SCROLL DOWN

Your spiritual Path Begins Here Faith and Religion

A Bible Study Resource

All Scripture is from KJV King James Version Bible

God Has a plan for you

Bible Study Resource

The following topics are presented on this page: Page or SCROLL DOWN to READ

God and man

The Bible

Two Testaments-Two Covenants

New Testament- Our Authority Today

The Bible-The Truth

Concerning Religion

Concerning Salvation

Sin-man's problem

Love-God's Solution

God's Gift Man Must Receive

Response to Jesus' Words

Facts About Repentance

Facts About Confession

Facts About Baptism

How Important is Baptism

Obey the Gospel

in Christ

After Baptism-Then What

Under Which Covenant Are We Bound

What About the Thief on the Cross

When Does One Become a Sinner

Have Miracles Ceased

Can a Person Once Saved Fall

Can Man Worship God With Instruments Of Music

What is the Church of Christ

God and man

1. “In the Beginning God “ (Genesis 1:1)

In the beginning God was; today He is; and when time is no more, He will ever be.

2: But What of Man? – “ God Created man…” (Gen. 1:27) “…of the dust

of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man

became a living soul. ” (Gen. 2:7)

3; Why did God create man? “for His Glory” (Isaiah 43:7)

“for His Pleasure” (Revelation 4:11)

God created man with the freedom to choose to obey or disobey.

In the beginning, God spoke directly to man and told him what would please Him.

(Gen. 2:16,17)

4. Today God also Tells man what pleases him.

“But without Faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh

to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them

that diligently seek HIM. ” (Hebrews 11:6)

5. Where can man find this faith?

“So then Faith cometh by hearing; and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17)

The Bible

It’s Origin “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is

profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for

Instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be

Perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all Good Works” (11 Timothy 3:16,17)

How Did God Reveal Scripture to us?

“holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (11 Peter 1:21)

“God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit’ (1 Corinthians 2:9,10)

Who did God use as His Spokesmen?

“God, who spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last

days spoken unto us by His Son’ (Hebrews 1:1,2)

1. Fathers – God spoke directly to Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc.

2. Prophets – God spoke to the people through Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah,

Daniel, Jonah, Amos, etc. and they wrote down what God said in the Old Testament.

3. His Son – God speaks to us today by His Son through the Holy Spirit,

which was sent to guide the writers of the New Testament.

Do YOU Believe the Bible is the Word of God?

Two Testaments-Two Covenants

God has made more than one covenant with man.

1. The First Covenant was given to Israel through Moses

(Exodus 34: 27,28)

2. A New covenant was prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

(Hebrews 8:8-12)

3. God’s Son came to “take away the first that he may establish the second”

(Hebrews 10:9)

4. Today man is under the New Testament (11Cor. 3:6)—the Law of Christ (Gal. 6:2)

The value of the Old Testament today?

Rom. 15:4 – “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were

written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort

of the scriptures might have hope.”

We Learn from God’s dealings with the people of the Old Testament

that God always says what He means and means what

He says (Gen. 2:17)

1 Corinthians 10:6 – “..these things were our examples..”

We Learn that God blesses those who obey.

1 Corinthians 10:11 – “ these things are written for our admonition”

We learn that God punishes those who disobey.

We are bound today under the new covenant.

New Testament – Our Authority Today

God “hath committed all judgement unto the Son.” (John 5:22)

Jesus said, “ All power (authority) hath been given unto me in

Heaven and on earth.” (Matt. 28:18)

Christ

Jesus warned, “ the Word that I have spoken, the same will

judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)

Spirit

Jesus told his apostles, “ (the Holy Spirit} shall teach you

all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

(John 14:26)

Apostles

The Apostles said,”(JESUS) commanded us to preach unto

The people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God

To be the judge of the quick and the dead.” (Acts 10:42)

New Testament

John, an apostle, wrote, “that which we have seen and

heard declare we unto you.. and these things write

we unto you.” (1 John 1:3,4)

Man

Man “shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ every

one shall give account of himself to God.” (Rom.14:10-12)

The New Testament contains everything we need to know today.

11 Peter 1:3 – God “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life

and godliness.”

