haec new members manual

HOPE AGLOW EMPOWERMENT CENTERNEW MEMBERS GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME 1By Senior Pastor Levonzia and Lady Saverna Stevens

WHY DO WE JOIN CHURCHES/FELLOWSHIPS 2

EMPOWERMENT FROM RECEIVING THE SPIRIT OF THE PASTOR 4

SENIOR PASTOR LEVONZIA AND LADY STEVENS 5

EMPOWERING VISION, PURPOSE, AND MISSION OF 6 HOPE AGLOW EMPOWERMENT CENTER

DISCOVERING TRUE KINGDOM OUTREACH 9

STEWARDSHIP EMPOWERMENT 15

MEMBERSHIP COVENANT 19

CHURCH OPERATIONS 21

MEMBER SERVICES 23

SPIRITUAL MINISTRY SERVICES 24

HAEC – ORGANIZATION CHART 25

NEXT STEPS 28

STATEMENT OF FAITH 30

UPDATED: May 11, 2012 0


TRAINING FOR SERVICE BIBLE TEACHING 40WELCOME TO HOPE AGLOW EMPOWERMENT CENTER

Welcome New Member,

Lady Stevens and I are extremely overjoyed in knowing that you have decided to enter into a covenant relationship with the members of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center.

Hope Aglow Empowerment Center is an extended family, yet to some it’s their only family. Therefore, we take our covenant with you very seriously. We are here for you and your family to help you in your spiritual growth. We appreciate and thank God that you have made this awesome decision to become a part of our family.

We have a clear vision, purpose, and mission which you will be taught in this new member’s class. We believe that every person has been given a purpose to fulfill. My hopes are that you find your place and become an active partner in this ministry.

As we partner together, our individualized purposes are linked which creates a rewarding team. By learning the vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center, you will come to know that you will be surrounded by a caring family, which has your best interest at heart. Once again, please get involved for the workload is great. By linking up with us, the load has just become lighter.

Levonzia Stevens, Sr. Saverna StevensSenior Pastor First LadyHope Aglow Empowerment Center Hope Aglow Empowerment Center

UPDATED: May 11, 2012

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Why Do We Join Churches/FellowshipsAdopt from Christian Answer Network

When you become a Christian, you are called into a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:9). But I John 1:3 makes it clear that we enter a fellowship that goes two ways: with God and with other Christians.

The New Testament never divides Christians into the church members and the non-church members. All the way through, it assumes that everybody participates in their local assembly. It gives no examples of Christians who belong to the “church as a whole” but have no link with a local church. One scholar has said that "any idea...of enjoying salvation or being a Christian in isolation is foreign to the New Testament writings" (Alan Stibbs, God's Church, p. 92). Wherever Christians are within range of each other in the New Testament, they meet. Every time the apostle Paul comes to a town in the book of Acts where there are no Christians, he wins a few converts and immediately organizes them into a small group - a little church.

Acts 20:7 reveals the practice of the early church: "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them." For Christians in every location, regular gathering was a part of life.

It's illogical to say that you are merely part of the worldwide, universal church, yet refuse to gather with the segment of that church as a whole that exists in your geographical area. It would be like claiming you have a car, when the right fender is in Washington DC, the engine is in Maryland, and the wheels are in Virginia! You don't have a car; you have the beginning of the inventory for a junkyard. It just won't function until the pieces are put together.

The church must be together to carry out many of its purposes.

Here are some irreplaceable pieces of the Christian that cannot happen when you live in isolation from the church:

1. USE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS - I Corinthians 12 makes it clear that God has given spiritual gifts to every Christian. And verse 7 states unmistakably that these abilities are not provided to make you feel good; they are abilities to minister which should be used for the common good! I Peter 4:10 commands us to use spiritual gifts to help each other.

The same passage makes it clear that we meet with other Christians so they can use their gifts to strengthen us. God's gift of a preacher or teacher is wasted if no one comes to hear them speak.

2. UNITY - The church is pictured as a body in I Corinthians 12, and Paul explains that each part of the body exists to meet the needs of other body parts. In the same way, God intends each of us to meet the needs of other believers, using our strengths to help in their areas of weakness. I Corinthians 12:21 expresses it this way: "The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you." Neither can a Christian claim to be self-sufficient today.


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http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/1cor12.html#21

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/1cor12.html

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/1pet4.html#10

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/1cor12.html

http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/fellowship.html

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/1john1.html#3

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/1cor1.html#9


3. The New Testament is full of “one another” commands. We are to comfort one another (I Thessalonians 4:18), build up one another (I Thessalonians 5:11), confess our sins to one another (James 5:16), pray for one another (James 5:16), and many more. How can we obey these directives if we stay away from the gathering of believers?

4. ACCOUNTABILITY - God designed the church as a place where spiritual leaders could watch out for our welfare, as a shepherd guards the sheep (I Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17). A Christian who answers only to himself can easily rationalize sinful attitudes or actions; regular contact with other Christians can keep us sharp.

A single verse should actually be sufficient answer for this question: Hebrews 10:25 warns its readers against “forsaking the assembly of yourselves together, as the manner of some is.”


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http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/heb10.html#25

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/heb13.html#17

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/1pet5.html#1

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/james5.html#16

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/james5.html#16

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/1th5.html#11

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/1th4.html#18


EMPOWERMENT FROM RECEIVINGTHE SPIRIT OF THE PASTOR

I. IMPORTANCE OF RECEIVING THE SPIRIT OF THE PASTOR

a. Leave the spirit of your former pastor and his vision behind because “if you don’t have the spirit of the man, you can’t work effectively in the vision of the land.” This is called the Law of Harmony.

II. TO RECEIVE THE SPIRIT OF THE PASTOR

a. Recognize and accept the pastoral office as the head of the local Body because God has placed him as the shepherd over this flock.

b. Know that the Father has led you to this body (to this flock) for the purpose of feeding and educating you with the things of the Father. In the process, you will grow and mature spiritually and become a strong and vibrant Christian.

c. Understand the office/position of the Pastor as well as the position in which you have been placed into the local body. Submit to the rule (authority) of the Pastor in keeping with Hebrews 13:17 which says, “Obey them (pastor) that have rule (authority) over you and submit yourselves: for they (the pastor) watch for your souls, as they (the pastor) must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief — for that is unprofitable for you.”

d. You cannot have two heads of authority. Your Pastor to whom you serve is the spiritual head.

e. Examples of receiving the spirit of your Pastor can be found in II Kings 2:1-25 and II Kings 3:11

i. Elisha followed after Elijah.ii. Elisha voluntarily submitted himself to Elijah, the man of God.iii. Elisha recognized, respected, and willingly accepted Elijah’s

authority.iv. The work directed by Elijah was for the benefit of the whole.v. Elisha trusted the leading of Elijah because he saw Elijah as a

prophet through the eyes of the Spirit of God.vi. Elisha, by obeying and following Elijah, received a double honor

and anointing which catapulted his ministry in God’s due time.vii. God’s honor and authority will be bestowed upon you based on the

degree and quality of your submission to the authority appointed over you by God.

viii. Elisha supported Elijah.ix. Elisha was a servant to Elijah (I Kings 19:19-2 1 and II Kings 3:11).


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Senior Pastor Levonzia and Lady Saverna Stevens

Pastor Levonzia Stevens, Sr.

Pastor Levonzia Stevens, Sr. is a vessel in whom God has implanted a vision to transform lives and build a unified community for the Kingdom of God. He is the Senior Pastor of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center, a multi-cultural church with campuses located in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg, Virginia. Pastor Stevens is supported by his wife, Saverna, their three children - Juanita, Desiree, and Levonzia, Jr.

After growing up on the streets of Newark, NJ and surrounded by a drugs and alcohol infested life Pastor Stevens served our country for six years in the USMC. Refusing to accept the call of God on his life led to poor decisions which caused him to serve almost 6 years in prison. It was at this time the Holy Spirit began to transform his life. In prison he accepted the call to ministry and embarked upon the journey to influence and transform lives for God’s Kingdom.

Lady Saverna Stevens

Lady Stevens is an accomplished business woman in Northern Virginia and has many professional accomplishments. Her honesty, compassion, and commitment to excellence have set her apart for a unique work with women. She is founder and CEO of First Lady’s House of Hope which is a twelve month recovery program for chemically addicted pregnant and postpartum women.

