Author: Art Davison

THE DOCTRINE OF MAN–GENESIS 1:26-27

Art Davison BIBLE DOCTRINE 0 Comment
THE DOCTRINE OF MAN
GENESIS 1:26-27
Introduction:

In every normal individual, there is an innate desire to know something one’s ancestry and ancestral history. The study of the creation of man gives us great insight into our nature and purpose here upon the earth. It is interesting to note the difference in the creation of man as compared to the creation of every other creature upon the earth. In this study we will not cover every area of man’s history, but, rather, his creation and God’s purpose in that creation and beyond as the Lord leads.

This is the second part of creation, the creation of man, and the study of our creation helps us to know ourselves.
I. THE CREATION AND ORIGINAL CONDITION OF MAN.

A. Man’s creation, v. 26, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

1. In the first part of Creation, God had said, “Let there be light,” and “Let there be a firmament,” and “Let the earth, or waters, bring forth.”
2. But now the word of command is turned into a word of CONSULTATION.

a. In the former he speaks as one having AUTHORITY.

b. In this second as one having AFFECTION, Proverbs 8:31, “Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.”

3. Man was to be a creature different from all that had been made before him.

a. This was to be the work of the entire Godhead, “Let us make man.”

b. Man was to be dedicated and devoted to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

c. After salvation man is baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

4. Man was created in God’s IMAGE and after His LIKENESS.

a. Two words to express the same things – image and likeness.

1) Man was not made in the likeness of any creature.

2) The “theory” of Evolution is a godless philosophy that cannot be tested and is, therefore, not a theory at all, but a hypothesis (a proposition or principle which is supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a conclusion or inference for proof of the point in question; something not proved, but assumed for the purpose of argument).

b. Man was made in the likeness of his Creator.

(1) However, there is an infinite distance between man and God.

(2) Only Christ is the express image of God’s person, having the same nature, Hebrews 1:3, “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

B. God declared the creation of man, v. 27, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

1. God’s image upon man consists of three things:

a. In the nature and constitution of his soul, Genesis 2:7, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

(1) The soul of man is the part that bears the image of God. It is the personality of the being that identifies him.

(2) The other part of man is his spirit. The spirit of man has fellowship with God for God is a Spirit, Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

b. In his place and authority, Genesis 1:26b, “And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

(1) Man is God’s representative upon this earth.

(2) God has placed man in the position of Governor of the earth.

c. In his purity and rectitude (uprightness of character); God’s image upon man consists in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Colossians 3:10, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”

(1) He was upright, Ecclesiastes 7:29, “Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.”

a. In his created state he habitually conformed to God’s power.

b. “ “ “ “ he readily complied with the will of God without reluctance or resistance.

c. In his created state his affections were all normal, and he had no inordinate appetites or passions.

(2) Thus our first parents were holy and happy having the image of God upon them.

THE DOCTRINE OF MAN CONTINUES WITH THE DOCTRINE OF MAN 2

THE DOCTRINE OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT–MEMORY VERSE: MATT.22:21

Art Davison BIBLE DOCTRINE 0 Comment
THE DOCTRINE OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT
MEMORY VERSE: MATT.22:21  READ: ROM. 13:1-7
I. HUMAN GOVERNMENT IS OF DIVINE ORIGIN.

A. God Himself Approves Of Nations And Civil Government.

1. He promised to make a great nation of Abraham. Gen. 12:2

2. He promised to make a great nation of Ishmael. Gen. 17:20

3. He promised to bless all the nations of the earth through Abraham. Gen. 8:18

B. God’s Word Teaches Nationalism And NOT Internationalism.

1. No Scripture instructs man to set up a world government.

2. It does however, teach about many nations.

3. God stopped man’s early attempt to build a one world government at Babel. Gen. 11:1 -9

4. The Anti-christ will seek to establish a one world government.

C. The Authority Of Civil Government.

1. They have the authority to make laws and enforce them. (a)-1 Rom. 13:1-3; (a)-3 Ex. 18:22

2. The death penalty should be exercised by civil government. Gen. 9:6 8,12, Ex.
21:12. For more information, see Tract # B-320, “Is The Death Penalty Scriptural?”; by E. L. Bynum.

D. The Responsibility Of Civil Government.

1. To provide honest men to rule. (a)-1-2 II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21-22

2. They are to execute judgment speedily and correctly. Ezra 7:26; Eccl. 8:11

E. The Responsibility Of Christian Citizens.

1. Rulers are to be treated with respect. (b)-1 Acts 23:5

2. Taxes are to be paid. Matt. 17:27; (b)-2 Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:6

3. We are to obey laws and rulers. (b)-3-4-5 Titus 3:1; I Pet. 2:13,14; 2:17

4. We are to pray for rulers. I Tim. 2:1-3

II. DIVINE GOVERNMENT IS OF HIGHER ORIGIN.

A. There Are Limits To Civil Government.

1. If obeying man’s law causes us to disobey God, then we are to obey God rather than man. (c)-1-2-3  Acts 5:29 4:19-20; Dan. 3:17-18

2. This does not mean that we can disobey laws that are unjust, unliked, etc., BUT it is to be done only when to obey man would cause us to disobey God.

