3. Understanding God and His Word: What the Bible Says about: God s Word and the Trinity

Transcription

1 Revised The following are outlines meant to be completed as part of a six-part course offered regularly at Bright Christian Church. We don t believe that this course will provide you everything that you will ever need to know in your Christian life, but we do believe that this information will be a great starting point in understanding the basics of God, the Bible, the gospel message and our church so that you can begin or continue growth as a Christian here at BCC. Please call the church office at for information on how you can enroll in the next class offered. The following topics are covered in this course 1. Understanding Bright Christian Church: The Heritage of Bright Christian Church Ten Essential Doctrines of New Testament Churches Vision and Mission of Bright Christian Church 2. Understanding Salvation: What the Bible Says about: Sin, Forgiveness, Baptism 3. Understanding God and His Word: What the Bible Says about: God s Word and the Trinity 4. Understanding a Relationship with God: Salvation, Lordship of Christ, the Spirit-Filled Life, the Lord s Supper 5. Understanding the Church: What the Bible Says about: the Body, Unity, the Second Coming 6. Finding Your Place at Bright Christian: Where Do I Go Next, What Do I Do Now? 1

2 Understanding Bright Christian Church Welcome to What We Believe at Bright Christian Church. Our ultimate goal is to help you become a fully follower of Jesus Christ! Church History The Big Picture The church promised Matthew 16:13-19 The church begins on Pentecost AD 30 Acts 2 The falling away 1. Purgatory Origin 230 AD 2. Celibacy 305 AD 3. The Nicene Creed 325 AD 4. Constantine combines Church and State 5. Augustine and the doctrine of original sin 6. Papacy 400 AD 7. Praying to saints 470 AD 8. Images introduced 500 AD 9. Transubstantiation 1000 AD 10. First major church split (East and West) 1054 AD 2

3 11. Sprinkling made official 1311 AD 12. Sale of indulgences 1390 AD The Protestant Reformation 1. Luther 1517 AD 2. Zwingli 1530 AD 3. Calvin 1536 AD 4. Henry VIII England 5. John Knox Scotland 6. John Wesley 1729 AD 7. Discovery of America 1492 AD 8. Multiplicity of divisions and creeds diminish effectiveness of the Reformation A Restoration Movement 1. Among Methodists 1793 AD 2. Among Baptists 1800 AD 3. Among Presbyterians 1801 & Slogans: No creed but Christ, No book but the Bible, No name but the divine. In matters of faith, unity; In matters of opinion, liberty; In all things, love. 3

4 Call Bible things by Bible names and do Bible things in Bible ways. The Bible plus nothing, minus nothing, divided by nothing equals Christians only. The Bible only makes Christians only. You have to take more than the Bible to be more than a Christian. 5. Tremendous growth at the turn of the 20 th century 6. Divisions caused by (1) disagreement over the use of musical instruments (2) the infiltration of liberal theology The Heritage of Bright Christian Church Bright Christian Church is part of this movement to New Testament Christianity. This Restoration Movement began when believers distressed with, and called the church back to the authority of the Bible. This movement grew into what we call today the churches/churches of Christ. There are about congregations like Bright Christian in the U.S., with over members. We do not call ourselves a denomination, because we do not wear a human name nor have earthly headquarters. We believe that we are not the only Christians, but that we are. 4

5 What does it mean to be a New Testament Church? Bright Christian Church is a New Testament church. While the Catholic Church would look to both and as its sources of authority, and whereas a liberal church would look to as its source of authority, a New Testament church is one that looks solely to as its true source of authority. A New Testament church can also be correctly termed a - church. The Ten Essential Doctrines of New Testament Churches 1. The Bible is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:20, 21) 2. The Absolute of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-7, John 14:9, John 8:57, 58, John 1:1-14) 3. The Birth of Christ (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22-25) 4. The Historical of Man (Genesis 3) 5. The of Man (Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, 10) 6. The Substitutionary of Christ on the Cross (Isaiah 53:5, 6; 1 Peter 2:24, 25; 2 Corinthians 5:21) 7. The Bodily of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-8) 8. The Literal of Christ (John 14:1-8, 2 Peter 3:3-13, Acts 1:11) 9. The Resurrection and Assignment of All People to or (Revelation 20:11-15, John 5:28-30) 10. The Abiding Presence of the in all Believers (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; Romans 8:9-11, Ephesians 1:13, 14) 5