John 20:31 – “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus

is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing ye might have life

through his name

The Bible – The Truth

God warns against changing his word.

Rev. 22:18,19 – “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life.”

Gal. 1:8 – “But though we (Apostles), or an angel from heaven (or any man, vs.9) preach any other gospel unto you than that we have preached unto you, let him be accursed”

Result of following anything other than the word of God

Matt. 15:3,9 – “Why do ye also transgress the command of God by your tradition? …in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

Therefore, we should accept the Bible as the only source of truth.

Acts 17:11 – They “Searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

1 Thess. 2:13 – “when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in Truth, the Word of God”

John 8:32 – “And ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.”

The Truth

1. How many different Religions are in this area?

Have you ever wondered where all these churches came from?

Is this confusing to you?

Did God cause all this confusion? (See 1 Cor. 14:33)

2. How many churches did Jesus Promise to Build ? (Matt. 16:18)

A: Why is it “HIS” church? Jesus Purchased the church with his own

Blood. (Acts 20:28)

B: What is the Church? A building or a group of people?

“Now ye Christians are the Body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:27)

C: The Church (Greek word Ecclesia) is a “called out” Body of people

(1 Peter 2:9)

D What does the Bible say the body is? (Eph. 1:22,23)

E. How many bodies does the Bible say there are? (Eph.4:4)

F. Therefore, how many churches does the Bible speak of?

G. How many Bodies (churches) is Christ the Head of? (Eph 5:23)

3. Where did all the denominations (divisions or part of the whole) come

from? God or Man?

A: Acts 20:30 – ‘of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse (

different from the Truth) things, to draw away disciples after them.”

B: 1 Tim. 4:1 – “some shall depart from the faith”

C: 11 Tim. 4:3,4 – “For the time will come when they will not endure

sound doctrine but after their own lusts..shall turn away their ears from the Truth..”

4: Is Church Division (denominations) approved by God?

A: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no

divisions (denominations) among you, but that ye be perfectly

Joined together in the same mind and in the same Judgment

(1 Cor. 1:10)

5: Jesus wanted all his disciples to be one.

A: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall

believe on me through their words; that they all may be one..

That the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

(John 17:20,21)

How can all Disciples (followers) of Christ be One?

1. By “not giving heed to commandments of men, that turn from

the Truth.” (Titus 1:14)

2: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain

deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (basic

principles) of the world, and not after Christ” (Col. 2:8)

3: See (1 Cor. 1:10) above – All use the same source of Truth

(John 17:17)

4. The Word of God tells us about the one church.

A: Do you agree that Jesus has only one church?

B: Should we be members of that one church?

1. In the Beginning (Genesis 2:16,17)

God gave man a choice -

To Obey or To Disobey

God told man the consequences - LIFE (Fellowship with God)

death (Separation from God)

2. When man chose to disobey he was separated from God (Gen.3:22-24)

(Isa. 59:2) – “Your iniquities have

separated you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you

that he will not hear

James 1:15 – “sin bringeth forth death”

Man’s Condition-Bad News

Rom. 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death…” Death Penalty

James 2:10 – “offend in one point…guilty of all.” Guilty

Eph. 2:12 – “without Christ…having no Hope.” Lost

Rom. 8:7 – “the carnal mind is enmity against God.” Enemies

Isa. 59:2 - “separated between you and your God” Separated

1 Cor. 6:9 – “unrighteous shall not inherit.” Unrighteous

Concerning Salvation

1. God had a plan

Eph. 1:9,10 – God purposed “that in the dispensation of the fullness

of times He will gather together in one all things in Christ.”

2. God’s plan of reconciliation (making friends again) with man

11 Cor. 5:19 – “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself."

God ____CHRIST____man

Rom. 5:10 – “we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son.”

Good News-God’s Remedy

Penalty Paid Rom. 5:8 – “Christ died for us.”

Innocent Rom. 5:9 – “Justified (just-if-I’ed never sinned) by His blood”

Saved Rom.5:9 – “saved from wrath through Him.”

Reconciled Rom. 5:10 – “Reconciled (made friends again) by His death”

Together Rom. 5:11 –“received the atonement (at one with God)

Righteous Rom. 5:19 – “ by the obedience of (Christ) many made righteous.”

