AN IN-DEPTH LOOK ON KNOWING WHAT TO FOLLOW IN RELIGION. (Page 25-27) WHAT ARE THE PROPHECIES OF REVELATION WE ARE TO NOT CHANGE IN

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2 1 Content: Salvation THE STORY OF PAUL: WHAT SAVED HIM? (Page 3) ACTS 2:38 EXPLAINED (Page 4-5) THE SINNERS PRAYER (Page 6-7) HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISEM (Page 8-11) Church THE TRUE CHURCH/BIBLE AUTHORITY (Page 12-23) ELDERS AND DEACONS (Page 24) AN IN-DEPTH LOOK ON KNOWING WHAT TO FOLLOW IN RELIGION. (Page 25-27) WHAT ARE THE PROPHECIES OF REVELATION WE ARE TO NOT CHANGE IN DOCTRINE? (Page 28-29) IS IT SCRIPTURAL TO MEET IN A CHURCH BUILDING? (Page 30-33) INSTITUTIONALISM: THE RED LINE OF BIBLE AUTHORITY (Page 34-42)

3 2 Bible Study BIBLE STUDY IS A MUST TO SPIRITUALLY SURVIVE (Page 43-47) HOW TO REALLY GROW IN BIBLE STUDY (Page 48) (Have the student(s) go around the table and each in turn, read a few small paragraphs and have them look up scripture and discuss the verses being read, in those paragraphs. The Teacher can do this as well, if there is just one student. The Teacher should engage, by asking questions on what is being read. Encourage them to take notes if they wish. That is why the book gives room for writing in these lessons. This book can also be used for personal study, Bible classes and for evangelism purposes). I want to give a special thanks to Jeanne Sullivan. For her work in editing this book.

4 3 THE STORY OF PAUL: WHAT SAVED HIM? Saul who became the Apostle Paul, when a sinner (1 Timothy 1:15), was religiously learned and was religious in action (Acts 22:3), and in this mindset killed Christians, (1 Corinthians 15:9) in all good conscious (Acts 23:1). While traveling to hurt more of God s people, (Acts 22:5) God appeared to Saul, (Acts 9:3-4) and Saul believed and confessed (Acts 20:8-10). He obeyed God s commanded to go to Damascus to learn His Will, (Acts 9:6-8). When Saul arrived at this city, he was repentant. For Saul in sorrow of what he did, neither ate food nor drank for 3 days, (Acts 9:9). When Saul had the miracle of Jesus appear before Him in glory, he was blinded, (Acts 9:8) and later had another miracle happen when God restored his sight, (Acts 22:13). Yet did any of these things wash his sins away and save him? Continue reading. When Saul was in sin, fasting, he prayed as a sinner a sinner s prayer, (Acts 9:11), yet was not saved. Only when a man, named Ananias sent from God (Acts 22:12-16) came to Saul and told him to do the following, was Saul's sins washed away. Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized (Greek word Baptizo/immersion) and wash your sins away, calling (Term used to confess His name Romans 10:9-13) on His name.

5 4 Acts 2:38 Explained. Beginning in Acts 2:36 Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, Brothers, what shall we do? (They heard they had killed the Lord, they were pierced with the Word, which is called God s sword that divides hearts and penetrates, Hebrews 4:12. When they heard the Word, they had remorse. Some who are pierced and are emotionally cut, choose to turn from, not towards the truth. When the Jews heard the Word, a message to them that said, they had killed Jesus in Acts 7:51-54, they were pricked to the heart, as were the Jews in Acts 2, yet these Jews choose to ignore the message and instead to kill the messenger of the Word. This man who was named Stephan, became the first martyr.) 38 Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off for all whom the Lord our God will call. 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, Save yourselves from this corrupt generation. (Peter did not say to those in Acts 2, pray the sinner s prayer, accept Jesus into your heart, see a miracle, etc. The newly inspired Apostle, by the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:4; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-5 said turn from your wicked life, save yourself Philippians 2:12 and be baptized for Greek word eis meaning same word for the remission or forgiveness of sins. Why baptism? Baptism is a reflection of what Christ did, His death, burial, and Resurrection. READ all of this chapter, very insightful, Romans 6. When we are baptized, as Christ died in the body we die to sin, through His sacrifice, Romans 6:6-7. We are buried with Him, in water, 1 Peter 3:20-21 which washed away our sins, Acts 22:16. This makes us alive with Christ, in repentance, Romans 6:12-13, to live a new life, Romans 6:4. This is the washing of water for sanctification, 1 Corinthians 6:11, which causes regeneration and rebirth through the Holy Spirit This salvation is not deserved of merit in our works, but of grace, Titus 3:5-6.

