhead? Prove your answer from Scripture.
7. How is the sacrifice and atonement of Jesus central to the gospel message? Can any group who denies this teaching be right with God?
8. Christian Science teaches that Heaven is just a state of mind. What do you think would make a group teach this false doctrine?
9. Do the Scriptures teach there is a day coming when all men will stand before God and be judged? Some groups teach that Hell and the Judgment are in conflict with the Love of God. Is this claim true?

References

1. Online: (http://christianscience.com/what-is-christian-science#history-of-cs), retrieved May 20, 2014 .
2. Hoekema, Anthony, The Four Major Cults (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI, 1986), pp. 173–174.
3. Online: (http://christianscience.com/what-is-christian-science), retrieved May 20, 2014 .
4. Ibid.
5. Online: (http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/chrissci.html), retrieved August 29, 2006 .
6. Ibid.
7. Eddy, Mary Baker, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (Mary Baker Eddy Foundation Publishing, 1986 ed.), p. 139.
8. Ibid., p. 256.
9. Ibid., 361:12-13.
10. Ibid., 23:3-7.
11. Ibid., 291:13-16.
12. Ibid., 291:28-31.
13. Ibid., pp. 348, 377, 386.

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #12 - The Jehovahs Witnesses Religion

1. History of the Jehovah’s Witness Movement
   1. When did it start? December 13, 1884 
   2. Where did it start? Allegheny, Pennsylvania
   3. Where is the organization’s headquarters? It was originally located in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, but was later moved to Brooklyn, New York.
   4. Who founded the movement? Charles Taze Russell
   5. What is the religious authority used by Jehovah’s Witnesses? The Bible. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses view their translation (The New World Translation) as the only correct translation. More will be said about this at a later point.
2. False Prophecies from Jehovah’s Witness Leaders
   1. False prophecies of Charles Taze Russell (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
      1. Russell published a book claiming that Christ’s Second Advent had begun (invisibly) in the fall of 1874 .1
      2. Russell claimed in 1889 that, in the coming 26 years from then, all present governments would be overthrown and dissolved.2
      3. In 1914 , Russell said that Armageddon "may begin next spring."3

      4. In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished by the end of 1914 .4

   2. False prophecies of Judge Joseph Franklin Rutherford (Deuteronomy 18:22)
      1. In 1920 , Rutherford predicted the resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, "and other faithful ones of old," fully restored to perfect humanity. This was to take place in 1925 .5

      2. The year 1940 is certain to be the most important year yet because Armageddon is very near. It behooves all who love righteousness to put forth every effort to advertise The Theocracy while the privileges are still open.6

3. History of the New World Translation
   1. Not a single reputable Greek or Hebrew scholar has endorsed the NWT. (Below are many examples of scholars disagreeing, however.)

   2. David Reed, a former member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, said:

      During the 1950s, Watchtower leaders went beyond interpretation by producing their own version of the Bible, with hundreds of verses changed to fit Watchtower doctrine. And, their New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures continues to be rewritten every few years, with additional changes made to bring God’s Word into closer agreement with what the organization teaches.7

   3. Theologian Anthony Hoekema said:

      Their New World Translation is by no means an objective rendering of the sacred text into modern English, but is a biased translation in which many of the peculiar teachings of the Watchtower Society are smuggled into the text of the Bible itself.8

   4. Greek Scholar Julius Mantey said this concerning the NWT:

      I have never read any New Testament so badly translated as The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures. … It is a distortion of the New Testament. The translators used what J.B. Rotherham had translated in 1893 , in modern speech, and changed the readings in scores of passages to state what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe and teach. That is a distortion, not a translation.9