Sin – man’s Problem

1. “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)

2. What is sin?

“All unrighteousness is sin” (1 John 5:17; See Rom. 1:29-32)

(Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10)

Rom. 14:23 – “whatsoever is not of faith is sin”

James 4;17 – “to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

1 John 3:4 – “sin is the transgression of the law.”

3. The Problem

Man tries to solve the problem with:

man's logic ,

good deeds,

good morals,

being religious.

The way of man is not in himself. To direct his steps.

(Jer. 10:23 see Isa. 55:8,9)

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom.3:23) (Luke 18:11-14)

4. The Penalty:

Matt. 25:41,46 – “Depart from me. into everlasting fire prepared for

the devil and his angels…And these shall go away into everlasting punishment.”

Love-God’s Solution

1. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23)

A “gift” is unearned, undeserved, not owed, awarded out of Love.

2. The Cost – “God so loved the world that he gave his only

begotten son” (John 3:16)

Lev. 17:11 – “it is the blood that maketh atonement (at one with God)

for the Soul.”

Hebrews 9:22 – “without shedding of blood is no remission.”

“God commendeth (showed) His love toward us in that Christ

died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)

3. Jesus paid the price we could never pay.

1 John 2:2 – “He is the propitiation

(payment) for our sins. GOD -CHRIST -man

1 Peter 2:24 – “Who his own self bare

our sins in his own body on the tree. (Cross)

4. Why the blood of Christ?

A: The blood of animals could not take away sins (Heb.10:4,5)

B: The blood of a sinful, guilty person cannot pay the price of

another’s sins. (Ex. If two murderers are condemned to die, one cannot

die in the place of the other.

Both are guilty, both condemned, both must pay, both must die.)

C: “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that

he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh.”

(1 Peter 3:18)

God’s Gift-- man Must Receive

“I am the Way, the truth and the life, no man cometh to the

Father but by me” (John 14:6) The Word that I have spoken, the same shall

judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)

Jesus’ Words

Hear “he that heareth my word and believeth on Him that sent me,

hath everlasting life.” + must do more than just hear

(John 5:24) (Matt.7:24)

Believe “if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins.”

(John 8:24) +must do more than just believe (James 2:19; John 12:42)

Repent “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

+ must do more than just repent (Acts 2:38)

(Luke 13:3)

Confess Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also

before my Father which is in heaven.

+ must do more than just confess (Rom. 10:9,10)

(Matt. 10:32)

Baptized “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”

+ must do more than just be baptized (Acts 8:37,38)

(Mark 16:16)

(Rev. 2;10) “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of

life.”

Response to Jesus ‘ Words

Jesus told his apostles, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel (death, burial, resurrection) – (1 Cor. 15:1-4) to every creature. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. He that believeth not shall be damned.”

(Mark 16:15,16)

What was the Result when the apostles did as Jesus commanded them?

Jews on Pentecost “Heard (the gospel) were pricked in their heart (believed), and

said…what shall we do? Then Peter said “repent and be

baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the

remission of sins…they that gladly received his word were

baptized…the same day…and the Lord added to the church

daily such as should be saved.”

(Acts 2:37-47)

Samaritans “Philip preached Christ (Gospel) unto them…when they believed Philip’s preaching the things concerning the kingdom

of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,

both men and women.”

(Acts 8:5-12)

Eunuch Philip preached Christ (Gospel)..the eunuch said, See here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized, and Philip said, If Thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. He said (Confessed), “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” -They

went down both into the water and he baptized him. He went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:35-39)

Note the response of these people to the preaching of the gospel:

Heard- Believed- Repented-Confessed- Were Baptized- Saved

Facts about Repentance

1. To Repent is to “be converted (changed – Acts 3: 19) For example

A: Acts 8:27 – “eunuch had to come to Jerusalem for to worship.”

(Here was a man who had come to change his religion)

B: Acts 9:6 – “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do”?

(As soon as Paul realized it was Jesus, he changed his mind about him)

C: Acts 16:33 – Jailer had them beaten, then “washed their stripes.”

(Here was a man who changed his actions)

D: Acts 19:18,19 – The change in these people caused them to destroy

possessions that were of evil influence.