6 5 Yet grace that is saving is shown in our faith, Ephesians 2:8-9 and our faith that counts before the Lord, is shown in how we respond to God s will James 2:14-26 and is shown in how we give our love to Him, read both Galatians 5:6/John 14:15. So when Jesus says unless one is born again, it makes sense, that in Baptism we are to be born again of water and spirit John 3:5. This new life and spiritual birth, is the gift of the Spirit, Acts 2:38 mentions. The gift of sanctification, given by Christ s death. When we are baptized, we are saved, thus we have the Spirit s seal of salvation, Ephesians 1:13. Christ called His Crucifixion a baptism of distress. What else would make Him sweet drops of blood or cry out to the Lord in the night. Nothing recorded. Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! But He did die for us. And He wants us to die spiritually with Him.)

7 6 The Sinner s Prayer: What does the Bible say? I have read the Bible from cover to cover. NOWHERE is the sinner s prayer mentioned. In the OT, it was animal sacrifice that atoned for sin. (Leviticus 4:20-35) In the NT salvation came by a different sacrifice, Jesus, the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world, (John 1:29). This forgiveness of sins came about by first believing in Christ in faith, (John 3:16), then through the public (Matthew 10:32) confessing of Jesus's name in faith, (Romans 10:9-10), which a few verses later, in verse 13, this is the context for the phrase, "calling on His name," in faith see Romans 10:9-13. In this confession, the Ethiopian eunuch in (Acts 8:36-39), confessed Christ and was baptized, after hearing about Jesus. Why because faith acts, (James 2:19-20), to die to sin we must die spiritually in baptism, (Romans 6:1-7) this leads to sanctification and eternal life, (Romans 6:22). Baptism in this context, joins us with Christ, in faith, (Galatians 3:26-28) to raise us anew, (Colossians 2:12). To wash away our sins, (Acts 22:16). And in the year 62 AD, when Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:4-6, that there is ONE baptism, (As well as ONE faith, for the ONE body/church - Ephesians 1:22-23, etc) Peter also wrote in AD 62, that in the context of faith for salvation in Jesus in unifying with Him, that saving baptism is of water, (1 Peter 3:20-21). Those who are baptized are commanded to first repent, (Acts 2:38), to be forgiven. Repentance is mentioned in (Romans 6:15-18), as part of the behavior, we must exhibit in dying to sin and unifying with Christ. To arise and be new... (Romans 6:4-11). To put off the old man, (Ephesians 4:22). That is why, we must be born again of water and of His Spirit, (John 3:5) which sanctifies us through and in the washing. (1 Corinthians 6:11) When we rise up to live a new life, we must be faithful to receive what is promised. (Revelation 2:10/Matthew 24:13). Then when we are striving to walk as Jesus commands us, we can have forgiveness in prayer when we slip up, (1 John 1:5-9). But we must not use grace as a license to sin, (Jude 4/Romans 6:1-2). If we choose to sin and ignore God commands, faith alone, saying Jesus, Jesus, and doing good deeds will not save us, (Matthew 7:21-23), for in doing so, such behavior is insulting the gift of grace and Jesus' sacrifice, (Hebrews 10:26-31).

8 7 The writer later says in this chapter, to not shrink back from faith, but to the saints, if they choose to persevere in trial and hardship, to not give up, that they will receive what is promised. (Hebrews 10:32-39). As is echoed in (Galatians 6:7-9), to sow for God, instead of to sin, is to reap a harvest of eternal life.

9 8 Holy Spirit Baptism The Bible distinctly mentioned and set s apart Holy Spirit baptism, by name in two different instances. When it happens, it is mentioned as accompanied by signs and the mention of the Spirit coming on them. Apostles are specifically mentioned as having received the Holy Spirit Baptism Acts 1:5; Acts 2:1-4 As was the gentile, Cornelius and his family. It was a shock to the Jews, when it came to this household, see example of Cornelius and his family (Acts 10:44:48; Acts 11:15-17), if this was a normal occurrence for Gentile believers being saved, it would not have been. This was a God given and needed sign because the Jews did not think non-israelites/except for practicing Mosaic converts, would be accepted by God, Acts 11: The Apostles had the Holy Spirit Baptism, to guide them in God s divine heavenly oracles, (John 16:13; John 14:26) and to give miracles, as proof what they said was of God, (Mark 16:20). They had the divine authority, (Matthew 18:18.) When the Bible says for us to Baptize, and that people were baptized by others, it was an action that we are expected to follow. We can t send the Holy Spirit on people; God does that, nowhere in the Bible does it teach that, so the command to try to baptize others to save them, would be a baptism we could do. The command was something people did to save others through Jesus, Acts 2:37-38; 41 Mark 16:15 He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. We are supposed to do so in His name, in the authority God s given us in the scriptures to follow His Word. Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them

