BIBLE DOCTRINE

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

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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

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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 DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH PART 2–BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER (Continued)

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THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH PART 2
BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER (Continued)
MEMORY VERSE: I COR. 11:26

II. THE ORDINANCE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER.

A. The PLACE Of The Lord’s Supper In The Church. It is not a method of fellowship between Christians, but it is an ordinance to be practiced in the local Church, by the members of that local Church.
1. Jesus instituted it in the church. Matt. 26:20,26. Remember that the apostles were placed in the church first. I Cor. 12:28. Not everyone who loved Jesus were invited. Neither Mary, Martha or Lazarus were invited to the Supper. Even the mother of Jesus was not invited.
2. The order of events in the great commission, reveal that it is to be in the church. Matt. 28:19,20
a. Teaching all nations the gospel.
b. Baptizing the ones who believe and are saved. This puts them in the local church.
c. Teaching them to observe all things and this would include the Lord’s Supper. We cannot reverse this order and be Scriptural.
3. The order practiced by the Jerusalem Church places the Lord’s Supper in the church. Acts 2:41,42,47
a. They received the word they were saved.
b. They were baptized this placed them in the Church. c. It was observed by those who were sound in doctrine. Acts 2:42
4. Paul taught that the Lord’s Supper was in the Church. I Cor. 1:2; 11:2; 11:18,20
5. The church forbidden to eat with those living in sin. I Cor. 5:7-11. The church has a right to judge those in her membership. I Cor. 5:12. If the church invites all Christians to partake of the Lord’s Supper, then how can they obey the above Scriptures?
6. Paul rebuked the Corinthian Church for trying to observe the Lord’s Supper when there were divisions and heresies among them. I Cor. 11:17-22
7. We should not fellowship with those who are not sound doctrinally or who do not live Godly. II Thess. 3:6, I Tim. 6:1-5
B. The PURPOSE Of The Lord’s Supper.
Two false theories are taught concerning the Lord’s Supper. (1) The Roman Catholic theory of “Transubstantiation”, meaning that when the priest prays over the bread and wine, they are changed into the literal body and blood of our Lord. (2) The Lutheran theory of “Consubstantiation”, meaning, that when a prayer is prayed over the emblems, the body and blood of our Lord are united with the emblem.
THE TRUTH is the Lord’s Supper commemorates and symbolizes certain great Bible truths.
1. The unleavened bread symbolizes His pure sinless body that was broken for us. Matt. 26:26, I Cor. 11:24
2. The cup the fruit of the vine symbolizes His shed blood. Matt. 26:26-29; I Cor. 11:25. See Lev. 17:11; I Pet. 1:18,19; I John 1:7.
3. Both of these show the Lord’s death. I Cor. 11:26
4. Both are to be kept until He comes. I Cor. 11:26
5. How often? “As often”. I Cor. 11:26. This seems to exclude a rigid regular set time.
C. The PREPARATION For The Lord’s Supper.
1. It is sinful and dangerous to abuse the observance of the Lord’s Supper. I Cor. 11:27-32
2. Each person to examine self. I Cor. 11:28 This calls for: Reflection— Inspection–Correction.
3. Three questions each person should consider.
a. Am I right with God?
b. Am I right with the Church?
c. Am I right with my fellow Christians? See: I John 1:5-10; Matt. 5:21-24.

THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER–JOHN 3:23

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THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
MEMORY VERSE: JOHN 3:23

Two grievous errors about baptism can be found in the religious world today. (1) The idea that one is regenerated or saved through baptism, is a terrible error. (2) Some believe in a Spirit baptism at the time of salvation, that puts one into a universal church, which they call the body of Christ. Some who hold the second doctrine have eliminated water baptism altogether. The others then hold to there being two baptisms, yet the Bible says there is only one baptism. Eph. 4:5 The ordinances are not sacraments as many non-Baptists teach. There is no saving power in the ordinances, nor do they bestow grace or merit. Yet, we are commanded to keep them, as they have been delivered. I Cor. 11:2
I. THE ORDINANCE OF BAPTISM