6 Appendix The following sections are included for you to look over outside of class time. They will offer great insight into the past, present and future direction and beliefs of Bright Christian Church. Please call any of our ministers, or your course leader, if you have any questions about any of the information found in this section. A Brief History of Bright Christian Church The word church in the New Testament means called out ones. It s important to note that the church is people, not buildings it s an organism, not an organization. This local congregation at Bright has its roots in this area since 1836 with individual Christians in Bright and Logan coming together to organize a congregation. Starting in a barn, moved to a log building, and then in 1886 moved to a little white building down in Bright where the old Merchant Bank now stands. About 20 years ago, just before the 100 th anniversary, Bright Christian Church and this small rural area began to grow. In 1968 the present location was purchased and marked the beginning of new growth. Today s facilities were developed in four major building efforts with the last one dedicated in Bright Christian Church is part of a movement to restore New Testament Christianity. This restoration movement has its roots in 18 th century Scotland, when believers distressed with creedal legalism and sectarianism began calling the church back to the authority of Christ and the New Testament. There are about 5,500 congregations like Bright in the USA, with over 1.2 million members. We do not call ourselves a denomination because we believe there is one body. We believe we are not the only Christians, but Christians only. This unity pleads for the unity of all God s people in the spirit of Jesus prayer for unity in John 17. 6

7 The Mission of Bright Christian Church Love God. Love People. Impact The World. Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20 Twelve Core Values of Bright Christian Church At Bright Christian Church, we believe 1. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the leader of the Church, and the source of eternal life. 2. in honoring Christ as the Head of the church through authentic worship. 3. that the Bible is God s life-changing message of truth to all people. 4. that the Church must reflect God s love for lost people. 5. the principles of the New Testament church are the guiding influence in the shape of our Church. 6. that the Church should communicate the truth in a relevant way. 7. that the Church should be characterized by unity and compassion. 8. in consistent, life-long spiritual growth. 9. that loving God means giving Him our best. 10. following Christ means a life of service to others. 11. in building healthy, God-honoring relationships. 12. in a courageous life of full-devotion to Christ. 7

8 Understanding Salvation There are four generally accepted spiritual laws, based on what the Bible says about salvation: 1) God you and offers a wonderful for your life. 2) Man is and from God. In that state he cannot experience God s love and plan for his life. 3) is God s only provision for man s sin. Through Him you can know and experience God s love and plan for your life. 4) We must accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; then we can know and experience God s love and plan for our lives. What the Bible Says about Sin We live in a and world, on a downward spiral of separation from God. Man s only is the person of Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23 and 6:23 say that all have sinned and of the of God and that the wages of sin is... 1 John 3:6 says that in God there is no. James 4:16 says, Anyone, then, who knows the he ought to do, and do it, sins. The verdict for every man (on his own) is guilty, and the sentence is an eternity of. 8

9 What the Bible Says about Forgiveness 1 John 2:1, 2 says that if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the father on our - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning for our sins 1 John 1:9 says that if we our sins, he is faithful and just, and will us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 Timothy 2:5) John 3:16 says, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not but have. 2 Peter 3:9 says that the Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to, but everyone to come to. God wants the free gift of forgiveness for us how do we receive it? Four common New Testament actions: 1) By having - believing the truth about Jesus (Romans 10:9, 10, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), relying upon Christ to save us, trusting Him with our lives now and forever (John 3;16, 2 Timothy 1:12). 2) By - sorrow for sin (2 Corinthians 7:9, 10). Willingness to change: to turn from sin and a selfdirected life to obeying God in a Christ-directed life (Jeremiah 2:13, Acts 2:38, 1 Thessalonians 1:9). 3) By - being willing to publicly acknowledge Him (Matthew 10:32, 33). 4) By being - becoming Jesus disciple includes a willingness to be baptized as people were in the first century. (Acts 2:38, 41) 9

10 What the Bible Says about Baptism Baptism is the of a into water in the Name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be. And you will receive the gift of the. (Acts 2:38) According to the Bible, what is water baptism? 1) in water (John 3:23, Acts 8:26-40), 2) making a break from and beginning anew (Acts 22:16), 3) an response to the good news (Acts 2:35-38), 4) an act which one into fellowship (Acts 2:36-41, 47), 5) of Jesus death/burial/resurrection (Rom 6:1-6). According to the Bible, what is baptism not? 1) not a of heaven 2) not that you ve changed your life According to the Bible, why should one be baptized? 1) Because Christ it (Matthew 28:19, 20) 2) To be (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 22:16; Galatians 3:26,27, Romans 6:4) 3) to express a conscience before God (1 Peter 3:21) According to the Bible, who should be baptized? Those who: 1) the gospel (Romans 10:17) 2) in Christ as Savior (Mark 16:16, Acts 16:31) 3) of personal sin (Acts 2:38, 39) 4) Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9, 10) 10