10 9 to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. The name of Jesus Baptism is not Holy Spirit Baptism, read verses below. How people received the Holy Spirit, in the New Testament was though the Apostles laying their hands on them and imparting the Spirit. Read below and see also earlier reference to Gentile conversions of baptism, and how they needed to Apostles laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit. See below verses and ACTS 8:5-18 Acts 19:6:1 It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. 2 He said to them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? And they said to him, No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit. 3 And he said, Into what then were you baptized? And they said, Into John s baptism. 4 Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. The Apostles had the Spirit to receive and preach divine revelation. They were here to teach and give us God s truth, until we had all of scripture, everything we need to be fully equipped. 2 Tim 3:16 When the faith/belief of the saints was fully given by teaching, then the whole revelation was fully given to make us fully equipped. Bible says it was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 3 We now have everything we need for living a spiritual life and for godliness, following Him in a Christian life. 2 Peter 1:3-4, and the Apostles, qualifications of those who saw the Lord, died out. (who were witnesses of the Lord Acts 1:22, even Paul saw the Lord, Acts 22:6-8 and had signs that they showed the Spirit s power, 2 Corinthians 12:12, do you see the dead being raised today, lame walking, paralyzed being healed? No.)

11 10 So, did the Spirit s imparting, though laying on of hands. The role of the Truth reveler of the Holy Spirit was finished, when that which was complete came, aka the whole message, no more revelation, from the Spirit and the divine gifts of teaching was needed. It says thus, these imperfect things would cease, when what was complete came, then we would no longer see part but all of His truth. Then we can grow fully from a spiritual child to a man, knowing all we need spiritually to grow up in Him. 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 After the two examples of the Holy Spirit, the Bible says after thus, there is NOW only 1 baptism Ephesians 4:4, and 1 Peter 3:21 says it s water saving Baptism. Saying Baptism of the Holy Spirit saves is false, it is a sign God gives to those who embrace His teaching, in this context, so the Jews would believe they were acceptable to God, but having the Spirit come upon a person alone, does not save, if God choses to give it for other reasons as well he allowed a murderer, a man rejected by God, as king, someone trying to David, a man after His own heart to have the Spirit. 1 Samuel 19:9 Now there was an evil spirit from the LORD on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, and David was playing the harp with his hand. 10 Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul s presence, so that he stuck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. 11 Then Saul sent messengers to David s house to watch him, in order to put him to death in the morning. 20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied. 21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. 22 Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu; and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And someone said, Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah. 23 He proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came

12 11 upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 He also stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets? Bible Baptism is synonymous in meaning as immersion; in fact that s the Greek work for it. Greek word, baptizó: Short Definition: submerge 907 baptízō properly, "submerge" (Souter); hence, baptize, to immerse (literally, "dip under"). 907 (baptízō) implies submersion ("immersion"), in contrast to 472 /antéxomai ("sprinkle"). As a person is buried into the ground, so is Baptism compared too, as a burial. Romans 6:1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. No one has dirt sprinkled over his head, he must go into the ground and be buried, so it is with Baptism. Like unto a burial you don t Sprinkle dirt for burial.

13 12 The True church/bible authority. Who do we listen to? How are we to worship to be pleasing to God? Does it matter? Does it matter if we follow God s teachings on church worship? The Bible makes it clear that we must obey God to be pleasing to Him. Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name perform many miracles? 23 And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS. Hebrews 5:9 And, once made perfect, he (Christ) became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. God commands we worship in a certain way. Should we not, thus listen to His Word, in matters of worship? Christ/His truth: The authority of the church The Bible says there is one church. This church is under Christ s rule and is called His body, (Ephesians 1:22-23) we are His members for service, and join His body/join with Christ, as His people, when we are saved in baptism, (1 Corinthians 12:12-25). But to remain in the body, we must submit to Christ s truth, Christ who is the head, the authority, (Revelation 1:19-20/Revelation 2:4-5). We must submit to Jesus truth in the matters of the church, which would include worship. We must do this for Christ has the headship/authority to govern the church. Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. His church is one. It has one faith. And submits to Christ s truth. Paul tells the Ephesians in Ephesians 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;5 one