   5. One example of translation tampering in the New World Translation is John 1:1, "In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god." (Compare that to the NKJV and KJV: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.")
   6. What Greek Scholars Think About the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation of John 1:1 ("the Word was a god") – reproduced by The Christian BBS with permission from HELP Jesus, Local District, Box 2212, Station R., Kelowna, B.C., Canada, V1X 4K6
      1. J.R. Mantey (who is quoted on pages 1158–1159 of the Jehovah’s Witnesses own Kingdom Interlinear Translation): "A shocking mistranslation." "Obsolete and incorrect." "It is neither scholarly nor reasonable to translate John 1:1 "The Word was a god.""
      2. Dr. Bruce M. Metzger of Princeton (Professor of New Testament Language and Literature): "A frightful mistranslation." "Erroneous" and "pernicious," "reprehensible." "If the Jehovah’s Witnesses take this translation seriously, they are polytheists."
      3. Dr. Samuel J. Mikolaski of Zurich, Switzerland: "This anarthrous [used without the article] construction does not mean what the indefinite article "a" means in English. It is monstrous to translate the phrase "the Word was a god.""
      4. Dr. Paul L. Kaufman of Portland, Oregon: "The Jehovah’s Witnesses people evidence an abysmal ignorance of the basic tenets of Greek grammar in their mistranslation of John 1:1."
      5. Dr. Charles L. Feinberg of La Mirada, California: "I can assure you that the rendering which the Jehovah’s Witnesses give John 1:1 is not held by any reputable Greek scholar."
      6. Dr. James L. Boyer of Winona Lake, Indiana: "I have never heard of, or read of any Greek scholar who would have agreed to the interpretation of this verse insisted upon by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. … I have never encountered one of them who had any knowledge of the Greek language."
      7. Dr. Walter R. Martin (who does not teach Greek but who has studied the language): "The translation … "a god" instead of "God" is erroneous and unsupported by any good Greek scholarship, ancient or contemporary and is a translation rejected by all recognized scholars of the Greek language many of whom are not even Christians, and cannot fairly be said to be biased in favor of the orthodox contention."
      8. Dr. William Barclay of the University of Glasgow, Scotland: "The deliberate distortion of truth by this sect is seen in their New testament translations. John 1:1 is translated: "the Word was a god," a translation which is grammatically impossible. … It is abundantly clear that a sect which can translate the New Testament like that is intellectually dishonest."
      9. Dr. F.F. Bruce of the University of Manchester, England: "Much is made by Arian amateur grammarians of the omission of the definite article with "God" in the phrase "And the Word was God." Such an omission is common with nouns in a predicative construction … "a god" would be totally indefensible."
      10. [Barclay and Bruce are generally regarded as Great Britain’s leading Greek scholars. Both have New Testament translations in print!]
      11. Dr. Ernest C. Colwell of the University of Chicago: "A definite predicate nominative has the article when it follows the verb; it does not have the article when it precedes the verb … this statement cannot be regarded as strange in the prologue of the gospel which reaches its climax in the confession of Thomas. "My Lord and my God"—John 20:28."
      12. Dr. Phillip B. Harner of Heidelberg College: "Ho logos en theos, with the verb preceding an anarthrous predicate, would probably mean that the logos was "a god" or a divine being of some kind, belonging to the general category of theos, but as a distinct being from ho theos. … In … the form that John actually uses, the word theos is placed at the beginning for emphasis."
      13. Dr. J. Johnson of California State University, Long Beach: "No justification whatsoever for translating theos en ho logos as "the Word was a god." There is no syntactical parallel to Acts 28:6 where there is a statement in indirect discourse; John 1:1 is direct. … I am neither a Christian nor a trinitarian."
      14. Dr. Eugene A. Nida, head of Translations Department, American Bible Society: "With regard to John 1:1, there is of course a complication simply because the New World Translation was apparently done by persons who did not take seriously the syntax of the Greek." [Dr. Nida was responsible for the Good News Bible; the committee for that translation worked directly under him.]
      15. Dr. B.F. Wescott (whose Greek text – not the English part – is used in the Kingdom Interlinear Translation): "The predicate (God) stands emphatically first, as in IV.24. It is necessarily without the article. … No idea of inferiority of nature is suggested by the form of expression, which simply affirms the true deity of the Word … in the third clause "the Word" is declared to be "God" and so included in the unity of the Godhead."
      16. Dr. J.J. Griesbach (whose Greek text – not the English part – is used in the Emphatic Diaglott): "So numerous and clear are the arguments and testimonies of Scriptures in favour of the true Deity of Christ, that I can hardly imagine how, upon the admission of the Divine authority of Scripture, and with regard to fair rules of interpretation, this doctrine can by any man be called in doubt. Especially the passage, John 1:1-3, is so clear and so superior to all exception, that by no daring efforts of either commentators or critics can it be snatched out of the hands of the defenders of the truth."
4. Doctrines of the Jehovah’s Witnesses
   1. Concerning the Bible As the Final Authority

      1. Charles Russell made this comment concerning his Scripture Studies:

         Not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see also that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years – if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the Scripture Studies with their references and had not read a page of the Bible as such, he would be in the light at the end of two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures.10