Lady Stevens is the founder of Kingdom Women and Talitha Cumi, two ministries that empower, encourage, and position women for the next move of God. Her versatility and attention to detail are contributing factors of her insightfulness to the needs of women. Can anyone find a virtuous woman? Lady Stevens’ character personifies all the virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

EMPOWERING VISION, PURPOSE, AND MISSION OF


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HOPE AGLOW EMPOWERMENT CENTER

I. CHURCH VISION

a. In order to receive the vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center, it is important to first understand the meaning of the term, “vision.” According to Strong’s Concordance, “vision” means “a dream, a revelation.”

b. Our Pastor was given by God the vision of establishing, leading, and directing Hope Aglow Empowerment Center. You have been called to assist him in fulfilling this vision. The vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center is an insight into God’s divine purpose and will for a people whom He has chosen and called to fulfill it. You have been called, chosen, and placed into this fellowship of believers to fulfill this revelation from God. The two supporting scriptures for the foundation of this vision are:

i. Psalm 89:19, The Lord speaks in visions.ii. Proverbs 29:18, Where there is no vision, the people perish.

II. THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING THE VISION

a. There can only be one vision in each house of God. The vision is always given to the Head (Pastor). The Father gives His vision to the Pastor, who in turn directs the body of believers.

b. Two visions is a DI-VISION.

i. Amos 3:3 - Can two walk together (united, alike, become one) except they be agreed?

ii. In order to walk in agreement, to walk united, to walk alike, and to become one, you must hear, see, and understand the vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center.

iii. Our Pastor’s vision was conferred upon him by God as a revelation for this area.

c. When a member states that he or she has received a vision for the Body, they will be out of order and in a state of rebellion because that vision will not be from the Father. The vision always comes from the head.

d. Those who are operating out of their own spirit and vision will pollute the body when they interject their own vision. Through this error, they will stumble in their judgment and be blinded in their decisions. (Isaiah 28:7)

e. Ephesians 4:17 — “...ye walk not as the Gentiles (heathen) in the vanity (empty, profitless, idol, depravity) of their minds.”

f. You are to be led by the Spirit and walk in love, in unity, in agreement and in faith with the vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING THE VISION (continued)


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g. You are not to be led by “your own” vision. As to the direction that the church is going, the vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center was given to our Pastor. Our part as members (co-labors) is to assist the Pastor in fulfilling the vision through commitment, faithfulness, and loyalty.

h. When a vision, other than that of the Pastor’s, begins to pull, attract, or influence you, then its purpose is to pull you out of harmony with the Body, making you available to the onslaught of the enemy.

i. Jeremiah 14:14-18, “...they prophesy FALSE VISION…”ii. Ezekiel 13:6-15, “... they have seen vanity and lying divination…”


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VISION

Hope Aglow Empowerment Center was born out of a vision to transform lives and to build a unified community for the Kingdom of God.

SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION

Hebrews 6:19 (AMP) “[Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul it can not slip and [it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it – a hope] that reaches

farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil”

PURPOSE

Hope Aglow Empowerment Center exists to bring the full knowledge of Jesus Christ to the people so that they will become obedient disciples. .

THE MISSION

Hope Aglow Empowerment Center fulfills its purpose by:

Submitting unto the will of God; revealed through individual and cooperate prayer

Nurturing an environment for a diverse, multiracial and multicultural congregation to work in unity for Kingdom fulfillment

Strengthening the families of HAEC and our community through the values and principles of scriptures

Shaping and developing the hearts of youth for God Fostering a unique, vibrant and corporate praise and worship atmosphere;

whereby Saints are sensitive to the presence of God Teach, train and instruct saints for outreach ministry

THE MOTTO

We are one team, with one mission, unified in one goal transforming souls


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Discovering True Kingdom Outreach

Witnessing or being a witness for Christ is not what we do as Christians it is who we are.

What is a witness?

A witness is one who testifies on behalf of or because of.

1 John 5:9-12 When we receive Christ we receive the witness of God.

Hebrews 12:1 There is a cloud of witnesses that prove God is real and faith is real. 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12__After we receive the Word of Truth we become witnesses to

the divine hand of God

Overall, we are the witness of God on this earth through salvation of Christ.

How does one translate the witness of Christ?

We are God’s instruments here on this earth. To translate means to take from one unknown thing (language) and present it in a manner that is easily understood by the masses. Remember translators know their audience and the culture of that audience.

Steps for an effectual translation of information to the unbeliever/newly saved about Christ

Using your spiritual gifts is important. 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11; 28 & Romans 12:6-8

__Word of Wisdom ________, __Word of knowledge_____________

___Faith____________________, _Gifts of healing _______________

__Working of miracles ________, ____Prophecy _________________

__Discerning of spirits _________, __Divers kinds of tongues _______

__Interpretation of tongues _____, ___Helps _______________________

__Governments ______________, ___Teachers _____________________

___Giving _________________, __Leading ___ ____________________

__Exhortation________________, __Ministry ______________________The use of the gifts enables us to speak straight to the spirit of the person, by impacting the soul.


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Steps to Witnessing

Prepare yourself

Pray/fast

2 Kings 6:17 ___Spiritual vision ______________

Luke 12:12 _____Spiritual Speech _____________

2 Cor. 3:16 __Veil removed from their hearts _____

Eph. 6:11-12 __That you put on the armor of God _

Using the ABCD of witnessing-He who wins souls is __wise_____ Proverbs 11:30

A stands for Admit

Need to get them to admit they ____need ___a ___savior____

Romans 6:23 ___Sin = death; gift of God = eternal life _____

1 Corin. 1:18 ___Remember the gospel to some is foolishness

Eph. 2:12 __Without God there is no hope/promise and aliens _

John 3:18 ___Those that believe not on Christ their sentence is served __

Understand that sin will be one of the most used words while you are witnessing.

Sin is defined as; the violation of God’s law, to miss the mark or to ___stray__________ outside the boundary of __light ________ into __darkness___________.

Remember at this point to keep it cool by;

_praying_____________Remember they are precious to God _Not feeling as if you must get them to see (that is God’s job)


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B stands for Believe

You need to get them to believe that Jesus came to earth and dead for their sins and now He is at the right hand of God the Father until the coming of the end.

1 Peter 2:24 _Christ took our sins upon Himself _____

Romans 5:11-15 _Reign of grace through Christ _____

C stands for Come to Jesus

Once a person as admitted that they are a sinner…. Once they believe that Jesus took their sin on him when he died…then it is time for action. Coming to Jesus is an action one must perform to correctly receive salvation/forgiveness. We start this friendship by receiving Jesus into our hearts (conscience; becoming aware of him inside).

Rev. 3:20 ___Christ will come to any who answers the knock _____________

D stands for details

Speak to the person about baptism, the importance of church attendance, prayer, reading the Bible, fellowship with other believers, and telling others what they have done.

Don’t forget to make the person feel welcome into the Body of Christ. Your joy and liveliness will show the joy you are feeling because their soul has been snatched from hells doors. REJOICE, REJOICE, AND REJOICE.

Always seal the prayer of salvation with a closing blessing over the life of the person.

Prayer for:

Protection over the seed that was sown Clear understanding of Christ in their life Continue to have an encounter with God each day Surrounded by other believers all the time to further develop their salvation


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Practical Questions/excuses

Excuse #1 it’s hard to believe in a God I can’t see

2 Cor. 5:7

Heb. 11:6

Excuse #2 I’m afraid of praying to receive Christ and nothing happening.

Heb. 11:6

Reve. 3:20

Excuse #3 I’ve tried to be a Christian before and failed

Prov. 3:5-6

Eph. 2:8-9

Excuse #4 I’m afraid I can’t hold on to being a Christian

Rom 14:4

1 Thess. 5:24

2 Corth. 12:9

Excuse #5 I’m not a sinner

Is. 64:6-7

John 16:9

Romans 3:10-12

Question #1 What to do if other people laugh at me

2 Tim. 2:12

James 4:4


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Prov. 1:26 Question #2 What if I am too weak and mess up

John 1:12

John 6:37

1 Tim 1:15

Question #3 Do I have to receive Christ publicly

Rom. 10:9-10

1 John 4:15

Matt. 10-32-33

Question #4 Should I feel something

2 Cor. 5:7

Question #5 What if I don’t understand God or the Bible

Rom. 11:33

Ps. 25:14

1 Cor. 2:14

Question #6 what if I can’t break from my sins

Luke 13:3

Gal. 6:8

Heb. 7:25

Question #7 Don’t all religions lead to God

John 10:7-12

John 14:6

Acts 4:10-12


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Question #8 Why should I serve God as a teenager

Matt. 16:26

John 10:10

Pro. 3: 5-6


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STEWARDSHIP EMPOWERMENT

I. WHAT IS A STEWARD?

a. A person entrusted with the management of estates or affairs not his own, an administrator.

b. A manager of a household or estate; a manager.c. An individual who has been delegated authority by an owner to oversee his

possessions, property and household affairs.

