Author: Art Davison

THE DOCTRINE OF MISSIONS–MEMORY VERSE: ACTS 1:8

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THE DOCTRINE OF MISSIONS
MEMORY VERSE: ACTS 1:8

I. WHY WE BELIEVE IN MISSIONS!

1. Because the Great Commission commands 1:8

2. Because all men are lost without Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12
3. Because Christ is the only way of salvation. John 5:24,25; Rom. 10:13-15
4. Because of the destiny of the unsaved. John 3:18,36; Rev. 20:15; Luke 16:19-23
5. Because missions bring glory to God.

a. It displays His saving power.
b. It displays His mercy and grace.
c. Saved people praise and worship Him.

II. WHAT IS COMMANDED IN THE GREAT COMMISSION?

1. That the gospel be taught and preached to all nations. Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15
2. Those who believe the gospel are to be scripturally baptized. Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:41
3. Churches must be organized so that they can carry out the great commission.

NOTE: Churches on the mission field should be indigenous. To be truly “indigenous” there must be three things:

(1) They must be self supporting. (Not dependent on mission dollars for building, pastor or expenses).

(2) They must be self governing. (Not run or controlled by missionaries or any other authority, except that of God).
(3) They must be self propagating. (That is that they are reproducing themselves and carrying out the great commission).

4. The converts are to be taught the “all things” of God. Matt. 28:20

You cannot omit any one of the above and be obedient to the great commission. The social gospel as practiced by institutional missions, is not really missions. Those who merely educate, practice medicine, raise the living standard, etc., are not doing Scriptural mission work.

III. WHO IS COMMANDED TO CARRY OUT THE GREAT COMMISSION?

1. It was not given to the apostles. They had no successors, therefore if it was given to them, when they died, it died.

2. It was not given to a convention, association or mission board, for none of them existed at that time.
3. It was not given to individuals. It should be evident to anyone that while all may carry the gospel, they would not be qualified to baptize and teach all things.
4. It was given to the local Church (the only kind there is). The apostles of Matt. 28:16 were first in the Church. I Cor. 12:28

a. Jesus promised the Church perpetuity, so she will be on earth as long as there is a need.  Matt. 16:18
b. The local Church has the authority to baptize.
c. The local Church has the means of “teaching all things.”
d. We have the example of Acts 13:1-4 to guide us.

IV. HOW ARE MISSIONARIES CALLED AND SENT?

1. They are chosen by the Holy Spirit out of a Scriptural Bible teaching Church. Acts 13:1-4
2. They are sent forth by the Holy Spirit and the Church. Acts 13:3,4
3. They are supported by the home Church and other churches who desire to take part in this ministry.  Phil. 4:10-17
4. The missionary reports back to the local Church. Acts 14:27

V. WHERE DOES THE INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN FIT IN TO MISSIONS?

1. By being a faithful member of a Scriptural missionary minded Church. Every Christian should be a part of one.
2. By witnessing daily for Christ. Remember the field is the world.
3. By going in person as a missionary, if God calls.
4. By going in prayer for missionaries and their needs.
5. By going in your wallet or purse, and thus give regularly, systematically, and sacrificially to missions!

THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE IN THE NEW CREATION–MEMORY VERSE JOHN 3:3

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THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE IN THE NEW CREATION
MEMORY VERSE JOHN 3:3

Articles VIII through XII are all definitely related, since they all deal with some aspect of salvation. In our last lesson we studied about “The Atonement For Sin.” Without the atonement by the blood of Jesus Christ, the new birth or new creation would not be possible. We will find a similar relation between the other articles on salvation.

I. THE NECESSITY OF THE NEW BIRTH.

“We believe (a) that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again.”