14 13 Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. The one faith is the Word of God, the inspired beliefs of God s truths given of Christ (1 Timothy 4:6), and in adhering to other religious convictions/beliefs teachings is called leaving the Faith, (1 Timothy 4:1). The faith are truths we must obey, (Acts 6:7). Gospel truths, (Philippians 1:27/Colossians 1:23). Truths we must be united in, (Ephesians 4:13). This faith has for all time been delivered/revealed, (Jude 3). The Bible has all the inspired teaching. We have all scripture. And the scripture can equip us for every act of service, (2 Timothy 3:16-17). From His knowledge of truth, we have everything we need for life and godliness, (2 Peter 1:3-4). We need to more revelation. In worship we must do all that He has given us authority to do. Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name (authority) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. The words whatever you do in word or deed, do all in His (authority) name. means nothing should be added, that Christ has not given us authority to do, in word or deed, in matters of worship. We are not to add to His Word. To say something is of Him, when God has not given it in revelation is a lie. The Lord needs nothing added, His Truth is perfect, (Proverbs 30:5-6). Where do we get authority? The Bible says through Christ s teachings. Jesus said to His Apostles that He has all authority and that they are to teach what He has commanded them. Part of Christ s teachings to His Apostles were for them to baptize in His name, so others could be accepted as His disciples. This command was also for salvation, (Mark 16:16). Matthew 28:16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

15 14 His teachings must be followed if we are to be God disciples, (John 8:31). Such teachings equip us for His works of service. The church is to be based on His truth, this is how we are to know how we are to conduct ourselves in the church. 1 Timothy 3:15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. To have unity we need to be in Christ. This was the Lord s Prayer to the Father right before He died on the cross, (John 17:20-21). This was Jesus wish for us. Also, our Head is also called the shepherd. Who was to be our guide that is if we are willing to be His sheep. In this we need to listen to His voice, to be counted as His, there is one flock and one shepherd, Christ, (John 10:14-16). Bible unity is being united under and subject to Christ as Head and His voice/words heeded as a Shepard speaks guiding the Sheep. To Be His Sheep, one must only listen Jesus words/voice, not of other men and their uninspired teachings/voice, (John 10:5). Inspired Men. When the Apostles were before Jesus at His resurrection, in Matthew 28:18-20 He said, that all authority was given to Him and then in His authority gave them a commission to teach all He had commanded them. So they did, in the Spirit, confirming the Word of God with signs (Mark 16:14-20). This is why we listen to what they taught and practiced. They received the Spirit, (Acts 1:4-5, Acts 1:8/Acts 2:1-4) and were guided into all truths by the Spirit, (John 14:26 /John 16:13). That is why Jesus said what they bind will be bound, for they were acting/speaking by the Spirit, (Matthew 18:18). What the Apostles spiritually practiced is commanded of us to follow, (1 Corinthians 11:1/Philippians 3:17/4:9.) All the words of Jesus came from the Father (John 12:49) and was also given by the Spirit. When One in the Godhead speaks, They all speak. The Apostles performed miracles and spoke truth through the Spirit. Such "Signs and Wonders" were from Apostles, who had seen the Lord, picked of Jesus in His life, (Luke 6:12-16), or had been with Jesus in His whole lifelong Ministry, (Acts 1:21-26), with one exception Paul, who he said Jesus appeared to him as an Apostle LAST as one abnormally born, for He had persecuted the church (1 Corinthians 15:8-10), last means no other, it is the last. Only Apostles through the Spirit could impart the gifts of the Spirit, See story of Simon the Sorcerer, despite other Christians like Phillip

16 15 the Evangelist being there, they had to send up the Apostles to give the new Christians the Spirit, (Acts 8:9-25) (Also See Acts 19:6) And no other should speak another "Gospel" (Which is God's standards, 1 Timothy 1:8-11) other then what the Apostles/inspired men have given, (Gal 1:6-10). This is what Paul wrote to believers of Jesus and the Resurrection at that time. He said, "walk in truth of the Gospel," (Acts 2:14). For the Jews during that time were choosing to listen to others and follow uninspired men instead. If people still had the Miracles that these men had, we would know of them and the world would tell us. Such people would be hounded by the Press, have governments and media come to them, the world would readily show videos of such signs today. If someone could cure cancer and aids in the hospitals, they would be world renown, especially in the digital age where news travels as fast as the speed of sound. But we don't. The Apostles were teaching Jesus' words and standards and thus could bind in authority, because the authority of Jesus' teachings was being taught by them. Apostles were men who could raise the dead, heal the unhealable, cure the blind, drive out demons, and the whole world stood up and took notice, (this was a Mark of an Apostle 2 Cor 12:12) we don't see such wonders and signs from men today, they were given to confirm the divine words that were spoken, (Mark 16:20) in this day we have all the revelations of God. So, Jesus is our authority, (See also Hebrews 1:1-4) He spoke by the Father's will, (John 12:49/John 14:10). The Apostles are our authority, they spoke what Jesus had given them to say and were led by the Spirit, after being told by Jesus on His ascension to Heaven to wait in Jerusalem to receive Power from on high and the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5;8), which they did in the following chapter, (Acts 2:1-4), confirming what Jesus said, the some of you will not taste death till you see the Kingdom (The church Mathew 16:17-19) come with Power, and as Christ told the Apostles, to wait for that Power, it indeed did come. In this Power, the Spirit confirming the divine message of inspiration these men received by Signs and Miracles, (Mark 16:20). So, Christ is the Head, the Shepherd, we are to Listen to His voice, the Apostles shared His words, this is the Beliefs God has handed down to us, called the Faith. If we are in the Faith, under Christ we are unified with Him. Religious Denominational Divisions

