Gennesaret Ministry Centre.
{Deo Volente Mission}
Everything to HIS GLORY!
PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS
IMPORTANT NOT TO ALL
Rev. William Asarisi has compiled an E-Book of his Study Material’s.
To Download Your Copy FREE Click Here
I. Every Christian has direct access to God and so is their own priest.
A. We do not need human go-betweens. 1 Timothy 2:5
B. Our only go-between to God is our high priest, Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 2:17; 7:24-26
1) He sacrificed himself once-and-for-all. Hebrews 7:27
2) His sacrifice can wash away any sin. Hebrews 9:14
C. Nevertheless, "priest" implies service to others. Galatians 5:13
1) God does not intend us to be "Lone Rangers".
II. Every Christian has the duty to serve fellow Christians.
A. All Christians are equal in the life of the church.
1) Each member has one vote in the business of the church.
2) Each vote is worth the same.
B. There aren't "spiritual" vocations and "secular" ones.
1) Jews and Roman Catholics limited the priesthood to a few
select men. Hebrews 5:1
2) The New Testament teaches that every Christian is a priest.
1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6
C. All Christians share a common priesthood.
1) Showing love to God. Romans 12:1
2) Testifying about Christ. Romans 15:16
3) Serving other Christians. Ephesians 5:1-2, Philippians 2:17
4) Praying for one another. James 5:16
D. Being a priest to each other means we share in the struggles
and triumphs of life. Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15; 5:2
III. Practical results of this distinctive in Baptist churches.
A. Pastors do not try to set themselves apart spiritually.
1) Most Baptist ministers dress like everyone else and do
not wear robes or collars.
2) Ordination equips pastors to serve in local churches. It
gives them no spiritual advantages beyond those in the
pews.
B. Members must each take part in the working of the church.
1) Committees are made up of volunteers, not paid staff.
2) Worship involves many from the whole church.
a) Bible reading and prayer.
b) Special music and testimonies.
Pass this to anyone who you think would benefit from this lesson.
PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS
IMPORTANT NOT TO ALL
Rev. William Asarisi has compiled an E-Book of his Study Material’s.
To Download Your Copy FREE Click Here
I. Every Christian has direct access to God and so is their own priest.
A. We do not need human go-betweens. 1 Timothy 2:5
B. Our only go-between to God is our high priest, Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 2:17; 7:24-26
1) He sacrificed himself once-and-for-all. Hebrews 7:27
2) His sacrifice can wash away any sin. Hebrews 9:14
C. Nevertheless, "priest" implies service to others. Galatians 5:13
1) God does not intend us to be "Lone Rangers".
II. Every Christian has the duty to serve fellow Christians.
A. All Christians are equal in the life of the church.
1) Each member has one vote in the business of the church.
2) Each vote is worth the same.
B. There aren't "spiritual" vocations and "secular" ones.
1) Jews and Roman Catholics limited the priesthood to a few
select men. Hebrews 5:1
2) The New Testament teaches that every Christian is a priest.
1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6
C. All Christians share a common priesthood.
1) Showing love to God. Romans 12:1
2) Testifying about Christ. Romans 15:16
3) Serving other Christians. Ephesians 5:1-2, Philippians 2:17
4) Praying for one another. James 5:16
D. Being a priest to each other means we share in the struggles
and triumphs of life. Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15; 5:2
III. Practical results of this distinctive in Baptist churches.
A. Pastors do not try to set themselves apart spiritually.
1) Most Baptist ministers dress like everyone else and do
not wear robes or collars.
2) Ordination equips pastors to serve in local churches. It
gives them no spiritual advantages beyond those in the
pews.
B. Members must each take part in the working of the church.
1) Committees are made up of volunteers, not paid staff.
2) Worship involves many from the whole church.
a) Bible reading and prayer.
b) Special music and testimonies.
Pass this to anyone who you think would benefit from this lesson.
IS THIS OUR MESSIAH?
Who is this carpenter out on the mountain?
How is it that no one knows where He is from?
Can it be true what they say of His teaching?
The priests could prove nothing in them that was wrong
Some say He is Moses, and others a prophet
The Baptist stands firm and calls Him the Lamb
A Nazarene cannot be seen as Elijah
But what about all who are healed by His hand?
Can it be true that He's here as a Servant?
Who would ever think that of the man!
He does the most awesome healings and wonders
That can only be done by God's mighty hand!