B. We Have No Right To Limit Divine Government.

1. We are to obey God now. (d)-1-2 Matt. 10:28; 23:10

2. One day all will obey Him. (d)-3-4-5 Rev. 19:16, Phil. 2:10-11; Psa. 72:11

CONCLUSION

THE DOCTRINE OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH–MEMORY VERSE: ACTS 20:21

Art Davison BIBLE DOCTRINE 0 Comment
THE DOCTRINE OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH
MEMORY VERSE: ACTS 20:21

In the last three lessons, we have referred to repentance and faith a number of times and this is as it should be. Repentance and faith are not found here at the last (that is of the articles on salvation), because that they are the least important, nor are they placed here as implying that they happen last in salvation. Our lesson today contains very important truth that is often neglected today!
I. REPENTANCE AND FAITH COMMANDED!

1. It was preached by John the Baptist. Matt. 3:1,2

2. It was preached by Jesus. Matt. 4:17
3. The Church is commanded to preach it. Luke 24:46-48
4. It was preached by the apostles. Acts 3:19; 26:19,20
II. REPENTANCE AND FAITH ARE INSEPARABLE.

(1) Not only are they inseparable graces, but we must be careful and not rank them, or declare that one comes prior to the other. In the Bible when ever they are both spoken of at one time, the order is “repentance and faith”.
(2) The interdependence of repentance and faith can be readily seen when we remember that faith is faith in Christ for salvation from sin.
(3) Saving faith is permeated with repentance and repentance is permeated with faith.
1. It is repentance toward God & faith toward Christ. (a)-1 Acts 20:21
2. Repent and believe the gospel. (b)-1 Mark 1:15. Remember that “faith” and “believing” are very similar.
3. Repent and turn to God. Acts 26:20. (In faith we turn to God).
III. REPENTANCE AND FAITH WROUGHT IN US BY GOD!

This does not mean that God does this apart from changing our mind, heart and will.

1. God gives repentance. Acts 11:18; II Tim. 2:25
2. God leads us to repentance. Rom. 2:4
3. God opens the heart. Acts 16:14
4. God quickens and makes alive. Eph. 2:1
5. Faith comes through the Word of God. Rom. 10:17
IV. THE RESULT OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH.

Notice what our Confession of Faith says: ….”(d) there by, being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy…. “

Repentance consists essentially in a change of heart, mind and will in respect to four things
(1) change of mind in respect to God
(2) in respect to ourselves
(3) in respect to sin and
(4) respecting righteousness.
1. These were convicted and inquiring. (c)-1 Acts 2:37,38. (Pricked, is the Greek word KATANUSSO, and it means to strike or prick violently, to stun).
2. This man was broken, humbled and inquiring. Acts 16:29-31
3. This man was repentant and desired God’s mercy. (d)-2 Luke 18:13
4. A marvelous change is wrought. (d)-5 Isa. 55:6,7
V. REPENTANCE AND FAITH LEAD TO PUBLIC CONFESSION OF CHRIST.

1. Believing and confessing closely linked. Rom. 10:8-14
2. Those who truly believe will confess. Luke 12:8,9 In Heb. 12:2 it is revealed who is the author and finisher of our faith. Also see John 3:36; 5:24.

CONCLUSION

THE COVENANT OF GRACE–ISAIAH 55:1-3

Art Davison THE BOOK OF ISAIAH 0 Comment
THE COVENANT OF GRACE
ISAIAH 55:1-3
Introduction:
The Lord is speaking through Isaiah offering an “everlasting covenant,” not just to Israel, but all mankind as well. In the following verse 1 of this chapter, the Lord appeals to the senses of man saying “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
In verse two He asks some pertinent questions inviting man to listen to God’s argument.
I. INCLINE YOUR EARS

A. The ears to hear God’s Word, Psalm 78:1, “Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.”
B. Incline your heart, Psalm 119:112, “I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.”
II. Come unto me,

A. Come for rest for your soul, Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
B. All that the Father gives will come, John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

1. The Father draws man, John 6:44-45, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45- It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.”
2. If any man thirst, John 7:37, “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.”
II. HEAR AND YOUR SOUL SHALL LIVE

A. Blessed are the hearers, Matthew 13:16, “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”
B. This is the Son of God speaking, Matthew 17:5, “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”
C. The hearers and doers will pass from death unto life, John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
III. I WILL MAKE AN EVERLASTING COVENANT WITH YOU