2. Notice how long it took these people to repent.

A: Acts 2:38,41 – Jews on Pentecost obeyed the commands the same day.

B: Acts 16:33 – Jailer changed “the same hour of the night”

3; To Repent is to make a commitment (Rom.12:1,2; 1 Peter 4:1,2)

A: To change your way of life (not live like people of the world)

B: To change your way of thinking (“renewing your mind” with God’s

Word as guide)

C: To change from living for self to living for the Lord.

Facts about Confession

1. Not “confessing sins” – it is confessing “Jesus Christ is Lord”

(Phil. 2:11)

2. Not “praying through”; not praying for forgiveness of sins.

Prayer for forgiveness reserved for child of God

(1 John 1;9; 1 Peter 3:12)

3. Saying: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37;

1 John 4:15)

4. Showing by my life (“before men” – Matt. 10:32) that I am following

Him (Luke 9:23)

Facts about Baptism

1. Baptism is a Burial in Water.

A: Acts 8:38 – “and they went down both into the water and he baptized him.”

B: Rom.6:4 - “we are buried with him by baptism into death” (Col.2:12)

2. Salvation always came after baptism.

A: Mark 16:15 – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”

B: Acts 2:38 - “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.”

C: Acts 22:16 – “arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins.”

3; Those Baptized were adults.

A: Acts 8:37 – “If thou believest thou mayest and he answered and said”

(person had to believe; person had to confess with his mouth) (Romans 10:9)

B: Can a baby hear and understand the gospel? Believe? Repent? Speak?

1. Those converted were baptized immediately.

A: Acts 2:41 - “They that gladly received his word were baptized the

same day”

B: Acts 16:33 – “the same hour of the night …were baptized.”

2. Further teaching came after Baptism.

A: Jesus said, “Go ..teach… baptizing …teaching them to observe”

(Matt. 28:19,20)

B: Acts 2:41-47 – “were baptized and they continued steadfastly in

The apostles’ doctrine (teaching) and fellowship, and in braking of

bread, and in prayers and the Lord added to the church daily such as

should be saved.”

How Important is Baptism

Baptism and the Cross of Christ can not be Separated

If the Lord’s Supper (Communion) is separated from the Cross it has no meaning. (Lord’s Supper = Body and Blood of Christ shed on the Cross

(Matt. 26:26-28)

If baptism is separated from the Cross it has no meaning.

(Baptism= Death + Burial + Resurrection of Christ – Rom. 6:3,4)

Rom. 6:3,4 – “Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Baptism and the blood can not be separated

Baptism gives access to His blood which he shed “baptized into----HIS death”

In His death on the cross. (Romans 6:3)

Benefit of His Blood----------------Received by Me When?

Matt,26:28 – Remission of sins baptized for “remission of sins” (Acts 2:38)

Heb. 9:14 – Cleans conscience baptism is “answer of clear conscience" (1 Pet. 3:21)

Rev. 1:5 – Washes away sins baptized and “wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16)

Therefore Baptism and Salvation Can Not Be Separated.

Obey the Gospel

Thess. 1:7,8 – “Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

What is the Gospel?

A. Christ died for our sins. (1 Cor. 15:1-4)

B. Christ was buried.

C. Christ rose again. (1 Thess.4:14) Good News

The Gospel is the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ

How can I obey the Gospel?

In baptism, we experience the death, burial and resurrection

We are, therefore, “born again” (John 3:3)

11 Cor. 5:17 –“ Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new..”

Have you “obeyed that form of doctrine (teaching) (Death+ Burial+ Resurrection)” ?

(Rom. 6: 17)

Are You in Christ?

In Christ

“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them…For he (God) hath made Him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God IN HIM” (11 Cor. 5:17-21)

The Bible tells us only one way to get into Christ.

Rom. 6:3 – “so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ.”