1. This doctrine was taught to a religious man. John 3:1-3

2. Many religious people are like Nicodemus–ignorant of the new birth. John 3:4
3. Without the new birth a person cannot see or enter the Kingdom of God.John 3:3-5

 II. THE RESULTS OF THE NEW BIRTH.
“We believe. . . [b] that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus.”

1. Being born again, we are in Christ.(b) II Cor. 5:17
2. Being in Christ, we are new creatures.

a. “Creature…from create…]. that which is created anything created, animate or inanimate.” Webster

b. In the Scripture “Create, Creation, Creator and Creature” all come from the same Greek word. In N.T. only God creates. It is used both of natural and spiritual creation. See Eph. 2:10,15; 4:24; Col. 3:10; Gal. 6:15 and 11 Cor. 5:17.

3. Being in Christ marvelous changes are wrought. Note the “old things” and the “new”. (b)-1 II Cor. 5:17.

III. THE SUDDENNESS OF THE NEW BIRTH.

(c)….”it is instantaneous and not a process.”

1. A sinner may have heard the gospel once or many times, before believing and being saved.
2. It is not through a process of works, but through believing the message as God speaks to the heart. See all of the Scriptures under (c). Luke 5:27,28; I John 5:1; John 3:6,7; Acts 2:41 and Acts 16:30-33.

IV. THE BLESSINGS OF THE NEW BIRTH.

1. The spiritually dead, receive life.(d)-3 Eph. 2:1; (d)-5 Col. 2:13
2. Trespasses and sins forgiven. (d)-1 II Pet. 1:4; (d)-4 II Cor. 5:19; (d)-5 Col. 2:13
3. Eternal life received as a gift.(d)-2 Rom. 6:23
4. Made partakers of the divine nature.(d)-1 II Pet. 1:4

V. THE MYSTERY OF THE NEW BIRTH


1. The new birth not produced by culture, character, baptism, church membership, keeping of the law, nor by the will of man.
2. The new birth cannot be explained by human wisdom. (e)-1 John 3:8
3. The new birth brought about by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth. (e)-2 John 1:12,13

 VI. THE EVIDENCE OF THE NEW BIRTH.

CONTINUED

THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION–MEMORY VERSE: ROM. 5:1

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THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION
MEMORY VERSE: ROM. 5:1
Job recognized the universal need of justification. Job 9:2; 25:4

I. THE MEANING OF JUSTIFICATION.


1. It DOES NOT mean making righteous or imparting of righteousness.

2. By justification we mean that act of God by which, on account of Christ, to whom the sinner is united by faith, He declares that sinner to be no longer under condemnation, but to have a standing of righteousness before Him.

3. The Scriptures teach that justify or justification means to “declare righteous” and “free from guilt and punishment.” Ex. 23:7; Deut. 25:1; Psa. 143:2; Prov. 17:15; Isa. 5:22,23; 53:11

II. THE SCOPE OF JUSTIFICATION.

Justification begins with the present and extends to the past and the future, dealing with the sin and guilt of both and establishes him as eternally righteous before God.

1. It involves the remission of sins, including the removal of their guilt and penalty. Acts 13:38,39, Rom. 8:1,33,34; Num. 23:21
2. The reckoning of Christ’s righteousness and the restoration of God’s favor. II Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9; James 2:23; Rom. 3:20-24

III. THE METHOD OF JUSTIFICATION.

We cannot be justified by our moral character or by the works of the Law. Luke 16:15; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 2:16; 5:4

1. It is a judicial act of God. Rom. 8:33

2. It is caused by His grace. Rom. 3:24. “Freely” is the Greek “DOREAN” and is translated “Without a cause” in John 15:25 and in other places.

3. It was made possible by His meritorious substitutionary death. Rom. 5:9; 3:24

4. It is manifestly declared in His resurrection. Rom. 4:25. Notice “for our” used twice in this verse and means “because of”. His resurrection is God’s seal and guarantee that Christ’s death settled the sin question and accomplished our justification.

5. Justification is mediately by faith. Rom. 5:1; 4:5; 3:23-26. Faith is not the cause of justification, nor can it be regarded as its ground or basis. It is only a mediating function through which justification is received. It is a prerequisite, but not the cause of justification.