Mary the harlot says He is the greatest
The only one ever to see her for her
Who stooped in the sand and wrote with His finger
When hearts all around her were full of murder
She cries when she tells of the times he spoke to her
The gentle soft words of God's only Son
That speak of the dwelling where she will be with Him
When her life in this world is over and done.
Then just when we thought that it could not get better
They tell of the ten who were outcasts of sin
On the way to the priesthood no longer a leper
One hurried back just to say thank you to Him
And then there was Lazarus who also could tell us
That he was not ever considered as brave
When the voice from the Master called out in the darkness
And took him by force from the Jaws of the grave
Could it be true that He is the right one
The one to take Israel higher and higher
The one who we all have been waiting to witness
The One Who is God's annointed Messiah
(Yes He is!)
YOU NEED THE REST
Exodus 20:8-11
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”
I. Remembrances of Sundays past.
A. Memories of Sundays in the past.
1) Going to church (when we went), flying over bumps
in car, picking up donuts to eat at home.
Nothing else to do on Sunday.
2) Asbury Park, New Jersey has a no car driving on Sunday Blue Law.
Every community had Blue Laws.
3) Billy Graham remembered going to church in morning and at
night, and doing nothing rest of day, not even sports or
reading the comics.
4) Many have similar memories.
B. Today, Sunday is like any other day. Maybe worse.
1) Zondervan Christian publishing is encouraging its bookstores
to open on Sunday.
Studies show profits will increase 20% or more.
2) Christians stay home from church, saying they need the rest.
a) Poor excuse - you can sleep better here.
C. Are we desecrating God's Day?
1) This is actually one of the most controversial
commandments.
2) Debate on what we should do on this day.
3) Debate on what day we should do it.
a) Seventh Day Adventists / Baptists -- Saturday.
II. Jews were distinctive in making seventh day special.
A. Ancient commandment. Gen 2:2
1) The Ten Commandments does not create the Sabbath, but
treats it as something which already exists.
2) The Sabbath is reflected in story of manna, before
they got to Sinai. Exod 16:13,16
3) The Sabbath has its origin in the actions of God at
Creation.
B. Eternal commandment. Exod 31:17
1) Marked off Jews as special people.
2) A sign, like circumcision.
C. A serious commandment.
1) Death penalty for desecrating. Num 15:32-36
2) Be glad Deacons only deactivate slouchers!
III. The Sabbath is about a balanced life.
A. We are commanded to work.
1) Work is a good gift from God, not drudgery.
2) The way we work shows our attitude toward God. Col 3:23
3) The Fourth Commandment commands work, but emphasizes
rest and leisure.
B. We are commanded to rest.
1) Even God rested.
2) Humans need rest, but we're getting less and less of it.
a) Less sleep, more work in last 20 years.
b) "Daily Record" article on overtime - some get more than
regular pay. But what is their life like?
3) Great social and humanitarian law emphasis.
a) No mention of religious services at this point.
b) Great mercy law - toiling men, women, animals and
slaves get to rest.
IV. The Sabbath is about acknowledging God's place in life.
A. On Sabbath we are told to remember God's great acts.
1) Church is a proper place to do this.
2) Worship came to be a critical part of the Sabbath.
a) OT - "a holy day of assembly."
b) NT - Jesus, apostles worship on Sabbath.
B. Sabbath shows our trust in God.
1) It is a witness to our neighbors. (English farmers)
2) Also shows gratitude to God for what we have.
V. Desecrating the Sabbath.
A. Prophets and Jesus criticized meticulous observance.
1) Rabbis classified work into 39 divisions, with sub-divisions.
a) False teeth a burden, etc.
b) Modern conservative Jews have a computer system to
help sort it all out.
2) Manipulation resulted.
a) Place food under tree to extend Sabbath walk.
b) Rules became an end in themselves.
3) More important than life itself.
a) 1,000 Maccabean Jews were killed rather than take up arms.
B. They also criticized lack of interest.
1) Became business as usual. Amos 8:5
2) Showed shallowness of their covenant commitment.
VI. The influence of Christianity.
A. Jesus clarified the Sabbath by his actions.
1) He attended the synagogue every week. Luke 4:16
2) He healed on the Sabbath, six times. (= working)
a) He broke man's rules, not God's.
B. Jesus clarified the Sabbath by his announcements.
1) Sabbath is made for people. Mark 2:27
a) Not meant to be a burden, but a gift from God.
2) Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath.
a) He has the authority to define its proper
observance. Mark 2:28
VII. From Saturday to Sunday.
A. Earliest Christians were Jews and accepted the Sabbath.
1) Gradually they came to understand that the Sabbath, like
many aspects of Jewish worship, was fulfilled in Jesus.
2) Pointers to something new: even in Leviticus, the great
feasts emphasized the importance of the "first day."
B. In the NT there are signs Sunday was becoming the main holy day.
1) Sabbath observance was not required of Gentile
converts. Acts 15:20,29
2) Service in Troas. Acts 20:7
3) Collection for Jerusalem church. 1 Cor 16:2
C. In time, Sunday won out.
1) However, Sabbath restrictions were not applied.
a) The early Christians worked on Sunday.
b) They never called it the Sabbath.
2) The influence of the Middle Ages.
a) Sabbath laws transferred to Sunday.
b) Puritans excelled at this.
1> Even soup kitchens for poor were closed down.
2> No games, fun. (Wheaton College tennis courts)
D. Sunday and the Sabbath are different.
1) They commemorate different events.
a) Sabbath commemorates God's rest.
b) Sunday commemorates Jesus' resurrection.
2) For Christians, the Sabbath does not exist.
a) Sunday is a day to worship Jesus.
1> Work limitations are immaterial.
b) The fourth commandment is not binding on us.
3) We are free to adapt the traditions, many of which
are sensible.
VIII. The advantages of Sabbath-keeping.
A. Grace.
1) God rested, and so should we. Exodus 20:11
a) It reminds us of God's goodness to us.
b) Renews our strength and spirit for new week.
c) If not Sunday or Saturday, any day is good.
2) Difficulties: defining "rest."
a) Rural societies may see rest as no work.
b) Industrial societies see rest as recreation.
1> We sit on our rears too much.
2> Hiking, day trips are relaxing to us.
B. Freedom.
1) We're no longer slaves in Egypt. Deut 5:15
2) Work should not dominate us.
a) (Bumper sticker - "I owe, I owe, it's off to work I go.")
b) Only the Lord should control us.
3) Signify this by going to church.
a) Letter to preacher by Jerry, age 8, in Duluth, Minn:
"Dear Pastor, If God rested on the 7th day, why do kids
still have to go to Sunday school?"
b) Pagan ruler Pliny admired simplicity of early Christian
worship on Sunday.
C. Hope.
1) The Sabbath looks to God's Kingdom, the Millennium. Heb 4:9
a) The weekly "day of rest" is just a warm-up.
b) Eternal retirement.
1> Not St. Petersburg - "The LAST resort."
2> Like Sam Mino - tinkering, walking, enjoying self.
2) Have confidence that the future is in God's hands.
3) Labor to enter that rest. Heb 4:11
a) Rest from toil but not God's work.
b) Apply yourself spiritually.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Study Notes \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
William Barclay, "Ten Commandments."
The Sabbath - God's day and how to use it.
I. Much discussed and debated.
A. Seven day week originated with Babylonians, not Jews.
1) Based on seven planets (incl. sun & moon).
B. Jews made the seventh day sacred.
1) Connected with creation account.
II. Great social and humanitarian law, more than religious.
A. Nothing said about worship or religious services.
B. Great mercy law - toiling men, women, animals and slaves
get to rest.
1) It is social legislation based on religious belief.
C. Making the Sabbath into legalism.
1) Work classified into 39 divisions, with infinite sub-divisions.
a) (examples of pettiness)
2) More important than life itself.
a) Maccabean Jews were killed rather than take up arms on
the Sabbath.
III. The influence of Christianity.
A. Earliest Christians were Jews and accepted the Sabbath.
B. Sunday also became a supremely sacred day.
1) Even in the NT there are signs Sunday was becoming the
Christian holy day.
2) Sabbath observance was not required of Gentile converts.
Acts 15:20,29.
3) Service in Troas. Acts 20:7
4) Corinthians made collection for Jerusalem church. 1 Cor 16:2
5) Revelation 1:10 speaks of the "Lord's Day."
C. Paul and the Sabbath.
1) He condemns observance of days, months, years, etc,
as legalism. Gal 4:10
2) Stay away from such disputes. Col 2:16
3) Every day is holy. Rom 14:5,6
IV. Transformation of Sabbath into Sunday, into Sabbath.
A. By the second century, the Lord's Day had won over the Sabbath.
1) Didache, AD 100; Ignatius, AD 110.