      2. The Bible: 2 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 22:18-19; James 1:21; Romans 1:16; Ephesians 3:4.
   2. Concerning Death As Annihilation
      1. "Death means non-existence."11 "When a man dies, he is as dead as a dog."12
      2. The Bible: Mark 12:24-27; John 11:25-26; Luke 16:19ff.
   3. Concerning the 144,000
      1. The Jehovah’s Witnesses group is seen as having exactly 144,000 in Heaven, and no more.13
      2. The Bible: If the number 144,000 should be taken literally, then these people are also literally:
         1. Jews only (Revelation 7:4)
         2. men only (Revelation 14:4)
         3. virgins only (Revelation 14:4)
   4. Concerning Jesus’ Deity
      1. "In truth, when Jesus was on earth He was a perfect man, nothing more and nothing less."14
      2. The Bible: John 1:1; John 20:28; Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; John 5:18.
   5. Concerning the Destruction of the Earth
      1. The Earth will never be destroyed.15
      2. The Bible: Matthew 24:34-36; 2 Peter 3:10-12; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
   6. Concerning Baptism
      1. Baptism has nothing to do with the remission of sins.16
      2. The Bible: Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21.
   7. Concerning Hell
      1. Hell is only the grave.17
      2. The Bible: Mark. 9:43-48; Psalm 9:17.
5. Converting Jehovah’s Witness Through Their Own Contradictions
   1. The very verse they use to call themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses proves that their doctrine is false (Isaiah 43:10).
   2. The plan of salvation needs to be stressed (Acts 18:8).
   3. The founders of the Jehovah’s Witnesses were false prophets (Deuteronomy 18:22).
   4. Why are they called “Jehovah’s Witnesses” instead of Christians? What was to be the new name of God’s people, according to Isaiah 62:2?
   5. If the name Jehovah is so important, then why is it never used in the original Greek New Testament?
   6. If the Watchtower Society has been documented to teach error in the past, might it not be teaching error now?
   7. Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses take the Lord’s Supper just once a year?
   8. Since Jehovah’s Witnesses currently reject most of the teachings of their original founder (Charles Taze Russell, who was president of the organization from 1879 – 1916 ), and since they also reject Joseph Franklin Rutherford (who succeeded Russell as president from 1916 – 1942 ), how can we be sure that in 25 more years, Jehovah’s Witnesses will not also reject the teachings of the current president, Milton G. Henschel (1992–present)?

Study Questions

1. Charles Taze Russell, the founder of Jehovah’s Witness doctrine, is a documented false prophet. What does Deuteronomy 18:22 say about his credibility as a spokesman from God?
2. Judge Rutherford, also known as a founder of Jehovah’s Witness doctrine, made several false prophecies himself. List those prophecies and discuss how they relate to the origin of this denomination.
3. How many reputable Greek scholars endorse the New World Translation? Is it evident from the sources reviewing the rendition of John 1:1 that the New World Translation is not fair to the text of the Greek New Testament?
4. According to Anthony Hoekema and David Reed, what was the motive behind the New World Translation of Scripture? When a person has to create their own translation to match their doctrine, should you be very afraid of that group?
5. According to Charles Russel, a person cannot understand and be enlightened by the Scriptures without using the Jehovah’s Witness study guide, Scripture Studies. What does the Bible say about this erroneous idea?
6. What do the Scriptures teach about annihilation?
7. What does the Bible say about the 144,000? According to Revelation 14:4 and 7:4, the 144,000 have three distinct characteristics. What are those characteristics?
8. Do Jehovah’s Witness believe Jesus is divine? Compare their teaching with Scripture.
9. Jehovah’s Witness believe that the earth will one day be a utopia. Does the Bible teach the earth is going to last forever and be like the Garden of Eden?
10. Why do you think Jehovah’s Witnesses try to prove that Hell is not a real place of eternal torment?

References

1. Jehovah’s Witnesses (Maurice Barnett Printing Service, Cullman, AL), p. 36.
2. Gruss, Edmond C., The Jehovah’s Witnesses and Prophetic Speculation (Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1972 ), pp. 83–84.
3. Rutherford, J.F., Millions Now Living Will Never Die (International Bible Students Assoc., Brooklyn, NY, 1920 ), pp. 88–90.
4. The Time Is at Hand ( 1902 edition), p. 99.
5. The Jehovah’s Witnesses and Prophetic Speculation, p. 88.
6. Informant ( April, 1940 ), p. 1.
7. Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse, pp. 17–18.
8. Hoekema, Anthony, The Four Major Cults, pp. 238–239.
9. Mantey, Julius, Depth Exploration in The New Testament (Vantage Press, NY, 1980 ), pp. 136–137.
10. Watch Tower ( September 15, 1910 ), p. 298.
11. Rutherford, Reconciliation, p. 296.
12. Rutherford, Deliverance, p. 324.
13. Harp of God, p. 191.
14. Rutherford, Reconciliation, p. 111.
15. Make Sure…, p. 108.
16. Ibid., p. 30.
17. Let God be True, p. 91.