17 16 God s people must be united in His faith/teaching. They must be united in one mind. Not divided. The word Denomination means division. We must remain IN the Faith of God. The inspired Apostles writes in 1 Corinthians 14 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge...10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name (authority) of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. How are people divided from the faith/the teachings of God, by following other men s teachings, (uninspired men) that are not from Christ. Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. The Bible says there is ONE Faith/teaching. That is His truth. We are not to add man made teachings to it. In matters of worship, God calls adding things the Bible has had mentioned, vain worship and a sign people are not right with God, in their hearts. Matthew 15: 8 These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. This eliminates creeds, books, rules, from uninspired men. In matters of religious teaching, we should only speak God's oracles that means no additions or subtractions from His oracles. We should just do what God has said, (1 Peter 4:11). What are the Bible teachings for worship? Giving: How the Bible says the church is to give Upon the first day of the week. 1 Corinthians 16:2 How do we add to this command? We give on another day. How do we subtract from this command? We don t give at all.

18 17 Not grudgingly but as he purposed. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 The New Testament does not say to give a specific sum. How the money is to be used by the church. This we must do to not add to God's Word and distort it. When you take away from God's teachings in not doing them or add to them, you distort the teaching and distort it, pervert it, you make His truth into something else, something other than the pure truth of His Word. That s what Paul warned about. Paul said people would distort the truth to have people follow after them, (their teachings). What do you think denominational-ism is? It s people following creeds, from uninspired men, (Acts 20:27-30). 1. Preaching the Gospel to the lost and to the saints. Christ the head of the church commanded, it, said tell the world and teach those who are made disciples what I command you. (Matthew 28:19-20). And the church did in devoting themselves to the Apostles teachings. Paul the inspired Apostle says, Preachers should be paid to preach, (1 Corinthians 9:14). 2. Helping needy saints In benevolence to hurting saints... churches can help another church who have saints, (2 Corinthians 9:1-6) in need, (besides their own congregation), in benevolence, (Romans 15:25-28; 2 Corinthians 8:18-20). This context is talking about a famine in Jerusalem that was hurting the saints at the church there, (Acts 11:27-30). But the Bible says in this regard, that such Christians must truly be in need and must first look to having support from one s family, before even a local congregation can help. (1 Timothy 5:3-10.) Accountability first starts at the home, (2 Thessalonians 3:10/1 Timothy 5:8.) When it comes to helping non-christian people, like orphans, the poor, the hurting, we can look to individual personal responsibility. We can help Christians and non-christians that is our duty God expects of us. When it comes to meeting needs of the world, these are things that we can do ourselves. And are asked of us to do as individuals, (1 Timothy 6:18). Read also the following verses... James 1:26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is

19 18 this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. This is clearly talking to individual people These are the only ways the Bible says church money is to be used. How do we add to giving in the Bible? We add to how the Bible says the church money is to be used. This would include ice cream socials, date nights, paintball games, etc. Does that help the needs of hurting poverty suffering saints? NO. Does funding a wrestling match, or going to a museum, directly teaching the lost? Or is it adding to the commands already given, making additions? IN ANY ACT OF WORSHIP, WE MUST JUST TEACH AND PRACTICE WHAT GOD SAYS IN HIS GOSPEL? TO ADD TO HIS WORD IS TO DISTORT IT. As Paul warns in Galatians 1:6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! In the context of only doing what Christ has given us scriptural authority to do in Col 3:17, a few verses back God commands to sing in church worship, Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body (the church is the body Ephesians 1:22-23); and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. So, in worship we are to sing, God tells us to not add/subtract to His Word, as the many verses already mentioned point out. So, if we subtract from this command by having a chorus, where some people sing, then we change God's command. The command is for all of God's people to sing. If we remove people and add instruments to His command and have a jazz concert and no one sings, we sin again, for God command is for us to sing to Him. If we add to His command to sing the use of instrumental music to our singing, we err, for God says about worship, Whatever you do in