2) Sabbath keeping was no longer binding.
3) Work was not ceased on Sunday, either.
a) Most Christians would not be allowed to.
b) Even when they were, they didn't.
B. Yet another trend applied Sabbath rules to Sunday.
1) In AD 321 Constantine decreed Sunday to be day of rest.
a) Reason is debated:
1> Too many competing religions and rest days, with
economic ramifications?
2> Genuinely religious?
b) Enforcement was problematic.
2) Alcuin (AD 735-804) identified the Sabbath and Lord's Day.
a) Tied to fourth commandment.
b) Complete reversal of early church.
3) Thomas Aquinas (AD 1225-74) upheld this.
a) Even when work was forbidden, amusement was not.
4) The Reformation.
a) They all returned to position of early church.
1> Sabbath and Lord's Day were the same.
b) The fourth commandment was abrogated.
1> Observance was to be free, not obligated.
c) But an English book equated days again.
1> English kings allowed all sports.
2> Puritans made Sunday a strict Jewish Sabbath.
A> Scotland particularly strict.
B> Even soup kitchens for poor were closed down.
V. Sunday and the Sabbath are different.
A. They commemorate different events.
1) Sabbath commemorates God's rest.
2) Sunday commemorates Jesus' resurrection.
B. For Christians, the Sabbath does not exist.
1) The fourth commandment is not binding.
2) Sunday is a day to worship Jesus.
a) Work limitations are immaterial.
VI. Important question: how should we keep the Lord's Day?
A. Should any day be kept?
1) Special days are still necessary.
B. The purpose of the Lord's Day.
1) A day of rest is still needed.
2) Proven that worker efficiency deteriorates if no day of rest.
3) But practical application raises difficulties.
a) "Rest" must be defined.
1> Rural societies may see rest as no work.
2> Industrial societies see rest as recreation.
A> Golf on Sunday is OK.
B> Inactivity is not rest for us, because we are
inactive all the time.
C. The Lord's Day should be a family day.
1) Family should be a high value.
2) When families are scattered, Sunday makes a good reunion day.
D. It is a day for Christians to gather.
1) Most important use of the day.
2) Description of early Christians by pagan Pliny.
3) Descriptions by early Christians:
a) It was a day of study. (reading of Bible)
b) It was a day of prayer. (get to know God better)
c) It was a day of fellowship. (get to know Christians better)
d) Make fellowship practically effective. (social concern)
e) It was a day of praise. (singing)
f) A day to strengthen moral fiber of life.
E. The Lord's Day should be a day of worship.
1) We celebrate the worth of God.
2) Church is not the only place this is possible.
a) Nature provides its own cathedral.
b) Music is another avenue.
c) Beauty.
VII. The Lord's Day is a great possession.
A. It is not to be confused with the Jewish Sabbath.
B. It is a day of rest, but each person must decide what that is.
C. It is a day of family and reunions.
D. It is a day to dig deeper into the faith.
E. It is a day to help the poor.
F. It is a day to acknowledge God's pre-eminence in our lives.
=============================================================
Stuart Briscoe, "Ten Commandments."
The Sabbath - This is the Day.
I. God's perspective on work.
A. Not drudgery. It is good.
B. The way we work shows our attitude toward God. Col 3:23
II. Remember the Sabbath.
A. Emphasis is on leisure, not work.
B. Origin in giving of manna, before 10 Commandments. Exod 16
1) Same rule applies to differing situations.
a) Farmers not to harvest on Sabbath. Exod 34
b) Women not to do domestic work. Exod 35
c) Businessmen not to carry on trade. Jer 17
III. Why the Sabbath?
A. Based on creation, but three additional reasons:
1) For humanitarian reasons. Lev 25
a) People, and animals, need rest.
2) To show trust in God.
a) It is a witness to our neighbors.
b) Also shows gratitude to God for what we have.
3) As a sign of the covenant. Exod 31
a) Along with circumcision.
b) Obedience demonstrates our love for God.
B. The desecration of the Sabbath. (Nehemiah)
1) Lack of interest.
a) Became business as usual.
b) Showed shallowness of their covenant commitment.
2) Meticulous observance.
a) Rules delineated by rabbis. (Mishnah)
1> False teeth a burden, etc.
b) Manipulation resulted.