11 Appendix The following sections are included for you to look over outside of class time. They will offer great insight into what the Bible says about baptism, and how that can be put into practice in today s church. Please call any of the ministers, or your course leader, if you have questions about the information found in this section. Some questions about baptism by immersion What steps would I take to be baptized at Bright Christian? If you have heard, believed, repented and confessed Christ as your Lord, you may go forward during the invitation at any of our worship services, and one of our ministers will lead you to take the next steps, or you may 1) Call the church and ask for any of the ministers. 2) They can discuss it with you and set an appointment for your baptism. According to the Bible, are other forms of baptism acceptable? While we do not judge another s sincerity, we find that baptism in the Bible was always done by immersion. Since our goal is to practice Bible things in Bible ways we do not feel at liberty to accept manmade concessions that were not authorized or practiced by the apostles or the early Church. Every denomination, Protestant and Catholic, will accept immersion as valid Christian baptism. Other forms did not come into practice until much later. Baptism as it is practiced in the Scriptures cannot be visualized or portrayed in any form other than immersion. 11

12 What are some New Testament Distinctives about Baptism? 1) Baptism is only for those old enough to believe 2) Baptism is by immersion. (John 3:22, 23; Acts 8:31-39; Romans 6:3) 3) Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins 4) The act of baptism does not save you apart from faith in Jesus. 5) Baptism is a demonstration of our acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior; 6) Baptism (after hearing, belief, repentance and confession) indicates complete obedience of one who is following Scriptural counsel for receiving salvation. 7) Baptism should be performed as soon as possible when one surrenders to Christ. 8) Baptism should not be a subject of argument or division among churches or believers. Bible Passages to Study: Matthew 3:15, 28:18-20, John 3:16-23, Acts 2:37-39, 5:29, 8:12, 36, 10:48, 16:15, 16:30-33, 18:8, 22:16, Romans 6:1-4, Colossians 2:11, 12, 1 Peter 3:21, 1 John 2:4 12

13 As a Result of God s Gift of Salvation Because I am in Christ, by the grace of God, I have been justified, completely forgiven and made righteous (Rom. 5:1) I died with Christ and I died to the power of sin s rule over my life (Romans 6:1-6) I am free forever of condemnation (Romans 8:1) I have received the Spirit of God into my life that I might know the things freely given to me by God (1 Cor. 2:12) I have been given the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) I have been bought with a price; I am not my own I belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19, 20) I have been established, anointed and sealed by God in Christ; and I have been given the Holy Spirit as a pledge, guaranteeing my inheritance to come (2 Cor. 1:21; Eph. 1:13, 14) Because I have died, I no longer live for myself, but for Christ (Gal. 2:20) I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3) I have been redeemed and forgiven, and am a recipient of His lavish grace (Eph. 1:7) I have been made alive together with Christ (Eph. 2:5) I have direct access to God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:18) I may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12) I have been rescued from the domain of Satan s rule and transferred to the Kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13) Christ Himself is in me (Col. 1:27) I am firmly rooted in Christ and am now being built in Him (Col. 2:7) I have been made complete in Christ (Col. 2:10) Christ is now my life (Col. 3:1-4) I have been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim.1:7) 13

14 Understanding God and His Word What the Bible Says about God s Word The Bible makes several claims about itself that are subject to being proved or disproved in the world 1) All Scripture is given to us from (2 Timothy 3:16) 2) All Scripture is (2 Timothy 3:16) 3) All Scripture us for right living (2 Timothy 3:16) 4) The word of God is living and (Hebrews 4:12) 5) The word of God cuts straight to the thoughts and attitudes of our (Hebrews 4:12) 6) No Scripture came from ideas (2 Peter 1:20) 7) Scripture was given by God through (2 Peter 1:20) Though feelings are important, your relationship with Christ is based on and, not feelings, as illustrated by the train below. FACT FAITH FEELING 14