II. STEWARDSHIP IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER

a. ___We know that God owns all Genesis 14:19,22 Psalms 24:1

b. _____Everything good is of God James 1:17 Philippians 4:19

c. ____Give an account Romans 14:12

d. _____Must have faith Hebrews 11:6

III. THE BELIEVER IS A STEWARD

a. ______Must give an account of how we cared over God’s estate Romans 14:12 Luke 16:2-4

b. _____That which is given of God will be account to God Matthews 25:1-23

IV. STEWARDSHIP IN PRACTICE

a. ___We are God’s steward I Corinthians 6:19,20 Romans 12:1,2

b. ____We ask for guidance from God to be proper stewards Psalm 90:12 Proverbs 24:30-34


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c. __Don’t be more concerned with the natural treasures Matthew 6:19-21

d. __Be prepared to come and give I Corinthians 16:1-2

V. WE CAN EXPECT FROM GOD

a. ___Blessings Proverbs 8:18

b. ___Days multiplied; years increased Proverbs 9:11

VI. OUR ATTITUDE ABOUT FINANCES MUST BE

a. _______Trust God Proverbs 3:5

b. _______Don’t be grudgingly, but cheerful 2 Corinthians 9:6-8


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VII. THREE TYPES OF FINANCIAL GIFTS

TITHE (10%) OFFERINGS (Seed) BENEVOLENCE

Holy to the LordLev. 27:30

Anything after the tithe Financial gifts extended to the poorMat. 5:42; Luke 12:33

A thank-offeringGen. 14:20

Blesses the work of the LordEx. 35:20-36

Giving to local church and ministryActs 4:33-35

A memorial to God’s blessingsGen. 28:22

Signifies our devotion to God I Chron. 29:1-9

First fruits of your labor2 Chron. 31:5

Constrains us to give our allLuke 21:1-4

Proof of God’s faithfulnessMal. 3:10

VIII. RESULTS OF NOT GIVING

a. _____Holding back prevents increase Proverbs 11:24

b. ___When we listen others hear our hearts Proverbs 21:13

c. _____When we do for others we ourselves will be cared for Proverbs 28:27

d. ___Allowing riches to rule is an evil Ecclesiastes 5:13

I. WHAT IS PRAYER and HOW DOES IT RELATE TO STEWARDSHIP?

Prayer is communication with the Father.a. Always keep prayer (communication with the Father) personal.b. Prayer should never be a duty or a dread. Communication with the Father is

based upon the depth of one’s relationship to the Father.c. Most people have little personal relationship with the Father.d. A man or woman who has little personal relationship with the Father has mostly a

dull non-profitable prayer life.


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e. When a person has not taken the time or effort to discipline himself to pray, they wonder where God is? He is where He has always been and will remain. We are the ones to draw near.

f. Stewardship keeps away the devour and give us the access to the treasure chest of God’s blessings. However, prayer and faith is what allows us to retrieve the blessing. For the Bible says that “For with out faith it is impossible to please God”.


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MEMBERSHIP COVENANT

Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior and being in agreement with Hope Aglow's structure, strategy, vision, purpose and mission statement, strategy, and structure I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with Hope Aglow Empowerment Center's church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:

1. I will protect the unity of the church:

By acting in love toward other members By refusing to gossip By following the leaders

"But, speaking the truth in love may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ." (Ephesians 4:15).

Have “unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22).

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs" (Ephesians 4:29).

“Obey them (your leaders) that have the rule and submit yourselves (to their authority). For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you (no advantage to you)" (Hebrews 13:17).

2. I will share the responsibility of my church:

By praying for its growth By inviting the un-churched to attend By warmly welcoming those who visit

To the church-“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers (remembering and praying for you constantly)" (1 Thessalonians 1:1-2).

"And the Lord (The Master) said unto the servant, 'Go out unto the highways (roads) and hedges (country lanes) and compel (urge) them (the people) to come in that my house may be full'" (Luke 14:23).

"Wherefore receive one another (warmly welcome each other into the church) as Christ also received us to the glory of God (just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified)" (Romans 15:7).


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3. I will serve the ministry of my church:

By discovering my gifts and talents By being equipped to serve by my pastors By developing a servant's heart

"Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you" (1 Peter 4:10)

"And He himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who (took on) the very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:4).

4. I will support the testimony of my church:

By attending faithfully Living a godly life By giving regularly in tithe and offerings

"Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another" (Hebrews 10:25)

"Whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27).

"Each one of you, on the first day of each week, should set aside a specific sum of money in proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering" (1 Corinthians 16:2)

"A tenth (of all your) produce…is the Lord's, and is holy" (Leviticus 27:30).I have read and understand the above. Upon my signature, I agree to perform the above to the best of my ability. If I have further questions, I will direct them to the leadership of HAEC.

________________________ ________________________Signature Date


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CHURCH OPERATIONS

Woodbridge Campus

Hope Aglow Empowerment Center 13550 Jefferson Davis Highway

Woodbridge, VA. 22191(703) 490-4673(703) 490-9664

[email protected]

Office Hours

Monday – Friday9:00am – 5:00pm

SaturdayClosed

Evening and Weekend Office HoursWednesday

5:30pm – 7:30pm

Sunday9:00am – 2:00pm

Service Times

Sunday – Worship Service

11:00am

Wednesday Empowerment Bible Study

Crossfire Youth GroupR.E.B.E.L (Young Adults)

7:30pm

SaturdayIntercessory Prayer

8:00am


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mailto:[email protected]


CHURCH OPERATIONS

Fredericksburg Campus

Hope Aglow Empowerment Center125 Olde Greenwich DriveFredericksburg, VA. 22408

(540) [email protected]

Office Hours

Monday – FridayTBA

SaturdayClosed

Evening and Weekend Office HoursThursday

6:30pm-7:30pm

Sunday7:30am – 11:00am

Service Time

Sunday –Worship Service

8:30am

SaturdayIntercessory Prayer

8:00am

Thursday Empowerment Bible Study

Crossfire Youth Group7:30pm


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MEMBER SERVICES

BookstoreThe Anchor of Hope Bookstore is where each member can acquire music, books, videos, and information on spiritual growth. Tools that aide in one’s spiritual development is essential.

Helping HandsThose in need of food can make arrangements to secure items that are needed by contacting Helping Hands Ministry or the front office staff. The pantry is stocked by member donations and external sources.

Home Buying and Finance ServicesThose who are seeking to buy sell or lease houses may contact the Administration Office for names of realtors and loan officers in the church. Seminars are held periodically to educate members on various strategies to achieve your goal of obtaining a home. The names furnished does not necessary constitute an endorsement by HAEC.

Wedding/Memorial ServicesThese services are available by filling out request forms at the Administration Office.

Transportation ServicesArrangement can be made to pick-up those needing a ride to church by calling the front office at least half an hour prior to the commencement of church. This service is limited to certain areas. You may also speak with one of the transportation volunteer coordinators at the church.

Hospital, Nursing Home, or Jail Visitation ServicesPlease notify the administration office if you have become ill or incarcerated and arrangements will be made for a Pastor or Deacon to visit and pray with you, and/or family members.

BaptismWater baptism does not save a person. Yet, we are commanded by the Lord to perform this spiritual observance to commemorate the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. When we are baptized, we show by our obedience, the actions of Christ that won our salvation. This service is usually offered monthly on the 2nd Saturday of every other month.


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SPIRITUAL MINISTRY SERVICES

Baby DedicationThis is the time where parents publicly announce their intent to raise their child in accordance to Biblical principles. Please notify the front office at least three weeks prior to the event. This service is held on the 5th Sunday of the month.

CommunionThis sacrament involves partaking of bread, which represents Christ’s body that was broken for our healing and drinking the fruit of the vine (grape juice), which represents the shed blood of Christ on the Cross.

Counseling/GuidanceThis service is available on an as needed basis. Every member in the body of Christ is to be of aid to the other. This does not constitute that person as an approved counselor by the Church. You must contact the Administration Office for further information on counseling.

Home DedicationCongratulations on the purchase of your new home! One of the ministerial staff will come to your home and pray God’s blessing over you, your family, and protection of the residence. Please call the Administration Office for further information.

Intercessory PrayerIf you need the Ground Breakers Intercessory Team to lift up your petitions in prayer, please complete a prayer request form, which is located in the lobby of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center. In addition, intercessory prayer takes place on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. and 15 minutes before each service.

Corporate prayer is the 4th Sunday of each month.