1> Place food under tree to extend Sabbath walk.
2> Rules became an end in themselves.
3) The point was missed.
a) 1,000 Maccabeans massacred due to observance.
IV. Clarification of the Sabbath.
A. Jesus clarified the Sabbath two ways:
1) By his actions.
a) He went to the synagogue.
b) He healed on the Sabbath. (6x)
2) By his announcements.
a) Sabbath made for man. (Jesus in charge)
b) Sabbath is a gift from God, not a burden.
B. Keeping the Sabbath.
1) The transition from Sabbath to Sunday.
2) Sabbatarians versus Antinomians.
a) Sabbatarians.
1> Stay away from worldly activities.
2> Blue laws.
b) Antinomians.
1> Emphasis on grace over law.
2> Enjoy the freedom we have in Christ.
C. Responsible discipleship.
1) A middle road is desirable.
2) God should be honored every day. Rom 14:5-6
a) But sometimes this means NO day is honored.
3) One day is very special.
a) In Bangladesh, Christians worship on Friday.
4) Day is honored if we can say, "Lord, this was your day
and this is what I did with it."
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
I. Two tensions: Sabbatarians vs. Antinomians.
A. Both types are in our church.
II. Sabbatarians emphasize literal application of Old Testament.
A. They tend toward legalism.
1) Stay away from worldly activities.
2) Blue laws.
B. But Old Testament is superseded.
III. Antinomians emphasize grace of Jesus over Law.
A. Enjoy the freedom we have in Christ.
1) OT law died on cross with Jesus.
B. Apostle Paul treated every day as special. Rom 14:5f
1) Making some days special is dangerous. Gal 4:10
C. But by honoring all, we often honor none.
1) Sunday has become a rut like all other days.
2) Special days are still necessary.
3) (Eugene Peterson and personal Sabbath keeping. CT 9/2/88)
4) Lord's Day is honored if we can say, "Lord, this was
your day and this is what I did with it."
Pass this to anyone who you think would benefit from this lesson.
DOCTRINE / WHAT IS IT AND HOW IMPORTANT?
Some People are unaware that the word "doctrine" is actually a Biblical term used by God in His messages to His people, and used by the divinely inspired writers of the Bible in the instruction God gave them to pass down to Christians.
The word "doctrine" appears in both the Old and the New Testament. In the King James Version of the Bible it is used 51 times in 50 verses. It is safe to say that "doctrine" means a lot to our understanding of and fellowship with the Lord.
We need to understand what the word "doctrine" means. It isn't some mystical word that has no value or relevance, nor is it a concept that is difficult to grasp.
DEFINITION: The word "doctrine" refers to:
1) Teaching
1a) that which is taught
1b) doctrine, teaching, concerning something
2) the act of teaching, instruction
2a) in religious assemblies of the Christians, to speak in the way of teaching, in distinction from other modes of speaking in public
IT MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO SOME OF US, BUT THE FIRST "CHRISTIAN" TO TEACH "DOCTRINE" WAS JESUS CHRIST.
Mat 7:28 ~
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings,
the people were astonished at his doctrine.
Doctrine defines what is being taught. It is the basic tenants of a belief or position, held to by an individual or a group. We may receive some funny reactions from people if we stated that "My doctrine on the war is." but that would be a proper usage of the word.
THE QUESTION ALL OF US ARE CHALLENGED WITH IS TO DETERMINE WHAT DOCTRINES BEING PREACHED AND TAUGHT ARE BASED UPON THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD?
To Show The Importance Of Doctrine, By Way Of Example, Let Me Pose A Question: What does the Bible teach as being the way a sinner can become accepted by the holy and righteous God of the Scriptures? This Is What We Mean When We Speak of "The Doctrine of Salvation."
We should all quickly agree that correct teaching (or doctrine) on this question is foundational to the Christian faith.
Act 4:10-12 ~
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead,
[even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone, which was set at nought of you builders,
which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved.
Allow Me To Illustrate The Importance Of Correct (Bible Based) Doctrine By Posing Another Question: When our body dies, will our soul or spirit continue to live? If there is no heaven or hell, then why not do as we please while we have the chance? The position one takes on this issue is what (though there are various titles used) we refer to as the "Doctrine of the Resurrection."
John 11:25-26 ~
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Believest thou this?
Every Thing We Believe Is Based Upon The Teachings (Doctrines) We Accept As Truth.