Gal. 3:27 – “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

11 Cor. 5:17 – “New Creature”

Eph. 1:3 - “All spiritual blessings”

Eph. 1:7 - “Redemption’

Eph. 1.11 - “Inheritance”

Eph. 2:16 - “Reconciliation”

Phil. 2:1 - “Comfort”

Col. 1:14 - “Forgiveness”

1 Thes. 1:3 - “Hope”

11 Tim. 2:10 – “Salvation” (Eph. 5:23)

1 Tim. 1:14 - “Faith and Love”

Rom. 8:1 - “No condemnation”

Rev. 14:13 - “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord”

After Baptism Then What

1. You are a new creature (11 Cor. 5:17) Born Again.

A: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word.”

(1 Peter 2:2)

B: Lay aside “all malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, evil speaking

(1 Pet. 2:1)

C. Grow in “faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience,

godliness, brotherly kindness, charity (Love)” (11 Peter 1:5-7)

2. Study (11 Tim. 2:15)

A: “be ready to give an answer of the hope that is in you.”

(1 Pet. 3:15)

B: That you may “be able to teach others also” (11 Tim. 2:2)

3. Love one another (John 13:34)

4. Do good works (Matt.5:16; Eph. 2:10; Gal. 6:10)

5. Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10)

6. When a Christian sins—

A: He has “an advocate (go-between) with the Father-Jesus Christ.”

(1 John 2:1)

B: He must confess—

If we (Christians) confess our sins, he is faithful and just

to forgive our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)

Who has this privilege?

A. Those who have access to the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7) that cleanses.

B. Those who have access to God by being in Christ (Eph. 2:18; 3:12)

C: He must repent and pray (Acts 8:22)

D: A Christian can have confidence in prayer (1 John 5:14,15)

7. Assemble with Christians (Hebrews 10:25)

A: When? “upon the first day of the week the disciples came together”

(Acts 20:7)

B: Why? John 4:24 – to worship God “in Spirit and in Truth’

1) Preaching and teaching (Acts 20:7; 2:42 – “Apostles’ doctrine”

2) Communion (11 Cor. 10:16,17; 11:23-29; Matt. 26:26-29)

3) Prayer (1 Cor. 14:15; 1 Thess. 5:17)

4) Singing praises (1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)

5) Collection (1 Cor. 16:1,2; 11 Cor. 9:6-7)

Note: Worship that is not “in spirit and in truth" is vain worship

(Matt. 15:8-9)

Where? Or with whom?

With those of “like precious faith” (11 Pet. 1:1)

1. A Church whose head is Christ (Eph. 1:22)

2. A Church whose members are called:

Christians (Acts 11:26 Saints (Phil. 1:1)

Priests (1 Pet. 2:5,9) Sons of God ((1 John 3:1,2)

3: A Church that glorifies the name of its owner, designer, builder

(Matt. 16:18)

A: Church of God 1 Cor. 1:2; Acts 20:23

B.: Body of Christ Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:23

C: Bride of Christ Rom. 7:4; Rev. 21:9

D: Household of God 1 Tim. 3:15

E. Churches of Christ Rom. 16:16

F: The Church (Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:24,25)

Under Which Covenant (Law) Are We Bound Today

OLD (Heb. 8:13)

Given to Israel (1 Kings 8:9)

Given Through Moses (Ex.34:27)

Dedicated by animal blood (Heb.9:18)

Sacrifices temporary (Heb. 10:3)

Not able to purge conscience (Heb.9:9)

Could not take away sins (Heb. 10:11)

Done away (11 Cor. 3:11,14; Col.2:14)

Abolished (11 Cor. 3:13; Eph. 2:14,15)

NEW (Heb. 8:13; 9:15)

To all nations (Matt. 28: 19-20)

Given through Christ (Heb. 9:15)

Dedicated by Christ’s blood (Heb. 9:12)

Sacrifice forever (Heb. 10:12)

Purges conscience (Heb. 9:14)

Took away sin (Heb. 10:12)

Remaineth (11 Cor. 5.11)

Everlasting (Heb. 13:20)

1. Why was the first Covenant Given? (Heb. 9:1; Gal. 3:19,24)

2. Did the old covenant that was taken away include the 10 commandments?

11 Cor. 3:7-15 – “written and engraven in stones is done away ..abolished”

Heb. 9:1-4 – “ordinances of divine service..table of the covenant”

Rom. 7:6-7 – “we are delivered from the law (that said) ..we shall not covet”