20 19 word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus... Has Christ taught anywhere to use instruments? No. He tells uninspired man to not add to His Words. To abide in the truth and not go beyond it. We are to worship within the confines of the lines God has marked out for us. To not go beyond His teachings, (2 John 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. You may ask what about the OT, they used instruments in worship? They also offered up animal sacrifices, did circumcisions, had ceremonial rites, abstained from certain foods, observed no work on the Sabbath, had religious New Moon festivals, etc. Do we do any of these things? Are people were put to death often times, when they did a deliberate sin., (Numbers 15:30). For that is the OT teaching in the Law. The Bible says Christ has delivered us from the Old Law/Covenant to His Law, the Law of the Spirit. The Old Law was called the Law of sin and death, (Romans 8:1-2) for when people sinned, under that Law, it many times lead to being put to death. Christ delivered/put an end this law, (Romans 10:4/Colossians 2:14-16). See also (Hebrews 8:8 13/Galatians 3:16-19). The New Covenant is Christ s will/testament. Established in His death, (Hebrews 9:15-17). Would you like someone changing your desired testament/will? Would like someone changing what you put into it, by adding or subtracting what they would rather have in YOUR WILL? Christ has established His covenant through the shedding of His blood for you (Matthew 26:28). Who are we to change His teachings? Does that mean the Old Testament is irrelevant? No, we can still learn from the examples (1 Corinthians 10:6-11) of the OT, and see Gods attitude for what is right and for sin. Such as He does not like His Word being messed with. Did not like it then and does not like it know. His attitude does not change, (Hebrews 13:8). Remember Nadab and Abihu. They were priests under the Old Law, who offered up unauthorized fire before the Lord, because it suited them. God did not say they could not, but give them details of what they could and should do. They choose to go outside of the bounds of what He had asked. God said this dishonored Him as unholy, (Leviticus 10:1-3). But people will ask, but it accomplishes good things. How can that be wrong? In whose eyes, yours, mine, or Gods? Any time we break what

21 20 God has given, in His Word, by changing the Gospel to fit us, or in making a secular teaching binding as a creed, for a church to practice, we erode of the framework of the foundations of Bible authority, we sin, we give the devil a handhold to work on us and His church a little more. Remember in King Saul s day, he thought the good was to offer a sacrifice to preserve his army for war, when people were deserting, yet God said otherwise. He said keeping God s commands was more important, (1 Samuel 13:5-14). This was a continual flaw with the Israelite's in the OT. They continued to do what they thought was right in their own eyes, (Judges 17:6/Judges 21:25). Just because we think we know best does not make it Bible correct, nor spiritually pleasing to God. If God had wanted it done, don t you think He would have had commands and Bible examples for us to do it? (Proverbs 14:12) When we follow Christ, we are His disciples (John 8:31-32). When we follow other men, who distort the truth, (Acts 20:29-30) by adding or subtracting from God's teachings, we are their disciples. When you add ingredients to your grandma's recipe or subtract ingredients, it's no longer, grandma's recipe, it's something else. When you change a dead man's will, by adding what you would rather have in that will, ignoring that man's wishes, you distort his will into something that man did not will to be done. Christ's New Convent/Testament is His will for us. Should we change His will? When it comes to workshop we are commanded to attend when the saints meet, (Hebrews 10:25-26). And when we meet to worship in the right (attitude) spirit and to worship IN His truth, (John 4:23-24). When we worship God tells us we are to talk to God in prayer and listen to Him through His Word, that is what church Bible class and sermons do, (Acts 2:42). We also worship as God commanded by observe the Lord s Supper? Why do we observe the Lord s Supper? Reasons below... Christ did the Lord s Supper for His followers to remember Him and commanded it be done. Mark 14:22 While they were eating, He took

22 21 some bread, (Which was Passover bread Mark 14:1;12-22, Passover bread was unleavened bread Exodus 12:15) and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, Take it; this is My body. 23 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He said to them, This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine, (which was fruit from a vine, aka grape juice, commonly used in Jewish times for drinking) until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Leaven in the Bible spiritually represents sin. In doing this Supper we remember Christ is our Passover, lamb 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, who took away the sins of the World, John 1:29) We are supposed to follow His spiritual example and Jesus did the Supper. 1 John 2:6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. Jesus said the Lord s Supper was necessary for eternal life, to eat and drink what represents Him. John 6:53 So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.54 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever. Jesus told His disciples to do the Lord s Supper in remembrance of His coming death on the cross, AND after He left them, that is what they did. 1 Corinthians 11: 23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me. 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord s death until He comes. They, the disciples after His ascension, in turn taught this as well as Christ s other teachings...