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #9 - The Mormon Religion

1. History of the Mormon Movement
   1. When did it start? April 6, 1830
   2. Where did it start? Palmyra/Fayette, New York
   3. Where is their headquarters? Salt Lake City, Utah
   4. Who founded it? Joseph Smith
   5. What is their authority? The Bible and its alleged long-lost companion, the Book of Mormon. Actually, the Book of Mormon and other Mormon writings are their authority. Mormons claim the Bible as their authority only so as to appease Christians.
2. History of Joseph Smith
   1. Joseph Smith’s Character
      1. Joseph Smith was well known (before writing the Book of Mormon) as being a treasure hunter. In fact, Smith was tried in court (State of New York v. Joseph Smith). He was found guilty of being a disorderly person and an imposter who claimed to find buried treasure by looking into stones.1
      2. Joseph Smith was known to be a liar and a polygamist. He was asked repeatedly if he had more than one wife. Every time he was accused of polygamy, he denied the allegation. It was not until 1852 that Mormons publicly admitted they were practicing polygamy. Fawn Brodie, niece of Mormon “prophet” David O. McKay, noted that Joseph Smith actually had 49 wives ranging in age from 15 to 59.2
   2. Joseph Smith’s Prophecies
      1. The wildest of all Joseph’s prophecies concerns the moon being populated. He fabricated a story that the moon was populated with people who were six feet tall, dressed like Quakers, and lived to be a thousand years old.3 (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
      2. Joseph Smith prophesied that God told him to send David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery to Toronto, Canada, to sell the copyright to the Book of Mormon. The two men were unable to sell the copyright, and thus returned to question Smith about his “revelation.” His answer stands as a striking commentary on Mormonism. Smith said, "Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of men: and some revelations are of the devil."4 (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
      3. Joseph Smith prophesied that the Lord would return in 1835. When that did not take place, he changed the date to 1843. When the Lord did not return on that occasion either, he once again changed the date, this time to 1891.5 (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
      4. Joseph Smith made the bold claim that "neither the rage of devils nor the malice of men shall ever cause him to fall by the hand of his enemies until he has seen Christ in the flesh at his final coming."6(See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
3. Examining the Book of Mormon
   1. The Book of Mormon was allegedly given to Joseph Smith in 1820 (by an angel named Moroni) at Palmyra, New York. The angel is supposed to have directed Smith to a stone box that contained the two golden plates containing the text of the book, as well as the urim and thumim (for translating the text). The Book of Mormon was completed (and went on sale) in 1830. It claims to be "another revelation of Jesus Christ" given to Native Americans of North America.
   2. The authorship of the Book of Mormon is clearly seen in the original title page, which tells us whose work the Book of Mormon actually is.

      "The Book of Mormon: … if there be fault, it be the mistake of men … By Joseph Smith, Junior, author and proprietor. Palmyra: printed by E. B. Grandin, for the author. 1830."

   3. The Book of Mormon defies good science.
      1. From A Biologist Examines the Book of Mormon by Thomas D.S. Key. Journal of the American Scientific Affiliation (June 1985), pp. 96–99.The Scientific Accuracy of the Book of Mormon

         Mormon ConceptScientific Fact

         Burying swords in the Earth will keep them bright (unrusted) Alma 24:16Burying swords in the dirt will actually accelerate their rusting.

         Leprosy occurred in the Americas in 34 A.D. III Nephi 17:7.The first known case of leprosy in the Americas was in 1758.

         Indians had many official records (Helaman 3:15), scrolls (Mormon 5:23), and other writings. Mormon 9:2; III Nephi 9:18; 12:18The Indians wrote no books and used only simple picture writing.

         God cursed the Indians with dark skin, and anyone who marries Indians "shall be cursed with the same cursing." 2 Nephi 5:21; Jacob 3:3-9; Mormon 5:15-17; 2 Nephi 5:23; Alma 3:6-10.If this were true, there would be no "part Indians," only "full Indians." This statement is genetically incorrect.

         When Indians accept Mormon teachings, they will become "a white and delightsome people." 2 Nephi 30:5-7; 3 Nephi 2:15There are no case histories of this occurring. In fact, such a change would imply a correlation between goodness and degrees of whiteness.

         Baldness is caused by sin. 2 Nephi 13:24Baldness is hereditary (or chemically caused).

         Domestic cattle, oxen, and cows are separate species, and were present in the Americas when man came here. Ether 9:18-19These animals are all the same species, and were not in the Americas when man arrived here.

         Numerous people and animals in North America were exterminated by poisonous snakes, with sheep driven to the south by the snakes (which cooperated with each other). The people ate the animals that had been killed by the snakes. Ether 9:30-34.There are very few poisonous snakes in North America. Going south increases the probability of contact with snakes. Snakes do not cooperate with each other or with any other creature. There would be too many dead animals for the people to have eaten them. Plus, this would have been against Jewish dietary laws.

         Lions are beasts of the forests. 3 Nephi 20:16; 21:12Lions live in the Savannahs, not in the forests.

         Silk was produced in the Americas. 1 Nephi 13:7; Alma 4:6; Ether 9:17, 10:24Silk was and is produced in Asia. It was exclusively produced in Asia at the supposed time of the events recorded.

         Indians used butter, honey and candles. 2 Nephi 17:15; 3 Nephi 8:21These items were unknown to the Indians, and were introduced by Europeans after Columbus.