Eph. 2:15 – “Having abolished.. the law of commandments…”

3. Are we then not bound to keep the Ten Commandments? (Rom. 8:2)

A: Ten Commandments found in the New Testament

Eph. 4:6 Eph. 6:1 Eph. 4:28

1 Cor. 10:14 1 John 3:15 Col. 3:9

James 5:12 Heb. 13:4 Col.3:5

B: Other references: (Matt. 22:36-40; Rom. 13:8,9)

Jesus said: “A new commandment I give. "that ye love one another”

(John 13:34)

What about the Sabbath Day

1. What about the Sabbath Day commandment?

A: Was a sign between God and Israel only (Ex. 31:16,17) Who? – Israel

B: Was to remember their deliverance from bondage (Duet. 5:15)

C: Gentiles were never under the Law (Rom. 2:14)

--See Acts 15—Note they were not commanded to keep the

Sabbath Day (Saturday).

2: Why do Christians today worship God on the first day (Sunday) of the week?

A: Jesus rose from the dead on the first day. (Mark 16:1-9)

B: First appearance to assembled disciples was on first day (John 20:19)

C: Next appearance during 40 days was on first day (John 20:26)

D: Holy Spirit came upon the apostles on first day (Acts 2)

E: First Gospel sermon was preached on first day (Acts 2)

F: Disciples assembled on first day to break bread (Acts 20:7)

G: Collection was taken on first day of week (1 Cor. 16:2)

H: John, an apostle, considered one day special-

“The Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10)

3: Under the new covenant there was an imposing list of new things:

New Name (Isa.62:2; Acts 4:12; 11:26)

New Institution (Dan. 2:44; Acts 2:47)

New Doctrine – The Gospel (Isa. 2:3; Luke 24:47)

New Commandment – Love (John 13:34)

New Priesthood (Heb. 7:24-28)

New Feast – Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-29)

New Day – Lord’s Day (Rev. 1:10)

4. Warnings

Col. 2:16 – “Let no man therefore , judge you in ..respect of ..the Sabbath days”

Gal. 5:4 – “whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace”

Read 11 Cor. 3:14-16 – Whose mind is blinded? Upon whose heart does the veil remain?

What about the Thief on the Cross

1. Was He Saved?

A: Yes, Jesus told him, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise”

(Luke 23:43)

B: Jesus had all authority including “to forgive sins” while he lived

on this earth and forgave people their sins for various reasons:

(Faith of friends, Mark 2:5-12; Was son of Abraham, Luke 19:7-10)

Person’s own faith, Luke 7:48-50; No reason, John 8:3-11

C: However, no example of pardon before the Lord’s death can be our example today.

2. When Did Jesus Forgive the Thief?

A: Before he, himself died on the cross; therefore, the Old Testament Law

was still in force (Col. 2:14)

B: Before he completed His offering for the sins of the world (Heb. 9:12)

C: Before the Gospel was fact (Death, Burial, Resurrection – 1 Cor. 15:1-4

D: Before Jesus issued the specific terms of pardon relative to his blood

and the cross (Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:18-20)

E: Before the New Testament will went into effect (Heb. 9:16-17)

F: Before the terms of salvation were announced to the world (Acts 2)

3. Conclusions

A: The thief could not have been baptized for the remission of sins

because the blood had not been shed; Christ had not yet

“died for our sins” (Rom. 5:8)

B: The thief could not “obey the gospel” because the death, burial,

and resurrection had not occurred.

C: This is not true for those living this side of the cross

When Does One Become a Sinner

1. Is one “Born in Sin” ?

Psalms 51:5 – “Behold I was brought forth in sin (into a sinful world);

and in iniquity did my mother conceive me.”

---What David inherited from his parents was a weakness of the

flesh toward sin (See Rom. 7:18). He did not inherit their sin.

Ezek. 18:20 – “The soul that sinneth (the soul who disobeys God); it shall die.

The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father.”

---Sin itself is not inherited. Each person comes under the penalty

because of his own actions.