15 What the Bible Says about the Trinity The Bible uses the word Godhead to represent the three-part nature of God, which we call the. We believe that there is unchanging God with a consistent nature, who eternally exists in different forms. Those three forms, all referred to as God, are: 1) The Father the God (1 Timothy 1:17, John 1:18) 2) The Son the of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15, 19; John 1:1-3, 14) 3) The Spirit the of the invisible God (John 16:13-15; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20) In Genesis 1:1-3, 26 and John 1:1-3, we see that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, were all present from the, prior to the world s creation. Jesus in The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20) speaks of the (singular) of the Father and Son and Spirit: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. 15

16 Appendix The following sections are included for you to look over outside of class time. They will offer great insight into the Trinity. Please call any of our ministers, or your course leader, if you have any questions about any of the information found in this section. What the Bible Says about God the Father God the Father [ our Father in heaven Matthew 6:9], often referred to simply as God, is given numerous descriptions throughout the Bible. Just a few of those are: the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15) a jealous but loving God (Exodus 20:4-6) an eternal God (Isaiah 40:8) a faithful God (1 Corinthians 10:13) completely good (Mark 10:18) patient and forgiving (2 Peter 3:9) love (1 John 4:8) What the Bible Says about God the Son Jesus [ being in very nature God Philippians 2:6, 7] is unique in that He is completely God, but while on earth was completely human. A few descriptions from eye-witness accounts and testimonies are: completely without sin (Hebrews 4:15) the Christ/Messiah/anointed One (Matthew 16:16) the atoning Sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10) the resurrected Lord and Savior (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) 16

17 the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5) the authority/head of the church (Mat. 28:19, Col. 1:18) the model for our lives (Philippians 2:5-8, 1 John 2:5,6) the ultimate Judge of mankind (John 5:22, 23) What the Bible Says about God the Spirit The Holy Spirit [ the Lord is the Spirit 2 Corinthians 3:17], as promised by Jesus, is the actual presence of God in us. The Holy Spirit is given many important descriptions: the Counselor, the Spirit of truth (John 14:16) our guide (John 16:13) the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) the supplier of God s character qualities(galatians 5:22, 23) the provider of gifts for ministry (1 Cor. 12; Romans 12:3-8) the one who inspired the Bible s writing (2 Peter 1:21) the one who helps us pray during struggles (Romans 8:26) the one who controls a Christian s life (Romans 8:6-9) the deposit guaranteeing heaven to us (Eph. 1:13, 14) 17

18 Understanding a Relationship with God Salvation Salvation means more than simply I m going to heaven, and has to do with a bold and exciting that reflects that Jesus has saved us. 2 Timothy 1:7 says that God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of, of, and of -. Evidence that one has experienced salvation: But the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live -, and lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13). Salvation has little to do with getting, and everything to do with an ongoing with Christ, reflected in faith and action. Lordship of Christ Two areas define one s relationship with God: 1) whether one has accepted Jesus as (the master/director/controller of one s life) 2) whether one has accepted Jesus as (the one who provides eternal salvation) The Bible describes the importance of the Lordship of Jesus Christ in a life that has already received salvation: Jesus frequently called Him Lord. 18

19 Peter refers to Jesus four times in 2 Peter as and. Paul writes that no one can sincerely make the statement that is unless prompted by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3) Jesus asked why one would call him Lord, Lord, and yet not what he (Luke 6:46). Proverbs says that there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to. (Prov. 14:12), and the Lord says to us, As the are higher than the, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). The Spirit-filled Life The Bible says that we are to be with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). The apostle Paul describes an ongoing struggle between the Spirit and our, or flesh (our tendency to sin by living for self) (Romans 7). In Galatians 5, Paul contrasts the obvious acts of the sinful nature with the results of living by the Spirit, which he calls the of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23). The nine areas that make up the fruit are: Peace Love Joy Patience Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness Self-control 19

20 Paul writes: Those controlled by the sinful nature (flesh) cannot God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness (Romans 8:8-10). What the Bible Says about the Lord s Supper The Lord s Supper is a continual remembrance of the, and that Jesus experienced for us (1 Corinthians 11:23-27). What is the Lord s Supper? 1) a act, not an elaborate ceremony 2) a 3) a 4) a statement of Who should participate in the Lord s Supper? We practice open communion, meaning that all in Christ are invited to participate. How should I prepare for the Lord s Supper? 1) Prayerfully yourself (1Corinthians 11:27-29) 2) your sins (1 John 1:9) 3) Acknowledge His and forgiveness and recommit yourself to Christ (Romans 12:1, 2). When should we observe the Lord s Supper? 1) The New Testament example:. 2) We observe communion every in each of our worship services. 3) The danger: taking it for granted or in an manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-30) 4) The advantage remaining and dependent on Christ (John 6:53-57; Hebrews 10:24, 25). 20