6. Justification is evidenced by works. James 2:14,24. Here there is a contrast between a say so or dead faith and true saving faith.

IV. THE RESULTS OF JUSTIFICATION.

1. Freedom from condemnation. Rom. 8:1,33,34
2. Peace with God. Rom. 5:1
3. Assurance and realization of future glorification. Titus 3:7; Rom. 8:30

THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS 2–PSALM 68:17; MARK 13:32

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THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS 2
PSALM 68:17; MARK 13:32
Introduction:
Angel – (Greek) – a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God.

The mythologies of nearly all the ancient nations speak of such beings as angels. In the Bible the angels of God are mentioned from Genesis to Revelations. They are mentioned 108 times in the Old Testament and 165 times in the New Testament.
I. ANGELS ARE ESTABLISHED BY THE TEACHING OF THE WORD OF GOD.

A. In the Old Testament.

1. Here they are mentioned as being great in number, Psalm 68:17 “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.”

2. Here they are mentioned as being great in strength, Psalm 103:20, “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.”

B. In the New Testament,

1. Here the angels are ministering to the Lord Jesus, Matthew 4:11, “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. God does not share all of His knowledge with them.”

2. Here it is noted that the Lord does not share all of His knowledge with the angels, Mark 13:32, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”

II. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ANGELS
A. They are created beings, Psalm 148:2, 5, “Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 5-Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.”
1. When were they created? The Bible does not tell us this.

2. How were they created? “for he commanded, and they were created.”

B. They are spirit beings, Hebrews 1:13-14, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

“Angels in their ordinary form of being are spirits without physical bodies. This does not, however, deny the possibility of their materialization.” (E. H. Bancroft)

C. Angels are personal beings to whom personal characteristics are ascribed; they are intelligent, voluntary, active and therefore personal agents, 2 Samuel 14:20.

D. Angels do not marry, Matthew 22:30, “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.”

E. Angels do not die, Luke 20:35-36.

F. Angels are swift beings, Matthew 26:53.

G. Angels are powerful beings.

1. They have superhuman power, Psalm 103:20.

2. They have delegated power, that is, they are not almighty, but the power that God gives them to accomplish His will, 2 Thessalonians 1:7.

H. Angels are glorious beings, Luke 9:26.

I. Angels are numerous beings, Revelation 5:11.

III. THE MORAL NATURE OF ANGELS.

A. All angels are created holy.

1. God’s character would not allow otherwise, Genesis 18:25.

2. God’s creative work demonstrates the fact, Genesis 1:21.

3. God’s record of their sin demonstrates the fact, Jude 6.

B. Many angels are obedient and confirmed in goodness, Matthew 25:31.

C. Many angels are disobedient and confirmed in wickedness, 2 Peter 2:4.

IV. WHAT DO ANGELS DO OR HOW ARE THEY EMPLOYED?

The Greek word “angelos” means “one sent,” “a messenger.” Holy angels then are God’s servants or messengers. They do His will in many ways.

A. Good angels…

1. Are involved in the direct worship of God, Matthew 18:10, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” See also Psalm 99:1; Isaiah 6:2; Daniel 7:10.

2. Rejoice in God’s work, Luke 15:10.

3. Execute God’s will, Psalm 103:20.

4. Guide and guard believers, Psalm 91:11; Acts 8:26.

5. Minister to God’s people, Hebrews 1:14.

6. Will accompany Christ at His return, Matthew 25:31.

a. They will aid in the separation of the righteous from the wicked, Matthew 13:49,

b. They will aid in the punishment of the wicked, 2 Thessalonians 1: 7-8.