         Disease is caused by climate. Alma 46:40Disease is not caused by climate.

         Arabia has much fruit and honey. 1 Nephi 17:5Arabia is a desert, and has been for many thousands of years.

         Jews made ships from the "ample timber of Arabia." 1 Nephi 18:1There are few trees in Arabia, and none was usable for ship building.

         The Arabian River named Laman flows continually into the Red Sea. 1 Nephi 2:6-9.There are no rivers at all in Arabia flowing into the Red Sea, nor have there ever been in human history.

         North America originally had cows, oxen, asses, and horses. 1 Nephi 18:25There were no cows, horses, or asses in North America when it was first discovered.

         Jared and his family kept all species of fish that inhabit the Americas alive in aquaria for 344 days. Ether 6:1 He brought these to the Americas, as well as the birds, bees, and seed that populate North America. Ether 2:2-3, 5:4American birds and fish are for the most part different than those of the old world, there are very few species of any of these forms that are the same on both continents.

         Native language of the Hebrews between 600 B.C. and 91 B.C. was Egyptian. 1 Nehpi 1:2; Mosiah 1:4; Mormon 9:32 – refers to the "reformed Egyptian" language existing about 400 A.D.The Hebrews spoke Hebrew in 600 B.C. due to the Babylonian captivity from 560 to 538 B.C. Aramaic became the language of the people after that. "Reformed Egyptian" is not a language.

         Plant grafting was done in the Americas between 600 B.C. and 421 A.D. 1 Nephi 15:16; Jacob 5Grafting was not practiced by the Indians at all in the Americas.

         Leopards, asps, and cockatrices were present in North America. 2 Nephi 21:6-8, 30:12-14None of these animals is native to North America.

      2. A letter from the Smithsonian Institution about the alleged scientific accuracy of the Book of Mormon. (Please note, biblical and secular evidence supports many of the Smithsonian’s general positions regarding Mormon allegations but not all the Smithsonian’s specific dates.)

         Information from the

         National Museum of Natural History
         Smithsonian Institution  Washington, D.C.  20560

         Your recent inquiry concerning the Smithsonian Institution’s alleged use of the Book of Mormon as a scientific guide has been received in the Smithsonian’s Department of Anthropology.

         The Book of Mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide. The Smithsonian Institution has never used it in archeological research and any information that you have received to the contrary is incorrect. Accurate information about the Smithsonian’s position is contained in the enclosed Statement Regarding the Book of Mormon, which was prepared to respond to the numerous inquiries that the Smithsonian receives on this topic. 

         Because the Smithsonian regards the unauthorized use of its name to disseminate inaccurate information as unlawful, we would appreciate your assistance in providing us with the names of any individuals who are misusing the Smithsonian’s name. Please address any correspondence to:

         Anthropology Outreach Office
         Department of Anthropology
         National Museum of Natural History MRC 112
         Smithsonian Institution
         Washington, DC  20560

         Statement Regarding the Book of Mormon*

         1. The Smithsonian Institution has never used the Book of Mormon in any way as a scientific guide. Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archaeology of the New World and the subject matter of the book.
         2. The physical type of the American Indian is basically Mongoloid, being most closely related to that of the peoples of eastern, central, and northeastern Asia. Archaeological evidence indicates that the ancestors of the present Indians came into the New World – probably over a land bridge known to have existed in the Bering Strait region during the last Ice Age – in a continuing series of small migrations beginning from about 25,000 to 30,000 years ago.
         3. Present evidence indicates that the first people to reach this continent from the East were the Norsemen, who briefly visited the northeastern part of North America around 1000 A.D. and then settled in Greenland. There is no evidence to show that they reached Mexico or Central America.
         4. None of the principal Old World domesticated food plants or animals (except the dog) occurred in the New World in pre-Columbian times. This is one of the main lines of evidence supporting the scientific premise that contacts with Old World civilizations if they occurred, were of very little significance for the development of American Indian civilizations. American Indians had no wheat, barley, oats, millet, rice, cattle, pigs, chickens, horses, donkeys, or camels before 1492. (Camels and horses were in the Americas, along with the bison, mammoth, and mastodon, but all these animals became extinct around 10,000 B.C. at the time the early big game hunters traveled across the Americas.)
         5. Iron, steel, glass, and silk were not used in the New World before 1492 (except for occasional use of unsmelted meteoric iron). Native copper was worked in various locations in pre-Columbian times, but true metallurgy was limited to southern Mexico and the Andean region, where its occurrence in late prehistoric times involved gold, silver, copper, and their alloys, but not iron.
         6. There is a possibility that the spread of cultural traits across the Pacific to Mesoamerica and the northwestern coast of South America began several hundred years before the Christian era. However, any such inter-hemispheric contacts appear to have been the results of accidental voyages originating in eastern and southern Asia. It is by no means certain that even such contacts occurred with the ancient Egyptians, Hebrews, or other peoples of Western Asia and the Near East.
         7. No reputable Egyptologist or other specialists on Old World archeology, and no expert on New World prehistory, has discovered or confirmed any relationship between archeological remains in Mexico and archeological remains in Egypt.
         8. Reports of findings of ancient Egyptian, Hebrew, and other Old World writings in the New World in pre-Columbian contexts have frequently appeared in newspapers, magazines and sensational books. None of these claims has stood up to examination by reputable scholars. No inscriptions using Old World forms of writing have been shown to have occurred in any part of the Americas before 1492 except for a few Norse rune stones which have been found in Greenland.
         9. There are copies of the Book of Mormon in the library of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.