A. The Redeemer offers everlasting kindness, Isaiah 54:8, “In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.”
B. He offers an everlasting covenant, Isaiah 54:8, “In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.”
1. This covenant is based on the Abrahamic covenant, Genesis 17:7, “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.”
2. It is also based on the Davidic covenant, 2 Samuel 23:5, “Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things , and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.”
IV. A SURE COVENANT

A. I will not turn away from them, Jeremiah 32:40, “And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.”
B. “My covenant will stand fast,” Psalm 89:28, “My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.”
1. The Lord declares the surety of it, Jeremiah 33:20-21, “Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; 21- Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.”
2. Theses are the “sure mercies of David,” Acts 13:34, “And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.”

CONCLUSION

There is a great deal to know about the Lord and His Word. This everlasting covenant is generally called the Covenant of Grace. It started with Adam after he sinned against the Lord. God had all of the provisions ready.

THE CHURCH COVENANT–MEMORY VERSE: ROMANS 15:5,6

Art Davison THE CHURCH COVENANT 0 Comment
THE CHURCH COVENANT
MEMORY VERSE: ROMANS 15:5,6

“Covenant” means “an agreement, to agree, be of one mind, come together. A binding and solemn agreement by two or more persons, parties, etc., to do or keep from doing some specified thing; a compact. A solemn agreement between the members of a church, that they will hold to points of doctrine, faith, etc.” Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, 1975.
I. ESSENTIALS FOR ENTERING INTO THE COVENANT. [PARAGRAPH 1]
(This could be called essentials for Church membership).
A. A Common Spirit Led Scriptural Experience.
1. A positive experience of salvation. John 1:11-13; Eph. 2:8,9,1 Thess. 1:9; 11 Thess. 2:13,14
a. Baptists have always stood for a regenerated church membership.
b. Those who believe in salvation through baptism, church membership, works, etc., would be ineligible for church membership.
2. A public confession of Christ as Saviour. Rom. 10:9; Acts 8:37, Matt. 10:32
3. A proper obedience in Scriptural baptism. Acts 2:41
a. Baptized in the name of the Trinity. Matt. 28:19
b. This includes a proper mode and proper authority also, as we studied in the Confession of Faith.
B. A Common Willingness To Enter Into Covenant.
1. This is done before witnesses.
a. God is a witness to all our promises.
b. Angels witness our work. Heb. 1:13,14
c. The assembly- human witnesses.
2. This is both a solemn and joyful occasion.
3. It is a mutual agreement.
4. The result–one body in Christ–the body of Christ. Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Cor. 12:14-27

II. MUTUAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE COVENANT.
[PARAGRAPH 2]

A. A Proper Christian Walk.

1. We need the aid of the Holy Spirit. 11 Cor. 3:5

2.”Walk together”This is Christian unity. Amos 3:3; 1 Cor. 1:10; Rom. 15:5,6

3. This can only be done in Christian love. I John 2:10; John 13:34

B. A Proper Goal “The Advancement Of This Church”

1. Advance in knowledge. 11 Pet. 3:18

2. Advance in holiness. Gal. 5:13; I Thess. 4:3,4,7; II Cor. 7:1

3. Advance in comfort. (This is not talking about padded pews and air conditioning). Heb. 10:24; Gal.  5:13; I Thess. 5:14

4. By promoting its prosperity and spirituality. Eph. 4:11-12

5. By sustaining its worship. Heb. 10:25

6. By sustaining its ordinances. I Cor. 11:2

7. By sustaining its discipline. This would involve training in submission to God. Matt. 18:15-17

8. By sustaining its doctrines. Acts 2:42; I Tim. 4:6,13,16; II Tim. 3:16

C. A Proper Manner Of Church Finance.

1. Giving should be cheerful and regular. II Cor. 9:7; I Cor. 16:2

2. The ministry is to be thus supported. Gal. 6:6; I Cor. 9:7-14; 1 Tim. 5:17,18

3. The expenses of the church raised.

4. “The relief of the poor.” The church is not to feed all the hungry of the world. Much money that could have been used to spread the gospel, has been used in social work, feeding and clothing those who have no part in the church or in Christ.

a. When many of the Jerusalem saints gave all they had to the church, this money was used to help Christians only. Acts 6:1-7

b. During the drouth, an offering was taken for the “brethren” at Jerusalem, but not for unbelievers.  Acts 11:27-30; 11 Cor. 9:1; 1 Cor. 16:2

c. Paul’s instruction to Timothy is plain on this point. I Tim. 5:3-16; 11 Thess. 3:10

5. The spread of the gospel. This is missions. Matt. 28:18-20

CONTINUED WITH III–INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE COVENANT- – IN  PART 2