B. Evil Angels…
1. Oppose God’s purposes, Zechariah 3:1, See also Daniel 10:10-14.

2. Afflict God’s people, 2 Corinthians 12:7.

3. Execute Satan’s purposes, Ephesians 6:11-12.

THE DOCTRINE OF MAN–PART 2 – THE FALL–GENESIS 3:1-24

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THE DOCTRINE OF MAN
PART 2 – THE FALL–GENESIS 3:1-24
Introduction:
The story of the fall of man begins in the garden when God gave Adam and Eve a law to regulate their lives. They were free to eat of all of the trees of the garden except one, Genesis 2:17, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”Satan, in the form of a serpent, began his work of deception on Eve.
I. TEMPTATION, 3:1-6.
A. The Tempter
1. God is not the author of sin, James 1:13, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”
2. Satan fell into sin before his work in Genesis 3, Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-18.
3. Satan came to Eve as a deceiver, 2 Corinthians 11:3, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
4. In Genesis 4, he is the liar that murders, John 8:44, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
B. The Target
1. Satan aims at Eve’s mind, 2 Corinthians 11:1-3, “Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2-For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3-But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” See also 1 Timothy 2:9-15.
2. Man’s mind is a part of his being created in God’s image, Colossians 3:9-10, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10-And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”
3. Satan lied to Eve being the father of lies, John 8:44, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
C. The Tactic
“As long as the mind holds to God’s truth, Satan cannot win; but once the mind doubts God’s Word, there is room for the devil’s lies to move in.” — Warren W. Wiersbe
1. Satan questioned God’s Word, v. 1.
2. He denied God’s Word, v. 4.
3. He substituted his own lies, v. 5.
a. Satan suggested that God was “holding out on them,” v. 5.
b. When we question God’s goodness and love we are playing right into Satan’s hands.
c. Satan makes an offer, “ye shall be as gods…” Satan greatest desire, v. 5; Isaiah 14:14, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Matthew 4:8, “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;”
D. The Tragedy
1. Eve gave place to the devil, Ephesians 4:27, “Neither give place to the devil.”
2. Eve took away from God’s Word by omitting “freely,” v. 2.
3. She added to God’s Word — “touch it,” v. 3.
4. She changed God’s Word by adding, “lest ye die” instead of “you shall surely die,” v. 3.
5. Here we see the tragic operation lust:
a. The lust of the eyes, “pleasant to the eyes.”
b. The pride of life, “desirable to make one wise.”
“It is difficult to sin alone. Something in us makes us want to share the sin with others. Adam deliberately sinned and plunged the world into judgment,” 1 Timothy 2:14, “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”
II. THE CONDEMNATION, 3:7-19.
A. Internal, vs. 7-13.
1. The loss of innocence, v. 7, “And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.”
2. The sense of guilt became known, James 2:10, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
a. God had given only one law, Genesis 2:17, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
b. Adam and Eve were guilty before God.
3. Loss of a desire for fellowship with God, v. 8.
a. They hid from God for fear of Him, vs. 9-10.
b. Fear had taken the place of fellowship.
B. External, vs. 14-19.
1. The woman’s judgment involved difficulty in childbearing.
2. The man’s judgment had to do with his work:
a. Paradise would be replaced with wilderness.
b. The joy work in the garden was replaced with sweat and toil.
c. God’s penalty was not work because work is not sinful, Genesis 2:15, “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
C. Eternal, v. 15.
1. The woman’s seed (Christ) would ultimately defeat Satan, Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5-To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
2. Satan and his seed would oppose God and His family. God Himself put enmity (hostility) between them.
3. God will climax the war when He cast Satan into hell, Revelation 20:10, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
III. SALVATION, 3:20-24.
A. Adam heard and believed the gospel preached in Genesis 3:15 and was saved.
1. Although Adam trusted the Lord and was saved, God did not change the physical aspects of sin. Adam did die when he was 930 years old.
2. However, because Adam believed God, the Lord did remit the eternal consequences of sin – hell.
a. God killed an animal or two – typical of the shed blood of Christ, v. 21.
b. He made coats of skin to cover their nakedness, Isaiah 61:10, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” See also Zechariah 3 about garments as a picture of salvation.
B. Adam called his wife Eve, i.e., “lifegiver” proving that He had believed what God said, Genesis 3:15; Matthew 1:23, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”