         *Prepared by the Department of Anthropology, Smithsonian Institution

   4. The Book of Mormon defies common literary and grammatical rules. In short, the Book of Mormon, as originally written, contained numerous grammatical and spelling mistakes.7Grammatical Errors in the Book of Mormon (A Sampling of Some of the 3913 Changes Made to the Book of Mormon Through the Years)

       Original 1830 Edition, Book of Mormon editions of 1837, 1888, 1920, 1964, and 1978

      Title pageJoseph Smith, Jr. The author and proprietor of this workJoseph Smith, Jr. the translator of this work

      Title page now if there be fault, it be the mistake of men now if there are faults, they are the mistakes of men

      1 Nephi 13:40the lamb of God is the Eternal Father the lamb of God is the son of the Eternal Father

      1 Nephi 11:21the Eternal Fatherson of the Eternal Father

      1 Nephi 11:32the Everlasting Godson of the Everlasting God

      1 Nephi 20:1words added or out of the waters of Baptism

      2 Nephi 12:9the mean man boweth down the mean man boweth not down

      Alma 29:4Yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable(words deleted)

      Alma 37:21,24directorsInterpreters

      Alma 30:16it is the effects of a phrensied mind it is the effect of a frenzied mind

      Throughout B of Now there was seven churches now there were seven churches

      Throughout B of M there were no blood to shed there was no blood to shed

      Throughout B of M there is two churches there are two churches

      Throughout B of M and also much horses and also many horses

      Throughout B of M these things had not ought to bethese things ought not to be

      Throughout B of M They did prepare for to meet themThey did prepare to meet them ("for" removed)

      Throughout B of M some have arrested the scriptures some have wrested the scriptures

      Throughout B of M when they had arrived when they had arrived

      Alma 23:1nor neither of their brethren nor either of their brethren

      Mosiah 21:28; Ether 4:1king Benjamin Mosiah (Benjamin was dead at this time)

      1 Nephi 12:18Jesus Christ Messiah (Jesus had not yet been revealed to the Nephites)

   5. The Book of Mormon defies common sense.
      1. When the immigrants prepared to come to the New World, God supposedly told them to make eight airtight square vessels. When Jared complained that they were dying from a lack of oxygen, God told him to cut a hole in the top and bottom of every ship and then to plug the holes. When the people on board began to suffocate, they were to open one of the holes. If they opened a hole and water gushed in, they would know they had opened the wrong hole (Ether 2:17-22).
      2. The most energetic decapitated man that ever lived is found in the Book of Mormon (Ether 15:30-31).
      3. In Jacob 7:27, Joseph Smith used the French word adieu. According to the dates given by Mormons, The Book of Jacob was written between 544 and 421 BC. The fact that the French language did not exist until AD 700 makes the usage of this word doubly ridiculous, and proves that the Book of Mormon is not from God.
      4. Baldness is supposed to be caused by sin (2 Nephi 13:24).
   6. Mormon doctrine contradicts itself.

      One God Plural Gods

      Book of Mormon: Alma 11:27-39, 44; 2 Nephi 31:21; Mormon 7:7; 3 Nephi 11:27; Testimony of the three witnessesDoctrine & Covenants: Sections 121:32; 132:18-20, 37

      God Is a SpiritGod Has a Body

      Book of Mormon: Alma 18:26-28; 22:8-11Doctrine & Covenants: Section 130:22

      God Cannot LieGod Commands Lying

      Book of Mormon: Ether 3:12; 2 Nephi 9:34Pearl of Great Price: Book of Abraham 2:22-25

      God’s Word Is UnchangeableGod’s Word Can Change

      Book of Mormon: Alma 41:8Doctrine & Covenants: Section 56:4-5

      Death Seals Man’s Fate Man Can be Saved Even After Death

      Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2:36-39; Alma 34:32-35Doctrine & Covenants: Sections 76:106-112; 88:99

      Heathens Can be Saved Without BaptismBaptism Can be Carried Out for the Dead

      Book of Mormon: Moroni 8:22-23; 2 Nephi 9:25-26; Mosiah 15:24-27Doctrine & Covenants: Sections 128:5, 17-18