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Hope Aglow Empowerment Center Organizational StructureSr. Pastor Levonzia Stevens

Lady Saverna Stevens

Administration & OperationsBoard of Directors

Fredericksburg & Woodbridge CampusesAcademy – Sis. Desiree Dancy

Anchor of Hope Bookstore – Sis. Rosa HarrisChurch Administrator – Lady Stevens

Executive Administrative Assistant – Sis. Renee Brooks Finance – Sis. Medda Williams

Graphics – Sis. Valarie Thompson Ground Breakers – Deaconness Margaret Harris

Information Technology Ministry (ITM) – Bro. Donn NorwoodInternational Ministry – Bro. Cyril Amoako

Maintenance Ministry – Bro. Shalimar Green Marketing Ministry

Media (Audio & Television) – Bro. Darnell GittensMinisterial Program – Pastor Stevens

Membership Management Services (MMS) – Min. Alejandro. & Sis. Valerie Ramos Seeds of Empowerment – Sis. Valerie Ramos

EmpoweredEmpowered Life Ministry Pastoral Care & Relations Ministry Education & Evangelism Ministry Music & Fine Arts Ministry Generation Ministry Min. Leon Willis Min. Monica Traylor Pastor Cheri Smith Bro. Dave Hammond Pastor Stephen BrownPorters & Greeters Baptism Education Dance Crossfire (Youth)Covenant Keepers Deacons SMAAC Outreach Drama R.E.B.E.L.S. (Young Adult)Chariots of Fire High Rollers (Seniors) Helping Hands MusiciansL.I.F.E. (Singles) Altar Care Prison Ministry Choir & Psalmist

Transportation Anchor of HealthHospitality

Fredericksburg Campus Site Pastor - Deraine Simpson

Operations & Administrative Manager - Min. Renee Smith


W.O.W. (Men’s Ministry) Kingdom Women (Women’s Ministry) Young Gideon Kingdom Daughters

People of Destiny (P.O.D.S.)


DEPARTMENTS WITHIN HAEC

Crossfire Youth Ministry - [email protected] Is a ministry designed to shape and develop the hearts of youth for God. We strive to

empower youth to maximize their potential in Christ by imparting Kingdom principles and values.

Ground Breakers (Intercessory Prayer)- [email protected] Ensures that all areas of the church are covered with prayer continuously by fervently

communicating with God.

Helping Hands – [email protected] Distributes food and clothing to needy families in the church and the local community

who are experiencing difficult times as a result of unemployment, illness, crisis, or significant financial problems. Non-perishable food is maintained by the church to be distributed whenever there is a need.

High Rollers – [email protected]

Any individual 48 years or older and their spouses are welcome to join the High Rollers. Our goal is to impact our community and the world for the Kingdom of God through congregational and community based services and activities for mature adults. High Rollers meet at least quarterly for activities and fellowship. Meetings may take place at either HAEC campus or other places as appropriate for the activity such as bowling centers, recreation centers, etc. Activities may also include traveling within or outside the state.

K.W. (Kingdom Women) - [email protected] Is a ministry to assist all women in their individual growth and development towards

spiritual maturity by promoting the uncompromised Word of God.

L.I.F.E. (Living in Full Empowerment Singles Ministry) – [email protected] Is a ministry that connects the community of single Christians, who are growing together

through discipleship, fellowship and outreach

P.O.D. (People of Destiny) – [email protected] and [email protected] Creates an atmosphere of supportive and stimulating fellowship among the members of

HAEC in order to develop a socially and spiritually connected body of believers.











Porter and Greeter Ministry – [email protected] Function of the Porters and Greeters are to glorify God by their service to the body of

Christ and to assist in creating a worshipful atmosphere for church services, activities and special functions

Prison Ministry (Woodbridge Campus ONLY – Men ONLY) – [email protected] Has evolved out of the need to reach out and demonstrate God’s love to men and women

who are in need of healing and spiritual development

R.E.B.E.L.S. (Righteously Empowered to Be Effective Leaders young adult Ministry) – [email protected] is a ministry created of a vision to empower, teach and further develop individuals for the advancement of the Kingdom of God

S.O.E. (Seeds of Empowerment Children’s Ministry) – [email protected] Is committed to the spiritual growth and development of the children God has placed in

our care.

W.O.W. (Watchmen on the Wall) – [email protected] Is a ministry that is designed to empower men to assume their spiritual role of leadership

beginning at home, then in the local church, then into the workplace and community.

Covenant Keepers (marriage ministry) – [email protected] Is a ministry that is deigned to empower the couples in their marriage.

Membership Management Service Ministry – [email protected]

Ensure that all members, new converts, and guests of HAEC are engrafted in the church and that

all persons affiliated with HAEC transition into the family of Christ and the ministry of Hope

Aglow Empowerment Center.

27 UPDATED: Feb. 1, 2012









Your next steps as a member of HAEC

1. Continue to Grow in God.

2. Find your place in the ministry to use your skills/gifts/ and talents.

3. Come expecting of God during our worship gatherings.

4. Allow God to use you to bring additional individuals into the Kingdom of God

5. Pay your tithe and bring your offering so that we are able to meet the resource need of ministry.

6. Support your growth by reading and studying the Word of God at home and in community study.

7. Fellowship with the saints where you can form relationships one with another (POD group).

8. Pray for your church, the Pastor, the members as often as you can.

9. If your children are old enough involve them in the work of ministry and the life of the ministry.

10. Love your neighbor as yourself and learn to live in Peace with your brother.



This section is designed

To give you an overview

Of what HAEC

Believes “statements of

faith” and to provide you with

lessons for Christian

development



GOD THE FATHER

I. WHO IS GOD?

God is the creator of everything. Before anything was He was. He is the beginning and the end.

God is Self-existent

Elohim – God’s official title, it is a plural noun Genesis 1:1 , Genesis 1:26-27

EL – singular form of Elohim Genesis 12:8, Isaiah 7:14

Jehovah – personal name of God, and means Redeemer

Exodus 20:2, Deuteronomy 6:4

Adonai – means Master or Lord Genesis 15:2

El Shaddai Genesis 17:1

El Olam Genesis 21:33

Jehovah Elohim Exodus 34:6

Jehovah jireh Genesis 22:14

Jehovah-shalom Judges 6:24

Jehovah-shammah Ezekiel 48:35

THE NATURE OF GOD

God is a Spirit John 4:24, Colossians 1:15

God is Light Revelation 21:23

God is Love John 3:16, 1 John 4:7-21

God is Omnipotent (all powerful) Matthew 19:26

God is Omnipresent Jeremiah 23:24

God Never Changes

God is a Father Eph. 4:6



JESUS CHRIST HUMANITY

I. WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?

HIS HUMANITY:

He was a son Isaiah 7:14Roman 1:3

Galatians 4:4

Grew up/learned wisdom and grace Luke 2:40

Had a body Matthew 26:12

Luke 24:39John 2:21

Hebrews 10:10Matthew 4:2

Had family generations to point back to Matthew 1:1

Called a man Here – before Here – then Here – now

John 1:30Luke 22:69

Flesh/Blood Hebrews 2:14-18

II. IT WAS NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH REDEMPTION FOR HUMANITY

a. ______Made Flesh ___________________________________ John 1:14 Romans 8:2,3 Hebrews 2:11-14

b. ______Died for all/head of church ______________________ Romans 14:9 Colossians 1:17-18 Hebrews 10:10-12



JESUS CHRIST DIVINITY

I. HE IS GOD (DIVINITY)

a. ____Has been with us from before _________ Micah 5:2 John 8:58 Hebrews 7:3 Revelation 1:8

b. _____Change not just as God__________________ (Hebrews 13:8)

c. The Slain Lamb (Ex. 12, John 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7; Rev. 5:12; 12:11, 13:8) The obedient servant (Ex. 21:2-6; Ps. 40:6-8; Luke 22:27; Heb, 10:5-10) Because of His work in Creation (John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2)

d. Over the church Over angels Over all men, dead and living Over all the world

e. ____The Christ ______________________________ Luke 22:66-71

f. ___Beloved Son of God _______________________ Matthew 3:17 John 8:18 I John 5:9

g. ___The Holy Spirit testifies of Christ _____________ (John 15:26)

h. ____Because we have life we testify of Christ _____ (John 5:39)

i. ___Others testify of Him being the Christ _________ Matthew 16:16 John 1:1,2 Romans 1:4

j. ___God with us_______________________________



Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:23



THE HOLY SPIRIT

I. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

a. He is the third person in the Trinity – The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.

b. Acts 2:33 says, “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” Acts 2:38-39 states, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

c. He is the Spirit of Truth.d. He is the promised and earnest inheritance.e. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word

of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory (John 15:26; Luke 24:49; Act 1:4-5,8)

f. He is our comforter and our helper (John 14:16, 25-26).g. He is the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13).

II. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO?

a. Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me “. The scripture, “ye shall be witnesses unto me,” is saying that with the power of the Holy Ghost you will be able to live in line with God’s Word. You will not be ashamed of Jesus Christ regardless of where you are or who you are with. Your life will always be a witness for Jesus Christ.

b. _____Comforter- forever (John 14:16)c. ______Promise (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8)

d. ______Help our infirmities (Romans 8:26,27)e. ______Spirit of truth (John 16:13)f. ______Shall teach/bring back to remembrance (John 14:26)g. ______Gives us information from the Father (John 16: 14, 15)h. ______ Spiritual understanding of purpose (I Cor 2:9-12)i. _______Gives us the ability to speak (Acts 2:4)j. _______Spiritual revelation (I Cor 12:3)



III. UNDERSTANDING SPEAKING IN TONGUES

The gift of speaking in tongues, just like the gift of salvation, is given freely by God. You cannot work for it. You cannot earn it. You do not have to tarry or wait for Him. Acts 2:1 -4 tells us that when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, the Apostles, all with one accord, were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. The key points here is that the Holy Spirit gave them the ability to active this gift and it is directly related to the understanding of receiving. Freely God’s gives and freely we should receive.

IV. BENEFIT OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES

a. According to Rom 8:26-27, we find that when the spirit prays, “He makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” The scriptures go on to say, “And he (Christ) that searcheth the heart knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will (or Word) of God.” In other words, when your spirit prays, you pray the perfect prayer.

b. I Cor 14:2 – the Word of God tells us, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God.’ for no man understandeth him,’ howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” You speak the wisdom of God, even the hidden wisdom of God (I Cor 2:7). When you speak in an unknown tongue, you speak directly to God. Satan cannot understand or interfere with this prayer. An example of Satan interfering is while praying, your prayer would be interrupted with crazy thoughts, and you quickly forget what you are praying about. Your unknown tongue is your personal way of communicating with God. According to the Bible, tongues:

__Uses our groaning to pray for us (Rom 8:26-27) __Grow spiritually by praying in the spirit (Eph 6: 18) __Unknown lang. speaks to God (I Cor 14:2) __Build our selves up (Jude 20)



SALVATION

I. Salvation is the work of God by which He saves man from the eternal doom of sin.

The meaning of salvation in the Hebrew and Greek implies the ideas of deliverance, safety, preservation, healing and soundness.

Until a person receives salvation they are lost and judged. Being a good person is not salvation.

GREAT TRUTH

Salvation was God’s concept Eph. 1:4 Salvation was a result of God’s foreknowledge

1 Peter 1:20

Salvation is the grace of God 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 2:11 Romans 5:8Salvation was discussed before the Cross

Genesis 3:15; 22:8,

The price paid for salvation was Christ Romans 8:11, 1 Peter 3:18Salvation saved us from the penalty of sin

2 Corinthians 5:21

Salvation saved us from the power of sin

Romans 6:14, Hebrews 9:24-28

Through salvation Christians can live a victorious life

Romans 7:15-25, Romans 8:1

Salvation saved us from the presence of sin

1 Peter 1:4-5

Salvation is a free gift Eph. 2:8-9, Romans 6:23



PRAYER(THE EMPOWERING OF YOUR SOUL)

II. WHAT IS PRAYER?

Prayer is communication with the Father.a. Always keep prayer (communication with the Father) personal.b. Prayer should never be a duty or a dread. Communication with the Father is

based upon the depth of one’s relationship to the Father.c. Most people have little personal relationship with the Father.d. A man or woman who has little personal relationship with the Father has mostly a

dull non-profitable prayer life.e. When a person has not taken the time or effort to discipline himself to pray, they

wonder where God is? He is where He has always been and will remain. We are the ones to draw near.

Example 1:

In the Old Testament, the people’s mentality was that Moses would go up, hear from God, come back down, and tell the people what God was saying. The people preferred for Moses to hear from God for them. In the New Testament, Jesus led the way for every believer to follow when He rent the veil. Now everyone has direct access to God’s presence and hear for themselves.

Example 2:

When praying, be yourself. Don’t try to impress the Father with a style that is not yours. “…Oh my beloved Royal Father, who sitteth upon thy throne and looketh down from thy perch...” Communicate with Him as a son or a daughter talks to his or her daddy. Pray the Word of God and say back to God what He has said in His Word to you.

III. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRAYER

a. ____Intercessor (stands in the gap)

An intercessor is one who has the right to take the place or stand in the gap for another and exercises that right. He pleads another’s case. Jesus stands between God and man (Ezekiel 22:30). For example, Job needed a “daysman” (an umpire or intercessory) to stand between him and God to plead his case (Job 9:32-3 3).

The Holy Spirit is our Helper in intercession.

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). This does not mean that we don’t have to pray. It means that when we pray, the Holy Spirit will pray for us through us.

The Holy Spirit intercedes with us (Romans 8:26-27). When we don’t know what things



to pray for, as we ought, then the Holy Spirit, who is our helper, takes hold together with us against the forces of evil.

He prays perfectly because He knows the mind of Christ and prays according to the Will of God (Romans 8:27)

Jesus is our intercessor -- The Great Intercessor

__Jesus’ hand brings salvation/righteousness (Isaiah 59:16). ___Mediator (I Timothy 2:5). ___Priesthood (Hebrews 7:25). “Who is he that condemeth? It is Christ that dies, yea rather, that is risen again, who is

even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Romans 8:34).

Ingredients for Successful Intercession

Love - the God kind of love. A sincere desire to see people delivered, set free and saved (Romans 5:5).

Knowledge of the Word – to pray effectively, you need to know who you are in Christ, your ability, rights and authority (John 15:7, 16).

Willingness to do the work – when we pray for people, we should be willing to go out and do the work. We are the body of Christ and He does the work through us (Hebrews 6:10).

Fervency – James 5:16 states that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” You must mean business when you pray and not have a lackadaisical attitude about what you are doing.

b. __Prayer is a weapon

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:17- 18).

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (II Corinthians 10:3-4). “….For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities...” (Ephesians

6:12). “...Whatsoever we bind on earth shall be bound...Whatsoever we loose one earth...” (Matthew 18:18).

c. ____Provides growth

Prayer whether personal or public for church or organization is the foundation from which our spiritual man is built.

In church, we gather collectively to call upon His name as body of believers. Reading throughout the Book of Acts and the Epistles, we are encouraged to pray as

body of believers. We are to pray personally and collectively ”…If two of you shall agree on earth as touching...” Power of Agreement (Matthew

18:19).



“…And the whole multitude of the people were praying...” (Luke 1:10). “…These all continued with one accord in prayer...” (Acts 1:14). And when they (believers) heard (news) that, they lifted up their voice to God...”

(Acts 4:24). Peter got out of jail and came to a house (church), “where many were gathered

together praying” (Acts 12:12).

d. _____Prayer is noticed by God Acts 10:1-8

e. _____Disciples Prayer lesson Luke 11:1-4).



TRAINING FOR

SERVICECourse description:

This course is designed to provide a student with a well rounded knowledge of God’s Word. This is a high impact deep study of the Bible.

Course Outline:

Week 1 Discovering the Word of GodWeek 2 Books of the Bible Week 3 Discovering True Kingdom Outreach Week 4 Discovering your gift Week 5 Discovering your area of service Week 6 Your next steps as a member of HAEC.



Discovering the Word of God

The Bible is a personal message from Almighty God Himself – straight from heaven – to you. The main theme of this message is Jesus – even in the Old Testament. Jesus is the living Word, the message of God to all mankind.

Ever since the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden, God was unwilling to leave us in our sin and He was unwilling to exist without us. Therefore, He had a plan – the plan of redemption – wherein He gave His Son to pay the price for our sins on the Cross; and thereby, He brought us back into fellowship with Him. Glory to God! So, look for Jesus in every book of the Bible. All scriptures either speak of His coming, pointing toward His act of love on the cross, or refer back to Jesus and the cross.

Settle in your mind that while the Bible is God’s inspired Word, it is also meant to be simple and completely applicable, “down – to – earth.” Do not just give it a place of honor on a bookshelf, but treat the Word as your personal hands-on reference book for life, a how-to book for daily living.

God’s Word is not just a set of rules, but it is our very source of liberty. God sent His Word to set us free. As one author puts it, the problems of the Church all come from “a lack of deep, prayerful Bible study.” (David Ketter)

So read the Word with a positive attitude, approaching it as an open door to freedom.

To help in your study, we recommend the following:

1. Young’s Analytical Concordance – a great help in finding verses that pertain to specific situations or needs. It contains Hebrew and Greek translations.

2. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – a dictionary of Hebrew, Chaldee and Greek words.

3. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words – a dictionary for scriptural words and meanings.

WHY STUDY THE BIBLE?

What the majority of Christians do not realize is that the Word of God is alive! His Word still transforms lives in this day and age. The Word can truly affect and have a life-changing impact on the daily lives of Christians and everyone who receives it.

God reveals Himself through His Word. As He reveals Himself to you, you can expect your life to change; as you are not just learning about Him, you are getting to "know" God and establishing a personal relationship with Him. The reason we study the Bible is that we may know God, know His ways, and walk in them. Then we can truly live a successful Christian life.

1. ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE

Divine Source –the Bible itself came from God.



1 Corinthians 2:131 Thessalonians 2:132 Timothy 3:162 Peter 1:20,21Revelation 22:18,19

Human Writers- Inspired men

God used 40 men in writing the Bible. Written over a time of 1500 years from 1400 B.C. to A.D. 100 Total of 66 Books in the Bible

Ancient versions and manuscripts:

Manuscripts are documents written by hand Version is a translation of any document into another language.

The Old Testament

Was written in the Hebrew language between 1400 BC and 400 BC

Covers from Genesis to Malchi a total of 39 books

The New Testament

All the books were written in Greek during the first century after Christ. Covers from Matthew to Revelation a total of 27 books

2. STEPS TO STUDYING YOUR BIBLE

Inductive Study

Inductive study draws you into a personal interaction with the scripture and thus with the God of the scripture.

Here is a prayer to pray with confidence as you sit down to study and meditate on His Word:

Father, in the Name of Jesus, I come before You today. I take authority over Satan and bind his operation in my life. I pray that the eyes of my understanding be enlightened so that I may know how rich is my inheritance in the saints. I further pray that I may be filled with the knowledge of



Your will with all wisdom and spiritual understanding, and with the ability to walk in a way that is fully pleasing to You as I increase in my knowledge of You.

Father, I pray that I will be rooted and built-up in Jesus as well as to be established in the faith. I am confident that He, who began a good work in me, will continue that good work until the day of Jesus Christ.

I know You have heard my prayer and therefore I know that I have the petitions for which I ask. Thank You in Jesus’ Name.

3. REMEMBER THE CONTEXT RULE

Consider each verse in light of the following

___Culture_____________________________________

___Custom______________________________________

____Who is talking ______________________________

____What question has been asked __________________

____The date of the writings ________________________



.STUDY RESOURCES

Bibles(We recommend the KJV, NKJV, Amplified, and New International Version)

Open BibleThompson Chain Reference

Ryrie Study BibleTyndale Life Application Bible

Nelson Study BibleThe Spirit-filled Life BibleThe Scofield Study Bible

John Maxwell Leadership Bible

Youth Bibles

Adventure Bible RevisedNelson’s Extreme Teen Bible

Children Bibles

The Children’s BibleEarly Reader’s Bible

The Explorer’s Bible for KidsNelson’s KidsBible.Com

Study Aids

Easton’s Bible DictionaryJack Van Impe’s Dictionary on Prophesy

Smith’s Bible DictionaryNave’s Topical BibleStrong’s concordance

The Zondervan Pictorial Bible DictionaryGreek Lexicon

Manners & Customs of the Bible



Books of the Bible

O.T. Books of the Bible:

There are four different divisions:

The Books of the Law (5)Books of History (12)Books of Poetry (5)Books of Prophecy (17)

The books of the law are the first five books of the Bible: Genesis – means beginning. Records the beginning of the world Exodus – means going out. Records the exodus of Israel from Egypt Leviticus – name taken from the tribe of Levi Numbers – name after the numbering of the people Deuteronomy – means second law or repeated law

The books of history are the next twelve books and covers about 1,000 years from 1400 BC to 400 BC:

JoshuaJudges Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel 1&2 Kings 1&2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther

The books of poetry are the next five books after the history books. Job is a dramatic debate. Deals with the problem of human suffering Psalms collection of songs many by David Proverbs a collection of short, point sayings Ecclesiastes – means preacher, a name Salomon give to himself Song of Solomon is an operetta work of Solomon

The book of prophecy is the next seventeen books.

Major Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel



Daniel Minor Prophets

Hosea Joel Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

N.T. Books of the Bible

There are four divisions in the N.T. The Gospels (4)The History (1)The Letters (21)The Prophecy (1)

The gospels are the first four books of the N.T. Gospel means “good news”Matthew written to the Jews, points to the fulfillment of prophecyMark written to Romans points the recorded life of Christ Luke written to Greeks which Luke was himself John was written to speak about some of the more deeper spiritual teachings of Jesus.

The book of history is the next book: Acts tells of the acts done by the apostles after Christ and the progression of the Church

The books of letters are the next twenty-one books. These are either named after the writer or the group/individual to whom it was written.

Romans1 &2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 & 2 Thessalonians 1 & 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews



James 1 & 2 Peter 1-3 John Jude

The book of prophecy is the next book and was written by John the apostle. Records the revelation of Jesus gave him.

Revelation – dated around A.D. 100

.



Discovering your Gift

Descriptive Words

To understand the nature of spiritual gifts we must first look at the words which the writers of Scripture used to describe them. I Corinthians 12 lists them for us. Each word, it seems, views the gifts from another standpoint, showing another aspect of their purpose, function, or source. Viewing these terms together yields a more complete description of the gifts they are describing.

"Spirituals"

In verse 1 the Authorized Version (KJV) mentions "spiritual gifts." The Greek simply reads "spirituals" (ton pneumatikon), meaning "things characterized or controlled by the Spirit." Spiritual gifts, then, are first of all things controlled or characterized by the Spirit.

"Gifts"

In verse 4 we find the word "gifts" which translates from the Greek word charisma; hence, our term "charismatic." The root word (charis) means "grace." So now if pneumatikon tells us that spiritual gifts are things characterized by the Holy Spirit, charisma teaches us that they are gifts of God's grace. They are not something we earn or deserve. They are gifts of grace. Regardless of what the term "charismatic" has come to mean and imply today, there really is no such thing as a non-charismatic gift. All gifts are charismatic; that is, all gifts are freely given by a gracious God.

This term is used also in Romans 12:6 and I Peter 4:10. (It should be noted that when Paul speaks of gifts in Ephesians 4:7-8, he employs another term, dorea, which stresses virtually the same truth; i.e., that spiritual gifts are just that -- gifts, not rewards.) This is further emphasized throughout the first half of chapter 12. For instance, verse 7 tells us they are given; again in verse 8 is the same. Verses 11 and 18 declare that the gifts are given sovereignty by the Spirit of God: He distributes them as He sees fit.

With this truth recognized, a basic principle begins to emerge, a principle which we shall develop later in more detail. We naturally tend to think that a very gifted man must be a very godly man. A pastor, for example, who is especially gifted in several areas (such as preaching, teaching, leadership, counseling, etc.) is almost instinctively assumed to be spiritually mature and further advanced in holiness than the "ordinary" believer. "What else could explain his great giftedness?" we think. The simple fact of the matter is that he may or may not be spiritually mature. His giftedness really has nothing to do with the question, for gifts are not given in proportion to holiness or anything else. Gifts are given freely and sovereignty by God to whomsoever He wills. They are gifts of grace, not merit, and so they are not at all indicative of a person's sanctification. They prove nothing but that God gives gifts freely. Spiritual gifts are "charismatic" -- gifts of grace.

"Administrations"



In verse 5 Paul calls them "administrations." The term in the Greek is diakonia, "service," the same word from which we get the word "deacon," which means "servant." The next fact about spiritual gifts, then, is that they are services to be performed. Their primary function is for others. Gifts are for serving.

"Operations"

Verse 6 calls them "operations." This is the Greek word from which we get our English word "energy" (energema). Spiritual gifts are also energizing. It is likely that this word emphasizes the divine energy enabling us to perform the service. Peter has this very idea in mind when he says to "minister" (serve) with the "ability" (strength) which God gives (I Peter 4:11). God gifts us to perform service in His strength.

"Manifestations"

Finally, verse 7 refers to them as "manifestations." The Greek word (phanerosis) means "to make visible," or "to display." Spiritual gifts, then, are visible displays of service to others. Spiritual gifts are not abilities given to do something for yourself, alone. That is selfishness. They are visible "services" performed for others. They are to be exercised in love, Paul teaches in chapter 13, and "love seeketh not her own" (13:5).

Definition

Putting together all these terms, we find that a spiritual gift is a God-given ability to serve the church effectively. There are longer definitions which can be made, but this seems to say it all. God has graciously, undeservedly equipped each of us with the ability to minister to others within the body of Christ. A spiritual gift, then, more than being a possession, is a channel through which the Holy Spirit ministers to His church. This is the means He has chosen to edify the Church.