2. When does one become a sinner?

A: When old enough to Know what God’s way is:

James 4:17 – “him that Knoweth to do good and doeth it not”

Rom. 4:17 – “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 10:17)

B. When old enough to commit sin; that is, to lust and yield to the lust.

James 1:15 – “when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin…death”

1 John 3:4 – “Whosoever commiteth sin transgresseth also the law”

C: When old enough to choose between God’s Way and Man’s Way

Rom. 6:16 – “to whom ye yield yourselves ..sin..or…obedience.”

3: What about Children?

Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me. for of such

is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14) “Except ye be converted,

and become as little children (innocent); ye shall not enter

the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 18:3-4)

Have Supernatural Miracles Ceased?

1. Purpose of Miracles – To confirm Truth

A: Moses spoke God’s truth, then confirmed it with signs (Exe. 4:1-9,29,30)

B: Jesus’ miracles were to confirm his divine sonship

(Matt. 11:2-5; John 20:30-31)

C: Apostles given power to perform miracles “to confirm the word”

(Mark 16:17-20)

The Truth has been confirmed – Heb.2:3,4

2. Power to perform miracles – gifts of the Holy Spirit

A: Received by the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5; 2:4; 11:16-18)

1. Holy Spirit baptism was not commanded and was not “for remission of sins”

2. Today there is one baptism (Eph. 4:5) – Water Baptism

1 Pet. 3:20-21)

B: Received by laying on of apostles’ hands; (Acts 8:14-18; 19:1-7)

--1 Cor.12 --lists “gifts of the Spirit”; 1 Cor 13 tells “duration of gifts”

Power has ceased – Apostles all dead—“But when that which is perfect

Is come, then that which is in part (gifts-- vs.9) shall be done away”

(1 Cor. 13:10).

3. Supernatural miracles have ceased.

A: Supernatural miracles in Bible were genuine.

1. Speaking in unknown tongues (unlearned languages)

(Acts 2:4-8; 1 Cor. 14:19)

2. Nature changed (Matt. 8:26; 14:15-21; 17:27; 21:19, Mark 6:48)

3. Sick healed immediately (Matt. 4:24; 8:3; 8:14,15; Acts 5:12,15)

4. Lame and blind made whole (John 9:1-25; Luke 7:22; Matt. 15-31)

5. Dead raised (Lazarus-John 11; Dorcas-Acts 9:36-43; Eutychus-

Acts 20:9-12)

B: Such supernatural miracles do not occur today.

1. When failing to perform ‘miracle,’ ‘healer’ claims afflicted lacks

faith. (See mark 2:3-5—friends had faith; Matt. 17:20-21-healers lacked faith)

2. Beware of false teachers and fake healers (11 Thess. 2:9-12; 1 John 4:1)

That being said, Do miracles still happen? Not in the sense that men are agencies of miracles as were Paul and Peter and Moses. That day has ceased. The need for miracles to authenticate the message of God has passed. But in another sense God's providence does still happen, as God’s children, Christians, call on him through prayer. If prayer means anything it means that God reaches down and helps accomplish the end that some devout Christian has presented to him in prayer. It may be someone who is ill and God causes something to happen so that that person may be well. Or it may be some event that ought not to happen and the Christian’s prayer causes God to keep it from happening. We could not believe in prayer if we did not believe in God's providence. God’s power comes into our world when it fits into his eternal purpose and changes things.

Can a Person Once Saved Fall From Grace ?

1. Warnings against falling are numerous

1 Cor. 10:12 – “let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall”

Gal. 5:1-4 - “be not entangled again…whosoever of you are

justified by the law; ye are fallen from Grace.”

Heb. 3:12 – “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil

heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

Heb. 3:14 – “For we are made partakers of Christ, If we hold…steadfast unto the end.”

Heb. 6:4-6 - “For it is impossible. "if they shall fall away, to renew them again.”

Heb. 10:26 - “If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth.”

Heb. 10:38 – “if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”

James 5:19 – “Brethren if any of you do err from the truth..”

11 Peter 1:10 – “if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

11 Peter 2:20-22 – “For if after they have escaped ,they are again entangled

therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

For it had been better for them not to have known the way than to

turn…the dog is turned to its own vomit again.”

11 Peter 3:17 – “Beware lest ye…fall from your own steadfastness.”

2. Examples of those who did.

A: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), both Christians; were destroyed

by God for lying and trying to the deceive the Church.