21 Appendix The following section is included for you to look over outside of class time. It will offer great insight into what the Bible says about the permanency of salvation, and about what a life surrendered to God. Please call any of our ministers, or your course leader, if you have any questions about any of the information found in this section. Can I ever lose my salvation? Salvation is a gift that is meant to be permanent and eternal. The apostle Paul writes about Christians that having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God s possession (Ephesians 1:13, 14). It is therefore impossible to lose your salvation however, the New Testament occasionally makes mention of the possibility that someone who is genuinely saved could throw away their own salvation by permanently rejecting the Holy Spirit, by turning his back on the gospel in favor of Old Testament law. Scripture calls this falling from grace or falling away (Gal. 5:4, Heb. 6:4-6, 2 Pet. 2:20, 21). While we do not focus on this exception, and while we certainly do not pass judgment on those who have backslidden, we do take very seriously the Scriptural mandates to stand firm to the end, not put out the Spirit s fire, bring back those who have wandered from the truth [Matthew 10:22, 24:13; Mark 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; James 5:19,20]. 21

22 The Bible describes three kinds of relationships that a human being can have with God s Holy Spirit. 1) The Natural Man (1 Corinthians 2:14) does not acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior, and therefore does not have the Spirit. His life lived naturally is characterized by confusion, frustration, despair, emptiness and immorality. This person is far from Christ. 2) The Carnal Man (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) has accepted Christ as Savior and has the presence of the Holy Spirit, but does not allow the Spirit to control every area of his life. In a battle between one s flesh (natural desires) and the Spirit (God s desires), the flesh often wins out. This person s life is characterized by disobedience, impure thoughts, jealousy, guilt, worry and strife. 3) The Spiritual Man (2 Corinthians 5:17) has accepted Christ as Lord and Savior and has allowed the Spirit to be the controlling element in his life the Spirit has created a new person led by God, and the desires of the flesh though still a struggle are repressed in favor of God s desires. His life is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control the fruit of the Holy Spirit. 22

23 Understanding the Church The Body Some New Testament names for the church are the flock, the church of God (Acts 20:28), God s household (1 Timothy 3:15), churches of Christ (Romans 16:16), the church of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:23) and the of (Ephesians 1:22, 23). When we become Christians, the Lord Himself adds us to His church (Acts 2:47), so that we become of His (Romans 12:5). The Greek word ekklesia appears in our Bibles as But the literal translation of that word is the called out ones. So we understand that in these references the word church is not referring to a building but is referring to Christians who are called out of the world to serve Christ : 1) Through 2) Through 3) Through out 4) Through one another Unity The longest recorded prayer of Jesus is that His followers would find and be, just as He and God the Father are one. We also strive to achieve unity among other congregations who believe and teach the major truths of the, even when there are differences in areas of. 23

24 An area extremely important to unity within this Body is a Biblical form of church. We believe the Bible indicates we are to be organized as such: Our Founder and Head is (Matthew 16:16-18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 1:22, 23) Leadership is found in the (Philippians 1:1, 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 2 Tim. 4:1-5) Every is important (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Cor. 12:12-26; 1 Pet. 4:10, 11) The church is governed by men who are (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-8, 5:17:20; Titus 1:5-9) BCC s servant-leaders are men called (Acts 6; 1 Tim. 3:8-13) Full-time ministers are seen as paid / (1 Tim. 4:6-8, 5:17; 2 Tim. 4:1-5) Under Christ s authority, a local congregation can choose its own servants and leaders (Acts 6:1-7; Titus 1) send out missionaries and preachers (Acts 11:22, 13:1-3, 14:26) care for the needs of the people (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 5) A second area extremely important to unity within this body is an agreed-upon expectation of. Our Vision: To Become a 1 st Century Church in the 21 st Century. Using the template of the 1 st Century Church described in the New Testament, we want our church to replicate the first Christians enthusiasm. Becoming a church of We determine to do ministry with an external focus. Becoming a Church of We worship Him daily on a personal basis and when we come together we combine our individual worship with others as we offer Him a collective gift. 24