Distinctions

Gifts and Gift

At this juncture, some distinctions are in order. The gifts of the Spirit are not the same as the gift of the Spirit. In Acts 2:38 Peter says to those who inquired about salvation, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." The "gift" (singular) of the Holy Spirit is simply the Holy Spirit Himself. The Holy Spirit Himself was the promised Gift to all who believe on Jesus. Jesus spoke of this on several occasions. John 7:38-39 records one such occasion. Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." Then John added the interpretive comment, "This spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive." John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26; and 16:7 also speak of the same promised Gift, as does Acts 1:4-5. As will be developed later, the Holy Spirit is Christ's Gift to His church, and this is basic to receiving the gifts (plural) of the Spirit: when we receive Him, we then also receive what He gives; i.e., spiritual gifts. For example, since I married my wife, I have jokingly told her many times, "what's yours is mine, and what's mine is mine!" That may be a little one-sided, but you see the principle -- when I received her, I received also what was hers. All that



was hers became mine as well when we became united in marriage. And the same was true for her. Likewise, when I received the blessed Spirit of God, I received Him in all that He had to offer. Among the wonderful ministries of the Spirit in the believer's life is the ministry of gifting for service. This we received when we received Him.

Perhaps it would be helpful to pause here and explain another point in this verse (Acts 2:38). When Peter said to "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins" he was not teaching that baptism is a requirement of salvation. The Greek preposition translated "for" in this verse (eis) carries the idea of "because of." "Repent and be baptized because of the remission of sins." It's like those posters in the police station, "man wanted `for' robbery" -- they are not asking for volunteers! They are declaring that someone is wanted "because of" his crime already committed; he is not wanted in order to commit it! The same is true here; we are to be baptized in obedience to Christ because of our forgiven sins not in order to gain forgiveness.

Gifts and Fruit

Nor should we confuse gifts of the Spirit with fruit of the Spirit. Gifts are services to be performed for others; "fruit" speaks of the graces or character traits of a person indwelt by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit of God takes up residence in a man, He not only enables him to serve, but He also begins to cultivate holiness, the evidence of which is a deep-seated "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22-23). Both the fruit and the gifts are essential. Both are manifestations of the indwelling Spirit. But the two are not the same.

Gifts and Talents

Finally, a word about talents. What is the difference between a gift and a talent? It is often said that we are born with certain talents, natural abilities, but when we are born again we are given spiritual gifts -- talents being natural and gifts being supernatural. It is interesting that such sharp distinction is never drawn in Scripture. It is often inferred or just assumed, today, but never is it so stated in Scripture. And with all the facts examined, it seems that this distinction is needless and difficult, if not impossible, to demonstrate.

Let me explain. Galatians 1:15-16, for example, declares, in effect, that Paul was gifted to preach at birth. But that gift, obviously, was not exercised until many years later. To be sure, he no doubt preached and taught before he believed, but that preaching or teaching received an entirely new dimension when he was saved. He had the gift (talent) all along; it became "spiritual" when he became spiritual. (A "spiritual" man is a Christian. This is Paul's terminology in I Corinthians 2:14-15.) His "natural" giftedness (which, of course, was sovereignty given also) became spiritual simply because he himself became spiritual. Or to look at it another way, what is the difference between what your Sunday School teacher does each Sunday morning and what your college professor did for you? The difference is obvious: the teaching of your Sunday teacher, or your pastor, although that same talent, gift, could be used in a secular classroom, has an entirely different dimension. That teaching is spiritual and ministers to the church. The talent is the same but has been given a new dimension and a new capacity -- a capacity for spiritual things. Many a teacher has become "spiritual" and so gained the ability to minister to the church with the same talent, the same gift, he had all along. That talent simply became enhanced in its ability to serve



the church effectively. It became spiritual. So the contrast is not absolute; nor are such distinctions necessary. God wisely and providentially equips at birth; the spiritual dimension is added at the new birth, but the talent itself is basically the same.

An Observation

Before leaving this matter of definitions, one more observation is in order, and that concerns that word "manifestations." Just what is it that is manifested? What is made visible? It is the Holy Spirit Himself! A spiritual gift is a "manifestation of the Spirit" (I Cor. 12:7, italics added). This is how the Holy Spirit is seen -- in the exercise of spiritual gifts. One of the greatest displays of the Holy Spirit is a church in which the members are exercising their gifts for one another. A church functioning as a gifted body is a beautiful display of the Spirit. So a spiritual gift is not only an ability to serve; it is the channel through which the Holy Spirit ministers to the body. This puts the discussion on a much higher level of importance! When you exercise your gift in the service of other believers, it is to be recognized as the manifestation, the display of the Spirit of God. God has chosen to minister to his people through us! Few things can match the blessing of knowing and expiring that.

In the latter half of I Corinthians 12 (verses 12-31), Paul shows vividly how a church should function as a multi-gifted body. The church is not an organization, primarily, but an organism, a body. The church is to function as a body -- with all the members cooperating and ministering to the others. The work of the ministry is not a spectator sport with only a few of the members playing. Each member functions to the mutual benefit of all.

In Ephesians 4:11-12 the apostle teaches that the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors-teachers are given to equip "the saints to the work of the ministry to the edifying of the body of Christ" (italics added). It is the church in its entirety which is enabled by gifted men to carry out the ministry and build up the body. It is body function, not just the function of a few members of the body.

Unity

Returning once again to I Corinthians 12, Paul first establishes his point of unity in the body. "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit" (verses 12-13). The point is simple: while so different in many respects, we are all members of the same body--many members, one body. That is unity. We all were brought into this body by Christ when He baptized us in His Spirit. As a result, we all drink of that same Spirit. We all together enjoy a unity with one another.

Diversity

His second principle is diversity. This is developed in verses 14-20 with the graphic and sometimes humorous metaphor of the human body. Verse 14 begins the discussion by saying, in effect, that we don't all do the same thing. A body is not made up of one member but of many, all with different functions. It is one body with a diversity of members, each with its own function. His illustrations of this in verses 15-19 make the point crystal clear. Imagine your foot jealous of



your hand! Imagine your ear trying to act like an eye! By the time we get to verse 18 we are ready to agree that God has wisely set the members in the body as it pleased Him--and as it pleases us! I am quite pleased that my foot is on the end of my leg! So Paul asks, "If they were all one member, where were the body?" (verse 19). Obviously, there would not be a body! This is his point exactly. The church is a unified diversity. Like a human body it has various members, each of them fulfilling its own responsibility for the entire body. He has gifted each member differently so that the body can function well. It is a diversity within a unity.

Harmony

The result of all this is harmony. In a body unified and functioning diversely by the same Spirit there will be harmony. This is Paul's point in verses 21-26.

Mutual Function

First of all this diverse unity produces a mutual function. "The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you" (verse 21). A body cannot walk well with one foot. The two must work together. Or did you ever try to tie your shoe with one hand? Did you ever see a church in which the ministry is expected to be carried out by the pastor only? There must be mutual function in the body. All the various members working together for the edifying of the body. This is harmony.

Mutual Importance

There is also found in this a mutual importance. "Those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary" (verse 22; see verses 21-24). Of what use would be your leg without your foot? Limited, at best, right? That is what happens to a church when a member refuses to fulfill his part of the ministry. The church would be limited; a part of its body would not be functioning. The exercise of your gift is imperative. Failure to exercise it is a crime against your brethren.

Further, an understanding of this eliminates pride on the one hand and jealousy on the other. It forces us to realize that any ability we have is only given to us -- no matter how insignificant may seem your gift, it is important for the functioning of the body -- that eliminates jealousy. With this there is harmony; without this, there is "schism in the body" (verse 25).

Mutual Affection

Third, a proper display of spiritual gifts, this diverse unity, produces mutual affection. Did you ever get your little finger caught in a door? Did you ever stub your little toe? Did it hurt only those little members, or did it hurt the entire body? It almost hurts to think about it -- the whole body hurts! "Whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it" (verse 26). This is mutual affection. Paul gives the purpose of this diversely functioning body in verse 25: "that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care one for another." When your church begins to function as a body, everyone working for each other's edification, you will find rather than the schism which is all too common, a harmonious peace and a mutual care and concern for one another never before experienced.



Mutual Dependence

Last, there is mutual dependence. Imagine a hand trying to act on its own. Imagine a foot trying to act independently of the hand -- ever try to turn on a light with your foot? Just as body function produces harmony, so independence produces schism. In every church problem, someone is thinking that he can act on his own and that he doesn't need the rest of the body. If we would learn to rely on one another, depend upon one another, we would not only function better, but we would also get along better. Just as my hand depends on my foot to take it to the light switch, so each member of the church needs the others for spiritual blessing and edification. Whether or not you realize it, for edification you depend upon others. A unified body functioning diversely produces that kind of harmony.

The call today, the American spirit, is a rugged individualism, independence. That may be good politics, but it is spiritual suicide for a Christian to think that he can get along apart from the church body.

Application

How do you function in the body of Christ? Do you? Do you serve others? And do you appreciate it when others try to serve you? Have you discovered yet that you need other Christians? Have you discovered yet that they need you? What is your contribution to the building up of the body?