USING THE TERM "DOCTRINE" CAN IDENTIFY WHATEVER ONE BELIEVES ON THE FOLLOWING, WHICH IS A VERY LIMITED "LIST" OF THE TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE:
The Inspiration of and Authority of The Bible; The Deity of Jesus; The Virgin Birth of Jesus;
The Sinful and Condemn Status of Mankind; The Sacrificial Death of Jesus to Atone For Mankind's Sinful Status; The Resurrection of Jesus and His Second Coming; The Trinity;
The Presence and Gifts of The Holy Spirit; The Mission of God's Redeemed Children (The Church); The Eternal Existence and Creative Power Of God; The Reality of Satan;
The Coming Judgments; The Believer's Security In God's Hand's.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT DOCTRINE IS EMPHASIZED THROUGH OUT THE BIBLE.
1Ti 4:13 ~
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
2 Ti 3:16-17 ~
All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God,
and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
(Note: This verse states that all Scripture is profitable. It does not state that all doctrine is acceptable. If doctrine is not true to the Scriptures, it is unprofitable.)
2 Ti 4:2 ~
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Titus 2:1 ~
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
STRONG WARNING ARE GIVEN TO US THAT WE NOT ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE DECEIVED BY FALSE TEACHINGS (DOCTRINES.)
Rom 16:17 ~
Now I beseech you, brethren,
mark them, which cause divisions and offences
contrary to the doctrine, which ye have learned;
and avoid them.
Eph 4:14 ~
That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro,
and carried about with every wind of doctrine,
by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
2 John 1:10-11 ~
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,
receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
HOW CAN WE KNOW IF A DOCTRINAL POSITION (BELIEF) THAT IS HELD BY A PERSON, A DENOMINATION, OR ANYONE CLAMING TO SPEAK FOR GOD IS TRUE?
There is no secret formula, nor magical powers that God has promised to give to us (in order that we will automatically understand) all we need to know in order to correctly grasp all the truths of the Bible. (I do believe God give some believers the gift of discernment, but I believe they must have knowledge of The Scripture for comparing what they are hearing in order to use this gift.)
THIS IS GOING TO BE DISAPPOINTING TO SOME, BUT THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IF A DOCTRINE IS SCRIPTURAL, IS TO STUDY THE SCRIPTURES! That doesn't mean each of us must be able to read Hebrew and Greek, or that we won't need help. But, it is our responsibility before God to read and ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand the Bible.
GOD WANTS US TO UNDERSTAND HIS TRUTH, AND HE WILL GIVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF IT TO THOSE WHO SINCERELY AND IN PURITY OF FAITH SEEK IT.
Luke 24:45 ~
Then opened he their understanding,
that they might understand the scriptures...
Act 17:11 ~
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
in that they received the word with all readiness of mind,
and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
2 Ti 2:15-16 ~
Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
But shun profane [and] vain babblings:
for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
John 5:39 ~
Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life:
and they are they, which testify of me.
HOW CAN WE KNOW IF A DOCTRINE IS FALSE? Any teaching that contradicts the Bible, or claims to be more important than or a new addition to the Bible, is a lie, and those who spread it are false teachers.
2 Peter 1:20 ~
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture
is of any private interpretation.
Rev 22:18-19 ~
I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this Book:
if anyone adds to them,
God will add to him the plagues which are written in this Book;
and if anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this prophecy,
God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city,
which are written in this Book.
CONCLUSIONS: Doctrine is another word for "beliefs." It is vital that Christians believe the truth, and the way to understand the difference between truth and error is to read and understand the Scriptures.
We are responsible to discover for ourselves what God's Word teaches. For some of us, that will require that we humble ourselves and seek help from Godly men and Women. The Lord has gifted His people by granting to some the Spiritual gift of teaching. We should seek them out.
To correctly understand the Bible, all Christian's must rely upon the Holy Spirit to "open" our understanding!
We must make a choice of faith to avoid participating in known and recognized false teachings, even if that makes us appear to be intolerant of the views of others.
We Must Be Cautious That We Do Not Equate Our Traditions On An Even Par With God's Word.
Mar 7:9 ~
And he said unto them,
Full well ye reject the commandment of God,
that ye may keep your own tradition.
We all have personal convictions based upon our understanding of the Bible. There is nothing wrong with that, UNLESS, we teach others that OUR convictions are GOD'S will for all Christians.