25 Becoming a Church of As we experience life with other growing Christians, we grow to resemble the personality of the first church. The Second Coming The Bible states that Jesus will return, assigning the righteous to a place in and the wicked to a place in. Jesus said, They will see the Son of Man coming on the of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other (Matthew 24:30, 31). The church must not be divided over interpretations about the second coming, knowing that Jesus said: knows about that day or hour, not even the in heaven, nor the, but only the Father (Matt. 24:36). The Great Commission sums up the that we must take in light of Jesus coming and the judgment: Then Jesus came to them and said, All in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make of all nations, them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19, 20) 25

26 Appendix The following section is included for you to look over outside of class time. It will offer great insight into what the Bible says about the Second Coming. Please call any of our ministers, or your course leader, if you have questions about this section. How much of the Second Coming have we figured out? The book of Revelation is the account of a vision given by Jesus to John. Its style is apocalyptic, which means that many of the details both historical and prophetic are written in symbolical language. The clear message of Revelation is that wrong will be punished, right will be vindicated and rewarded, Jesus is coming again, and be prepared. When He returns and defeats Satan, there will be a time of final judgment: Then I saw a great white throne, and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:1-15). 26

27 As horrible as the description of final reality is for those who chose not to accept Christ, it is equally encouraging for those who did Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new! Then he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. (Revelation 21:1-7) 27

28 Finding Your Place at Bright Christian Church Where Do I Go Next, What Do I Do Now? The original model of discipleship comes directly from Jesus and His twelve ; from them it is clear that discipleship is not a but a. Congratulations on completing What We Believe! Recommended next steps: 1) Make a based on these teachings 2) Find a group of believers to grow with 3) Consider your level at this church Community Crowd Congregation Committed Core 4) Get to know at Bright Christian Church A fully connected follower is one who 28

29 1) Attends weekend services regularly 2) Understands and supports the mission, goals, values, strategy and doctrine of the scriptures 3) Is building relationships with others through Life Groups, Adults Bible Fellowship Studies, etc 4) Is using his/her spiritual gifts to serve in a ministry at the church 5) Is growing in stewardship/giving 6) Is building relationships with unchurched friends 7) Is developing a consistent, meaningful devotional life 8) Is learning to follow the Holy Spirit s leading in his/her life 9) Is concerned about extending the mission and ministry of the church around the world. Ultimately, your commitment level, and the way you enjoy life here as a result of it, is up to you! 29

30 A Reasonable Path for those asking, Where Do I Go From Here? 1) Start attending an Adult Bible Fellowship or Life Group. 2) Make contact with any of our ministers, or your course leader and consider accepting Christ and becoming a BCC member 3) Make a public commitment to Jesus at BCC 4) Find a Life Group to become involved in 5) Continue Discipleship Journey with involvement in any of these - Adult Bible Fellowship - Life Groups - Men/Women s Ministries - Evangelism/Missions - Music/Drama Ministries - Children Ministries - Youth Ministries - Various Services - Special Studies and Courses 30

31 Appendix Answer Key The following are the answers to the fill-in-the-blanks. Answers go from left to right. Chapter #1 connected restore creeds, legalism, denominations Christian 5, million Christians only tradition scripture human reason scripture Bible believing Inspired Deity Virgin Fall Sinfulness Death resurrection return heaven hell Holy Spirit Chapter #2 loves plan sinful separated Jesus Christ personally lost, fallen hope fall short, glory death sin good, doesn t hopelessness behalf sacrifice confess forgive perish eternal life perish, repentance faith repenting confessing baptized immersion believer forgiven Holy Spirit immersion sin obedient initiates picture guarantee proof commanded saved clean hear believe repent confess Chapter #3 God useful equips active hearts man s man facts, faith Trinity one three invisible image presence beginning name 31

32 Chapter #4 life power love self-discipline self-controlled, upright, godly religion relationship Savior Lord disciples Lord, Savior Jesus, Lord do says death heavens earth filled sinful nature fruit please belong death, burial, resurrection simple reminder symbol faith believers examine confess grace Acts 20:7 Lord s Day unworthy connected Chapter #5 body, Christ members Body Church worship sacrifice reaching loving unity, one Bible opinion leadership Jesus Christ local congregation member elders deacons evangelists/preachers membership Outreach Worship Relationships heaven hell clouds No one angels Son action authority disciples baptizing obey Chapter #6 disciples destination journey decision small commitment life Thank you! It is always our pleasure to present the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the awesome ways He is blessing Bright Christian Church! Please do not hesitate to contact the Church Office for more information. 32