      Heaven or HellThree Kingdoms in Heaven (Most Will be Saved)

      Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 28:22; 1 Nephi 15:35; Mosiah 16:11, 27:31; Alma 41:4-8; 42:16Doctrine & Covenants: Section 76:43, 70-112

      Murder Can be ForgivenNo Forgiveness for Murder

      Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 30:2Doctrine & Covenants: Section 42:18

      Polygamy CondemnedPolygamy Commanded

      Book of Mormon: Jacob 1:15; 2:24; 3:5; Mosiah 11:2; 2 Nephi 26:31; Mosiah 27:5Doctrine & Covenants: Sections 132:1, 37-39, 61; 42:71-73; 43:12-13; 51:13-14

4. The Book of Mormon Contradicts God’s Word
   1. The Book of Mormon contains numerous passages that clearly contradict the Bible.

      BibleBook of Mormon

      Church began in A.D. 33 (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2)Church began in 147 B.C. (Mosiah 18:17)

      "Disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (Acts 11:26; c. A.D. 40).Alma 46:13-16 (supposedly written in 73 B.C.) refers to Nephites as Christians.

      Jesus is the only Head of the church (Colossians 1:18).Joseph Smith is head of Mormon church (D&C 28:2-6).

      "Jesus was born in Bethlehem" (Matthew 2:1; John 7:42)."He shall be born of Mary at Jerusalem" (Alma 7:10)

      3 hours of darkness at crucifixion (Luke 23:44)3 days of darkness at crucifixion (Hel. 14:20-27)

      God is a spirit without flesh and bones (John 4:24; Luke 24:39).God has flesh and bones like a man (D&C 130:22)

      Baptism at establishment of church (Acts 2:38, 47).Baptism before the church (Mosiah 25:18).

      The Bible is all-sufficient (2 Peter 1:30).The Bible is not all-sufficient (2 Nephi 29:1-4).

      Ignorance of Bible is not excusable (Acts 17:30-31).Ignorance of Bible is excusable (Mosiah 3:11).

   2. The Book of Mormon plagiarizes God’s Word. Much of the KJV is reproduced in the Book of Mormon (over 25,000 words in fact). Two important questions arise from this:
      1. Why would God give His Word in 1830 America in the language of 1611 England?
      2. If the Bible has been perverted through translation (as Mormons claim), why is so much of the Book of Mormon a verbatim reproduction of the King James Version of the Bible?
5. Mormon Doctrines
   1. Jesus was supposedly crucified because of polygamy: "A belief in the doctrine of a plurality of wives caused the persecution of Jesus and His followers."8

   2. Mormonism originally taught racism. Brigham Young exemplifies Mormon racism when he says:

      You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind. … Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin.9

   3. The fall of man in the Garden of Eden was a good thing (Mosiah 5:10-11).
   4. There are three stages of Heaven, and everybody is going there (Doctrine & Covenants 76).
   5. Hell is not eternal torment (Doctrine & Covenants 19:6).
   6. How does a person obey the Mormon “gospel”? I do not know – and neither do Mormons.
6. How to Convert a Mormon
   1. Bring to light Joseph Smith’s numerous false prophecies (see Deuteronomy 18:22).
   2. Stress passages such as Galatians 1:6-9.
   3. Point out the scientific inaccuracies within the Book of Mormon.
   4. Ask Mormons what a person must do in order to be saved.
   5. Ask Mormon “elders” (who actually are single young men) about their wives and children (Titus 1:5ff.).
   6. Ask why Mormonism contradicts itself. For example, it both advocates polygamy (Doctrine & Covenants 132:1) and condemns it (Jacob 2:24).
   7. If all people are eventually going to inhabit some part of Heaven (Doctrine & Covenants 76), why do Mormons carry out evangelism?
   8. Ask Mormons if they realize that the original Book of Mormon contained 4,000-plus grammatical errors and that Joseph Smith claimed to be the author and sole proprietor of the book.

Study Questions

1. Mormons believe in the authority of the Bible as long the Scriptures agree with what other book?
2. Before using rocks for religious purposes, what did Joseph Smith claim to be able to do with his rocks What kind of light does this shed on his character?
3. Did Joseph Smith lie about having more than one wife? How many wives did he have? If Joseph Smith is known to have lied about his wives, how can we know he is not lying about what he received in the Book of Mormon?
4. List some of Joseph Smith’s prophecies that clearly failed or were lies? What does Deuteronomy 18:22 say about a prophet who lies even one time?
5. After being confronted with a “false” revelation, Joseph Smith made this statement: "Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of men: and some revelations are of the devil." Without the ability to do miracles as a sign to confirm one’s inspiration, how could you know if a message is from God, men, or the devil?
6. In the original title page to the Book of Mormon, who is the sole "author and proprietor"?
7. List some of the ridiculous scientific statements made by the Book of Mormon. What do these statements teach us about the integrity of this book?
8. Was the original Book of Mormon grammatically correct? If the original was allegedly from God and was full of grammatical and spelling errors, what does that suggest?
9. List two examples of how the Book of Mormon defies common sense.
10. List three examples where the Book of Mormon contradicts itself.
11. List some examples where the Book of Mormon and the Bible contradict each other.
12. According to Mormon President Jeremiah Grant why was Jesus crucified?
13. Do Mormons believe everyone is going to Heaven? Why do they evangelize?