THE BETTER OF TWO BAD SONS
Matt.21:28-32
Jesus said: "What do you think? A man had two children, He went to the first and said, `Child, go and work in my vineyard today.' He answered, `I will not.' But afterwards he changed his mind and went. He went to the second and spoke to him in the same way. He answered, `Certainly, sir.' And he did not go. Which of these two did the will of his father?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them: "This is the truth I tell you--the tax-collectors and harlots go into the Kingdom of Heaven before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe in him; but the tax-gatherers and harlots did believe in him. And when you saw this, you did not even then change your minds, and so come to believe in him."
The meaning of this parable is crystal clear. The Jewish leaders are the people who said they would obey God and then did not. The tax-gatherers and the harlots are those who said that they would go their own way and then took God's way.
The key to the correct understanding of this parable is that it is not really praising anyone. It is setting before us a picture of two very imperfect sets of people, of whom one set were none the less better than the other. Neither son in the story was the kind of son to bring full joy to his father. Both were unsatisfactory; but the one who in the end obeyed was incalculably better than the other. The ideal son would be the son who accepted the father's orders with obedience and with respect and who unquestioningly and fully carried them out. But there are truths in this parable which go far beyond the situation in which it was first spoken.
It tells us that there are two very common classes of people in this world. First, there are the people whose profession is much better than their practice. They will promise anything; they make great protestations of piety and fidelity; but their practice lags far behind. Second, there are those whose practice is far better than their profession. They claim to be tough, hardheaded materialists, but somehow they are found out doing kindly and generous things, almost in secret, as if they were ashamed of it. They profess to have no interest in the Church and in religion, and yet, when it comes to the bit, they live more Christian lives than many professing Christians.
We have all of us met these people, those whose practice is far away from the almost sanctimonious piety of their profession, and those whose practice is far ahead of the sometimes cynical, and sometimes almost irreligious, profession which they make. The real point of the parable is that, while the second class are infinitely to be preferred to the first, neither is anything like perfect. The really good man is the man in whom profession and practice meet and match. (Faith without works is dead)
Further, this parable teaches us that promises can never take the place of performance, and fine words are never a substitute for fine deeds. The son who said he would go, and did not, had all the outward marks of courtesy. In his answer he called his father "Sir" with all respect. But a courtesy which never gets beyond words is a totally illusory thing. True courtesy is obedience, willingly and graciously given. On the other hand the parable teaches us that a man can easily spoil a good thing by the way he does it. He can do a fine thing with a lack of graciousness and a lack of winsomeness which spoil the whole deed. Here we learn that the Christian way is in performance and not promise, and that the mark of a Christian is obedience graciously and courteously given.
Pass this to anyone who you think would benefit from this lesson.
WHEN ONE LISTENS TO THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
AND YOU SEE THE COST THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO COUNT