B: Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:13-23) “believed and was baptized’

(thus saved, Mark 16:16) yet returned to the “bond of iniquity”

because he tried to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit with money.

Can a man Worship God Acceptably Using Instruments of Music?

1. If he did, it would be without New Testament authority (command or example)

A: God has authorized only singing in the New Testament (1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)

B: The only examples of musical praise in the New Testament are singing.

(Matt. 26:30; Acts 16:25; James 5:13; Rom. 15:9; Heb. 2:12)

2. Historically, musical instruments were not used in Christian

worship until the 6th Century A.D. and then at the cost of a division

between Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholicism. Reformation leaders

John Calvin (Presbyterian), John Wesley (Methodist), and Charles Spurgeon

(Baptist) opposed instrumental music because of its absence in the New Testament.

3. Didn’t God allow musical instruments in the Old Testament?

A: Yes (11 Sam. 6:5; 11 Chron. 7:6; Psalms 98) even commanded it

(11 Chron. 29:25)

B: However, later God pronounced woes upon those who used them

(Amos 5:23; 6:1-5)

C: Remember also: The Old Testament is not our guide (authority) today.

4. Does the New Testament forbid the use of musical instruments?

A: No, but this does not allow us to use them.

B. We are not free to do everything the Lord does not forbid

Example: Using orange juice and cake for the communion

5. Does it really make that much difference how we worship God?

A: Example: In Lev. 10:1-2 the sons of Aaron offered unauthorized

fire before the Lord contrary to His command. Fire went out from the

Lord and devoured them.

They were worshipping God – God had not authorized what they did –

Since God did not authorize it, he did not accept it – and they suffered death

Such stories are examples to us (1 Cor. 10:11)

B: When we worship God as we like, it is called “will worship” (Col. 2:22-23)

C: When we worship God according to the traditions or commandments

of men, Jesus says it is “Vain” (Matt. 15:3,9)

What is the Church of Christ

NAME

Calling ourselves simply “Christians” we are dedicated to Christ and to a restoration of His church, as outlined in the New Testament. The term “Church of Christ” simply designates ownership, rather than being the name of another denomination (a practice condemned in 1 Cor. 1:10-13, we plead for religious unity based upon the teaching of Christ (John 17: 20,21) and the apostles (Eph. 2:20).

Rule of Faith and Practice

The unity of teaching and practice enjoyed is due to our acceptance of Christ as “all authority” (Matt. 28:18). Since faith cometh by hearing and the Word of God (Rom. 10:17) and whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Rom. 14:23), we conclude that anything not authorized by the Word of God is not approved of God. We must therefore exclude any teaching or practice not found in the Word and we must include any found therein (Rev. 22: 18,19) We speak where the Bible Speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent.

Organization

Christ being the head of the church (Eph. 1:22), there are no earthly headquarters anywhere. Each congregation is self-ruled and independent of every other congregation. Officers of each are chosen according to qualifications found in (1 Tim. 3:1-13) and (Titus 1: 5-9) and serve in capacities outlined in 1 Peter 5: 1-4.

Worship

In Worship, we conform to the pattern outlined by Christ (John 4:24) that God is a spirit, and those who worship him must worship him “in spirit and in truth”, spirit being from the heart, truth being according to the authorized in the Word. The church written about in the New Testament engaged in five items of worship:

Preaching (the apostles doctrine, Acts 2:42), eating the Lord’s Supper (“breaking bread”), singing, praying, and giving. We have a specific example of the church coming together to break bread (Acts 20:7) and to take a collection from the members (1 Cor. 16: 1,2) on the first day of the Week (Sunday).

Membership

Those we read about in the New Testament, who obeyed the commands of the Lord which He had outlined to the apostles (Mark 16: 15,16), were added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2: 47). Today Christians have no right to demand anything more or anything less of those wishing to become a child of God than that which we can read in the New Testament.

Mission

Since Jesus sent His disciples out into all the world to share the Good News—Gospel-- (Matt. 28:19,20), we likewise recognize our responsibility to take the message to every creature today that all might have the opportunity to receive the blessings which He made possible by His death at Calvary (Cross).

“Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”