References

1. Tanner, Jerald and Sandra, Mormonism – Shadow or Reality? (Modern Microfilm Co., Salt Lake City, UT, 1972), p. 33.
2. Brodie, Fawn M., No Man Knows My History (Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1960), pp. 334–336.
3. Huntington, Oliver B., (a follower of Joseph Smith,) Journal Vol. 11, p. 166.
4. Whitmer, David, Address to All Believers in Christ (Richmond, MO, 1887), p. 131.
5. History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 182.
6. Cowdery, Oliver, Defence in a Rehearsal of My Grounds for Separating Myself from the Latter Day Saints (Pressley’s Job Office, Norton, OH, 1839), p. 1.
7. Online: (http://www.bible.ca/mor-1830-changes.htm).
8. LDS President Grant, Jedediah M., Journal of Discourses, 1:345-346.
9. Young, Brigham, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, p. 290.

The Gospel of Christ

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - You Know You Are In The Wrong Church When ... (part 1)

…Your church subtracts from Jesus’ Word (Revelation 22:18-19), examples:

1. THE NEW TESTAMENT IS NOT EMPHASIZED as the final authority in religious matters (instead, the real authority is how the Holy Spirit moves, what someone thinks, what the creed or catechism says, what the pope concludes or what the New World Translation, Watchtower or Book of Mormon teaches): Matthew 28:18; John 12:48; Colossians 3:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 4:1
    
2. THE LORD’S SUPPER (“breaking bread”) IS NOT SERVED EVERY FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK (although preaching, praying, giving, singing is practiced every Sunday): Acts 2:42(Pentecost, also known as Feast of Harvest/Weeks, always occurred on Sunday, Leviticus 23:15-16); Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17-30; 16:1-2
    
3. SOULS WILLING TO BELIEVE IN AND CONFESS JESUS AS LORD ARE NOT BURIED IN THE WATERY GRAVE OF BAPTISM (instead, water is used to sprinkle or pour on a baby, child or adult): Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12
    
4. BAPTISM IS NOT EMPHASIZED AND PRACTICED AS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF GOD’S PLAN TO WASH AWAY THE SINS OF THE NONCHRISTIAN THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:20-21 (John 3:5; Titus 3:5)
    
5. THE CHURCH WHERE YOU WORSHIP DOES NOT HAVE OR STRIVE TO APPOINT ELDERS TO OVERSEE THE MEMBERS (instead, a pastor and board of deacons or hierarchy such as pope, priest, church convention or council runs your church): Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9.

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Article - To Forsake Christ’s Church is to Forsake Christ (part 1)

Some studies indicate over 70% of high school graduates no longer attend or participate with a church (www.liifeway.com/Article/LifeWay-Research-finds-reasons-18-to-22-year-olds-drop-out-of-church). Reasons range from “not liking church” to “getting out of the habit” to “having friends who do not share the same social or moral doctrines of the church” to “members being too judgmental/hypocritical”, etc. When asked about their salvation, many youth (and adults) think they can remain saved without attending any worship assemblies so long as they maintain a “personal” relationship with God. It is not uncommon to hear the youth say “It is not about a religion, but a relationship with Jesus”. However, such thinking is contrary to God’s thinking contained in His word (Isaiah 55:8-9)! God’s word teaches that salvation is “located” in Jesus and His cleansing blood (John 14:6; Acts 4:10-12; Revelation 1:5). Spiritually speaking, in order to obtain and maintain salvation one must get into and stay in the cleansing blood of Jesus (John 6:53-56; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 John 1:5-10). Upon hearing the gospel (Ephesians 1:13), believing that Jesus is the Son of God (John 3:16), repenting of sins (Acts 3:19), confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and being immersed for the purpose of having one’s sins remitted, a precious soul gets “into” Christ, hence into His cleansing blood (Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27). In order to maintain salvation in Christ, one must continue to remain faithful to Him (Luke 6:46; Philippians 2:10; Revelation 2:10). God’s word further teaches that only the saved are “located” in the church of Christ - NOT outside (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 15:24; Ephesians 5:25-27; Colossians 1:13-14). Acts 20:28 states that Jesus purchased the church “with His own blood”. The church consists of individual members, whether male or female, who have obeyed the gospel and are doing his or her share to cause growth of the body/church (Acts 8:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:11-16).

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