23 22 Matt 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. The Apostles were told to observe the Lord s Supper as we read in the above Chapters and verses, AND we are taught to follow their spiritual examples from the Bible. Philippians 3:17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. Because the Word says they follow Christ 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.2 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you. The term in Mark 14:22, Matthew 26:26, Luke 22:19, of breaking bread is used of the church when they met to remember Christ s command for them, do this in remembrance of me... Jesus took bread and broke it. Mark 14:22 While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it... And is shown in the Bible being done...after His ascension by His disciples. Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. Who s the we, read this and you see it was assembled Christians coming to break bread and hear the Apostle Paul preach God s Word. Early church days when people were baptized after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came on the Apostles, (Read all of Acts 2) the Christians, meet together to do what? Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Which was not a common meal, (1 Corinthians 11:20-22.)

24 23 They did this on each first day of the week, when God established a day for remembrance, and on this day, it is to be remembered ON that DAY each time. God s commands, are absolute, no sometimes, about them. When God say s don t kill, it does not mean sometimes one should observe this command, it is a absolute, as is all of His truths. Though we are not under the Old Law today, (Gal 3:16-17/Col 2:14-17) We can see some examples of this: Old Testament Jews, observed each and every Sabbath, because God says, observe the Sabbath, (Exodus 20:8) He did not say each and every Sabbath. Yet if they neglected this absolute command they died. If they decided to skip a Sabbath, (Exodus 31:15). Same with the Feast of weeks, it was to be observed every 7 years, not just on the 7 years, when the Jews felt like it, but it was expected of God, as an absolute. (Leviticus 25:4.) Not a place for meals, 1 Corinthians 11: God s church Kingdom is spiritual in nature, Christ said... in John 18:36, "My kingdom is not of this world... His Kingdom is not about worldly, non-bible based things, and it s not for secular recreation, entertainment. We should not add root beer to the Lord's Supper or pizza and subtract the elements God commanded for remembering Christ's death. It s not about pleasing us, but on remembering Christ death. As all the verses point out above. We are not to change the instructions God has given us. It s presumptuous, arrogant, and vain to worship God any other way, then the way HE WANTS TO BE HONORED. If a boy had a Birthday party and his mom heard he wanted chocolate cake... He also asked for no veggies, because he hates green plant food. On the day before the party the boy also asked for no clowns because he said he s afraid of them. When the mother heard his wishes, she went out and got for the party, strawberry cake, a clown and salad, because these were things she liked. How would that honor the boy s B day wishes? Church is not about pleasing ourselves, it s not about doing what we want or what we think should be done. It's about honoring God's wishes and pleasing Him.

25 24 Eldership and Deacons The church is guided in the truth ((1 Peter 5:1-4/Acts 20:17, 28-30) by Elders who are also called in the same context of Acts 20, Bishops/Shepherds, who are also called Pastors (Ephesians 4:11) which is the same Greek word and meaning for Shepherds, (The Bible does not lump the role of Preacher with Pastor, but notice in Ephesians 4:11, they are distinct from Preachers/Evangelists). As Acts 20 says, the local church is under the oversight of the Elders of that church, who are to spiritually feed God s church people, (Acts 20:28-32). This means the Elders work at a local church. Their role is in an autonomous/singular church relationship. These men are to defend against false teaching, against those who distort the truth. They support the truth, they guide the sheep in the great shepherd s words. Notice there is no other leadership governing in the church, (Popes, Priests, Universal Council, etc,) other than Christ through the Bibles truth and the Eldership, who are to guide the people of a church in that truth. Such men are to be honored, (Hebrews 13:17). We should not add what God has left silent in the matters of His church and worship. Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name (authority) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. The Elders must have qualifications to be appointed, in this context the Elders are also called Overseers, (1 Timothy 3:1-7/Titus 1:6-9). Deacons are helpers of the Elder-ship and the church in matters of church work. They too must be appointed. (Acts 6:1-5). They too must have qualifications, (1 Timothy 3:8-12).