THEN YOU REALISE HOW DIFFICULT IT IS
FOR YOU TO SAY YOU ARE REALLY ONE OF HIS.
ITS SO EASY FOR THE NOMINAL BELIEVING MAN TO SAY
JESUS IS MY LORD AND IN MY LIVING HE WILL HAVE HIS WAY
BUT THE DAY WILL COME WHEN YOU WILL HAVE TO PROVE WHAT YOU BELIEVED
WHEN HE WILL WANT A RECKONING OF WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED
ON THE WAY FROM THE SERVICE TO MY HOME
I WAS PASSING BY THE BUSINESS THAT I OWN
TO MY FRUSTRATION I SAW THAT THEY WERE LOADING ALL MY GOODS
"GOD THESE ROBBERS ARE RUINING ME,
THEY ARE A BUNCH OF HOODS"
BUT AS I WAS COMPLAINING TO THE LORD OF HOW UNFAIR
IT WAS FOR THEM TO TAKE MY THINGS HE SAID "COME LET US NOW COMPARE
HOW MUCH IT IS I HAVE FORGIVEN YOU IN ALL THE YEARS
LET'S STOP AND TAKE A COUNT AND YOU WILL FIND YOU'RE IN ARREARS"
GOD SAID, "GO ON DOWN THERE SON AND HELP THEM LOAD UP ALL YOU OWN
FOR YOU KNOW YOU ARE A PILGRIM AND THIS WORLD IS NOT YOUR HOME
IF THEY WANT TO TAKE YOUR CLOAK FROM YOU
THEN GIVE THEM YOUR COAT TOO"
THIS IS RADICAL BELIEVING
BUT HIS AIM IS TO BLESS YOU
CHORUS
WHEN THE LORD BECOMES YOUR SOURCE OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT THING
THEN YOU'VE MADE THE GREAT TRANSITION FOR A USEFUL WALK WITH HIM
WHEN YOUR LOVE FOR GOD ECLIPSES EVERYTHING THAT'S IN YOUR NAME
THEN THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST WILL RULE THE CHURCH AGAIN
THEY WERE NERVOUS WHEN I OFFERED THEM TO LEND A HELPING HAND
I COULD SEE THAT THEY WERE TRYING WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT TO UNDERSTAND
HOW A MAN CAN DO THE THINGS THEY ONLY KNEW WERE IN THE BOOK
HOW THAT THIS STRANGE BELIEVER CAN BLESS AND HELP A CROOK
WELL THEY TOOK MY CAR AND CELLPHONE SO I COULD NOT MAKE ALARM
AND I KNEW THAT GOD'S STRONG ANGELS KEPT ME FROM BEING HARMED
SO I BLESSED THEM ON THEIR WAY WITH EVERY MILE I WALKED THAT NIGHT
AND FELT THE LORD'S APPROVAL THAT COMES FROM DOING RIGHT
BUT MY PROBLEMS ONLY STARTED WHEN I GOT BACK TO MY HOME
WITH MY FAMILY AGAINST ME I WAS FEELING SO ALONE
THEIR LOVE FOR THEIR BREAD-WINNER HAD SUDDENLY TURNED COLD
WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT OUR FUTURE NO LONGER GLITTERED QUITE SO GOLD
THOSE WERE THE SADDEST DAYS THAT FOLLOWED AS I TRIED TO START AGAIN
MY ATTEMPTS TO BORROW MONEY FROM MY BANK WERE ALL IN VAIN
SO I GOT DOWN ON MY KNEES AND SOUGHT THE LORD IN EARNEST PRAYER
AND DISCOVERED ONCE AGAIN TRUE TO HIS PROMISE HE IS THERE
THE GREAT ANTICIPATION THAT WAS GROWING IN MY HEART
WAS SO WONDERFUL IN KNOWING THAT I HAD DONE MY PART
BECAUSE GOD IS NO MAN'S DEBTOR HE JUST RESTORED ME FROM THE SHOCK
HE TOOK MY FEET OUT OF THE MUD AND PUT THEM ON THE ROCK
HOW THE NEIGHBOURS STARED AND WHISPERED WHEN THEY STOPPED WITH THAT BIG LORRY
AND THOSE SHATTERED MEN EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THEY WERE REALLY SORRY
FOR THE TRAUMA AND THE HARDSHIP THAT THEY HAD PUT ME THROUGH
THAT MY ACTIONS WERE THE EVIDENCE THAT THE GOSPEL MUST BE TRUE
THOSE RAGGED SOULS KNEELED DOWN WITH ME UPON THE RUG THAT DAY
AND BECAUSE THEY WERE REPENTANT I HAD TO TEACH THESE TWO TO PRAY
IT JUST BROKE MY HEART TO HEAR THEM AS THEY CRIED TO GOD FOR MERCY
IT WAS A NEW EXPERIENCE TO SEE ANYONE SO THIRSTY
BUT THE HEART OF GOD IS OPEN TO THE VILEST OF THE VILE
AND WHEN HE LOOKED DOWN ON THESE TWO, I JUST KNOW HE HAD TO SMILE
FOR HIS ANGELS HAD HOUNDED THEM IN THE DAYTIME AND THE NIGHT
WITH VISIONS OF THE MAN THEY ROBBED AND THEY JUST HAD TO PUT IT RIGHT
WITH LITTLE EDUCATION BUT WITH HEARTS NOW FILLED WITH GRACE
THEY LEARNED THE WAYS OF JESUS AND KEPT SEEKING FOR HIS FACE
WE REALLY LEARNED TO LOVE THEM AS THE YEARS WENT SLOWLY BY
THEY BECAME AN INSPIRATION TO ALL WHO DARE TO TRY
FROM THE HUMBLEST OF BEGINNINGS THEY TURNED FROM ALL THEIR WICKED WAYS
AND GOD HAS TWO NEW PASTORS WHO WALK WITH HIM ALL THEIR DAYS