A. It Requires A Scriptural Subject. (Candidate)

1. Baptism is for the believer the saved. Acts 8:12; (a)-1 Acts 8:36-39; 10:43-47
2. Only those who had received the word (of salvation) were baptized. (d)-1 Acts 2:41-42
B. It Requires A Scriptural Mode. (Method)
1. Baptism comes from the Greek “baptize”, which means to immerse, dip, plunge, bury, etc. It never is used to indicate sprinkling or pouring.
2. All the Scriptural examples indicate immersion. (a)-1 Acts 8:36-39; (a)-2 Matt. 3:6; (a)-3 John 3:23; (a)-4 Rom. 6:4-5; (a)-5 Matt. 3:16
C. It Requires A Scriptural Authority.
1. Baptism is to be performed in the name of the Trinity. (b)-1 Matt. 28:19
2. God sent the first baptizer. John 1:6
3. Jesus and all twelve of His disciples were baptized by John the Baptist. Acts 1:21-22.
4. Jesus gave His disciples authority to baptize. John 4:1-2
5. Those disciples (apostles) were placed in the Church first. 1 Cor. 12:28
6. Jesus gave the commission to His Church. Matt. 28.16-20 That kind of church is the only church that has the authority to baptize.
7. This authority is exercised through the pastor or pastors and missionaries of that
 church. A minister apart from the local church has no authority to baptize.
D. It Requires A Scriptural Purpose. I Pet. 3:21; Rom. 5:14. Baptism is symbolic and pictures certain Bible truths.
1. It pictures the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. (c)-2 Col. 2:12
2. It pictures the death of our old life; to sin; the burial therein; and the resurrection to walk in newness of life. (c)-1 Rom. 6:3-5
3. It pictures our putting on of Christ. Gal. 3:26-27
4. It declares our belief in the Triune God. (b)-1 Matt. 28:19
5. It is the door way into, or the prerequisite for Church membership. Acts 2:41
Continued in Lesson #17

THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH–MEMORY VERSE: ACTS 2:41

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THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH
MEMORY VERSE: ACTS 2:41
I. THE CHURCH ESTABLISHED BY CHRIST.
A. The Nature Of The Church.
1. The word church, “ecclesia” is found 115 times in the N.T. It means “assembly”. It could never refer to something that was universal, invisible and scattered over the world.
2. A church is referred to as a body, building, etc., which fits the idea of a local visible assembly.
3. The N.T. names of churches enforce the idea of a local visible church. (Church at Jerusalem, Church at Antioch, etc.).
4. While we speak of the church, the home, etc., we do not mean a universal church or universal home.
B. It Was Founded Before Pentecost.
1. The first members were those who had been baptized by John the Baptist. Acts 1:21,22; I Cor. 12:28
2. The 12 apostles chosen and placed in the Church. Mark 3:13-21
3. Discipline of the Church given before Pentecost. Matt. 18: 15-17
4. Its ordinances instituted before Pentecost. Matt. 26:26-29
5. Its commission given before Pentecost. Matt. 28:18-20
6. A business meeting held before Pentecost. Acts 1:15-25
7. Those saved and baptized on the day of Pentecost added to it. Acts 2:41
II. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH.
A. Christ Is The Head Of The Church. c)-1 Eph. 1:22-23
1. His Word, the Bible, is our rule and guide book.
2. The Holy Spirit is the Administrator. Acts 13:2; 20:28
B. It’s Officers Of Ordination.
1. Bishops, Elders and Pastor are all the same office. (e)-1 Acts 14:23
a. As pastor he is shepherd of the flock to feed and tend them.
b. As elder he is in a place of respect and authority.

c. As bishop he is the overseer.

3. Qualifications for pastors. I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9
4. Qualifications for deacons. I Tim. 3:8-13
a. Deacon means “servant”.
b. Deacons have no authority over the church or pastor, but are servants to the church. If they were ordained, there is perhaps one example of it in the N.T. and that is in Acts 6:6. These 7 men are not called deacons, nor is it said that they were ordained, yet any church would be blessed to have deacons with their qualifications.
C. The Church Is Independent And Self Governing.
1. Nothing is to be done that is contrary to God’s Word.
2. No organization has any authority over a church of the Lord. This makes it impossible for a Convention, Association or Fellowship to dictate or exercise authority over a church.
3. No Scripture indicates that a church can join anything.
III. THE TRUE MISSION OF THE CHURCH.
A. The Great Commission It’s Only Mission. Matt. 28:16-20
1. This includes preaching and teaching the gospel to all.
2. Baptize and add to the church all who are saved.
3. Teach them the “all things” of God. (The church is not a political or social organization, and has no authority to enter this kind of work).
B. Churches May Cooperate With One Another In Contending For The Faith & also Carrying Out The Great Commission.
1. Churches may consult one with another. Acts 15:2-4, 22-27
2. Churches may give toward a common cause, as in missions. 1 Cor. 16:1; 11 Cor. 8:23-24
3. Each church is the sole and only judge of the means, method and extent of cooperation.
C. The Will Of The Church Is Final.
1. This is in regard to discipline, membership and polity.
2. Of course no church has the right to disobey the Scriptures, but if they do, there is no organization on earth to correct them.