26 25 An in-depth look on knowing what to follow in religion. Most divisions, confusing contradictions between one religious group and another comes from people not understanding Bible authority and in that authority, on how to use it, in the way God asks. The reason for this first lesson is to share from the Bible what it says on how we get authority and how we are to apply it, in following the scriptures. If we are to be pleasing to God and do what He wants, we need to know this important topic and learn its truths. Let's look at where the Bible says we get religious authority in making our decisions. First let's look at some passages that say Jesus Christ, (as God) is our source of authority Matthew 28:17 "When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. From this we read that Christ has ALL authority, including in His teachings, (which truths He spoke in the Father's Name John 5:23 and in the Father's words John 12:49, confirming their inspiration and divinity by Miracles John 14:11-12; Acts 2:22) and His Apostles were charged by the One who has all authority to teach His truths and save others. This is why in Matthew 18:18, Christ said to them, "whatever you bind will be bound." The Apostles were teaching Jesus' words and standards and thus could bind in authority, because the authority of Jesus' teachings was being taught by them. Apostles were men who could raise the dead, heal the unhealable, cure the blind, drive out demons, and the whole world stood up and took notice, (this was a Mark of an Apostle 2 Cor 12:12) we don't see such wonders and signs from men today, they were given to confirm the divine words that were spoken, Mark 16:20 in this day we have all the revelations of God. We have all the beliefs/the things of faith handed down through the revelation of the Apostles, the believers of Christ Jude 3 and we have everything we need to live a spiritual life, be godlike in following our Lord

27 26 and gaining His precious promises, (heaven, a relationship with God, etc) from these things, 2 Peter 1:3-4. The authority we get is from the Apostles and from their writings, and it is able to equip us for everything good thing God wants us to do in following His will. We NOW HAVE ALL Scripture and it is inspired. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 And no other should speak another "Gospel" (Which is God's standards 1 Timothy 1:8-11) other then what the Apostles/inspired men have given. Gal 1:6-10. This is what Paul wrote to believers of Jesus and the Resurrection at that time. He said, "walk in truth of the Gospel." Acts 2:14, for they were choosing to listen to others and follow uninspired men instead. If people still had the Miracles that these men had, we would know of them and the world would tell us. Such people would be hounded by the Press, have governments and media come to them, the world would readily show videos of such signs today. If someone could cure cancer and aids in the hospitals, they would be world renown, especially in the digital age where news travels as fast as the speed of sound. But we don't. Such "Signs and Wonders" were from Apostles, who had seen the Lord, picked of Jesus in His life. Luke 6:12-16 or had been with Jesus in His whole lifelong Ministry, Acts 1:21-26, with one exception Paul, who he said Jesus appeared to him as an Apostle LAST as one abnormally born, for He had persecuted the church 1 Corinthians 15:8-10, last means no other, it is the last. Only Apostles through the Spirit could impart the gifts of the Spirit, See story of Simon the Sorcerer, despite other Christians like Phillip the Evangelist being there, they had to send up the Apostles to give the new Christians the Spirit, Acts 8:9-25 (Also See Acts 19:6) Another reason we need to listen to the Apostles, aka their examples, writings, words, is that they were divinely inspired by and guided the Holy Spirit. The Apostles were told by Christ that they would be "lead into all truths" by the Holy Spirit, John 16:13 and that "when the Counselor come, whom I will send you, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about me." John 15:26 So Jesus is our authority, (See also Hebrews 1:1-4) He spoke by the Father's will. John 12:49/John 14:10 The Apostles are our authority, they spoke what Jesus had given them to say 1 Corinthians 14:37 and were led by the Spirit, after being told by Jesus on His ascension to Heaven to wait in Jerusalem to receive Power from on high and the Holy Spirit Acts 1:4-5; *8, which they did in the following chapter, Acts 2:1-4, confirming what Jesus said, the some of you will not taste death till you see the

28 27 Kingdom (The church Mathew 16:17-19) come with Power, and as Christ told the Apostles, to wait for that Power, it indeed did come. In this Power, the Spirit confirming the divine message of inspiration these men received by Signs and Miracles. Mark 16:20 Since Christ gave them His truths to tell and the Spirit to guide them in sharing His message, given by the Father, and they wrote down the New Testament, and the Bible says, "all scripture is inspired of God." 2 Timothy 3:16-17, then the scripture is a reliable source, if we are to believe Jesus and God. If not, then we can't believe anything in regard to God or Christ. Proverbs 30:5-6 says God's words are perfect don't change them, don't add to them. This is a false, a false path, His Word alone is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and only in God's Bible teaching is understanding. Psalms 119: We also follow their spiritual examples again because they were guided by the Spirit to speak and do spiritual things. We are commanded for this reason to do so on following this pattern Philippians 3:17; Philippians 4:9 and for the reason that they follow Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1. They had the authority 1 Thessalonians 4:2; *8 and were guided by the Spirit Ephesians 3:4-5.