The love of Scripture is not emotion merely but an activity of the will: it purposes the good of the one loved, expecting nothing in return (hence, the translation, "charity"). We must always be aware, then, that body function does not depend on spiritual gifts but on love. And while spiritual gifts are important, they are not as important as love.

This is the message of I Corinthians 13. Verses 1-3 mention gifts without love. Verses 4-7 speak of love apart from gifts, which, if you had to choose, is much better. You see, if I really love the people whom God has given me to shepherd, I will teach them, exhort them, help them, encourage them, and so on. The emphasis of the gifts is service, and that stems from love. On the other hand, the most gifted person in the world (the imaginary character of verses 1-3) apart from love accomplishes nothing (verse 1), is nothing (verse 2), and gains nothing (verse 3). But love, whether gifted or not, will reach out to meet any and all the needs of the body. Love is the fulfilling of the law.

This was the basic problem in Corinth -- not a lack of gifts, for they had them all (I Corinthians 1:7). Their problem was a lack of love. Love would have dissolved or even completely avoided every one of their problems, including their abuses of spiritual gifts!

Mark it well: love will not only prevent the misuse and abuse of gifts, but it will also ensure the accomplishing of their intended purpose -- service to others.

So much better, then, not to merely search for a spiritual gift but rather to seek to exercise a gift in love -- to seek to help and to edify. Only that will fulfill the intended purpose of the gifts and meet every need of the body.

http://www.biblicalstudies.com/bstudy/spiritualgifts/ch10.htm



The Bible plainly tells us that every Christian is given a spiritual gift, some ability to serve the church. But it is just that teaching that leaves many in a quandary: What is my spiritual gift? This very practical question is a good one to consider. But sometimes it seems that the answers given only further complicate and confuse the issue.

Some will say to look down the lists in Scripture in order to discover your gift. The problem with that answer is that the lists are not necessarily exhaustive; they are not complete, except in general categories.

Some say to pray for a gift, but that cannot be right, for the gifts are sovereignty given, "as it pleased Him" (I Corinthians 12:18; see also verse 11).

The Process

If you are wondering what is your spiritual gift, the following three steps may be helpful. The first two are very practical and seem reasonable; the third is the expressed answer of Scripture and so will be examined more fully.

Examine Your DESIRES

First of all, examine your desires. Simply ask yourself, "What do I want?" If God gifts you a certain way, it is reasonable to assume that he will with that gift also give you the desire to exercise it. Now be careful! You must examine your motives as well -- they can be deceiving. Your "call to service" may in reality merely be a desire to excel or to be noticed. This was one part of the Corinthians' problem -- they wanted the gifts which made them noticed and prominent. James alludes to this very problem in James 3:1 where he commands his readers that they should not all try to be teachers. Many, it seems, have wanted to teach and lead because of the honor associated with such activity. But desire for prominence is not a proper motive; desire to serve others in the best way possible is.

Examine the EVIDENCE

Next, examine the evidence. Don't be naive like the man who was sure that he had the gift of teaching but was puzzled why no one else seemed to have the gift of listening! Now certain gifts must be developed, sharpened; but if the evidence says there is no giftedness, then find another area of service. If you have been successful in encouraging, comforting, or even patiently rebuking people in the Lord, your gift may be exhortation. And so on it goes -- simply examine the evidence in light of your desires.

Examine the OPPORTUNITIES

Finally, examine the opportunities God has given you. This is the stress of the New Testament in this regard. Simply ask what is available. Look to see what is needed. Endeavor to find how you can serve and best benefit the body. Simply look for a need which you are able to fill.



An Observation

These guidelines just mentioned seem to be in keeping with related Biblical principles. But it is enlightening at this juncture to observe that the apostle Paul, in all of his discussion of spiritual gifts, nowhere gives any instruction on how to recognize your gift. He goes to great lengths to let you know that you have one and that you should use it to the good of the body, but he neither asks nor answers the question of how to discover your specific gift. This is fascinating in comparison to all the worry over the question today. The contrast is staggering! Evidently, to the New Testament writers, recognition of your spiritual gift is relatively unimportant. I say evidently -- it is evident by virtue of the fact that the question is just never discussed.

An Explanation

There is a reason for this. It may be that the very asking of the question could lead to a wrong answer. Let me explain. The focus of spiritual gifts is service, service for the edifying of others. Since that is the case, it would be much more in keeping with the apostle's instruction not to ask, "What is my spiritual specialty?" but to ask simply, "Where can I best serve?" Within the range of opportunities God has placed before you, where can you be most effective? What are the needs that face you? And how are you best able to meet those needs?

To answer these questions is to find your spiritual gift, and it also is a check on your motives.

We have fallen into the error, today, of finding nice, tidy answers to questions which the New Testament writers neither asked nor answered. The burden of their teaching in this regard was,

1) You have a spiritual gift, and

2) You need to serve and edify the body of Christ with it.

Any and all other considerations are at best secondary and at worst confusing -- in which case they hinder more than help.

Application

Do you wonder what your gift is? Have you been asking that question in frustration with some of the answers given you? Then it is time to begin searching for a place of service -- teaching, giving, helping, or whatever. Having found a place of service which you are able to fill effectively, you will have discovered your gift. The gift will become evident by your very exercise of it.



Discovering your area of serviceWatchman Nee

For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office [function]: so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. (Rom. 12:4,5)

One

How many of us who are Christians know that we are not only believers but also members of the body of Christ? We ought to understand that in the Adamic life there is not just the sinful or the natural which needs to be dealt with, the individualistic temper must also be dealt with. What do we mean by the individualistic character in the Adamic life? It is that attitude of life which insists on maintaining my independent existence, my independent living, or my individual action as though I were the only one living in the world. This kind of life hinders us from entering into the reality of the body of Christ. We should know that the antithesis of the body is the individual. For us to enter into the reality of the body, we must be delivered from individualism.

The body of Christ is not just a teaching. The body of Christ needs to be entered into experientially. Whoever has not entered in does not know what is within. He who is saved can easily detect whoever is saved or not; in like manner, the one who has already entered into the reality of the body of Christ may also discern quickly whether others have entered into the reality of it or not. When you are saved you have not only heard the doctrine of salvation but also seen that Christ is the living life. In salvation you enter a new realm. And after being in this new realm you are able to discern clearly the situation of the unsaved in retrospect. Similarly, those who truly live in the body of Christ may vividly perceive the conditions of all who have not lived in the body. People may understand the book of Romans and not be saved; likewise, men may appreciate the letter of Ephesians and not know the body of Christ. When you forsake sin and enter into Christ, you are saved. But you need to be delivered from being individualistic in order to enter experientially into the body of Christ.

God permits us to be individuals, but He does not allow us to be individualistic. Before we enter experientially into the body of Christ we are full of individualism. Even our spiritual pursuit is inspired by this trait. Why seek for holiness? That I myself may be holy. Why desire for power? That I personally may have power. Why look for fruits of labor? That I individually may have fruits. Why wish for the kingdom? That I myself may possess the kingdom. Everything is bound up with "I." This is not the body; this is individualism.

Just as Peter at Pentecost had saved in one day three thousand people, so I dream of saving three thousand in one day that I too may produce many fruits. Yet we need to recall that the eleven other apostles stood up with Peter. Did the other apostles ever jealously complain, saying that if Peter could save many people, they too should be able to do the same? Or did Peter ever build up in his mind a high tower of boasting, saying that he could save people whom others could not? We know that no such thing ever happened. For God does not look for an individual vessel but is out to get a corporate one. If you truly see the body of Christ you will neither be jealous nor proud. Whether the work is done by you or by me or by others makes no difference. All of this is a body matter, nothing is purely individual.



We therefore need to see ourselves not only as believer but even more so as members. I am a member; hence I am not the whole - not even the half - but only a small part of Christ's body. It is unquestionably a tremendous deliverance to see the body and to recognize oneself as only a member. Formerly many things were centered on our individual selves. Whether it was work or living, all was highly individualistic. One day when we discerned the body we were naturally delivered from individualism. In salvation we first see Christ and then we are saved. By the same token, we first see the body and then quite naturally we are delivered from individualism and become members of the body in reality. Not in the sense that we outwardly say we will act according to the principle of the body when we are faced with a situation, but in the sense of acting according to the principle of the body because we have received the revelation and have entered experientially into the body of Christ. With the natural life being dealt with, we spontaneously perceive that we are members.

How do I live as a member of the body of Christ? The body must be taken as the unit and boundary of all my works and living. In the physical realm, when my hand works, it is not my hand but my body which works; when my feet walk, it is not my feet but my body which walks. A physical member never does anything for its own self; whatever it does is for the sake of the body. So too is this true in the spiritual realm. All the actions of a member of the body of Christ are governed by the body of Christ, not by the individual member himself. Whether God puts me in first or in last place, it is equally acceptable with me. For only the one who does not see, know, and experience the body of Christ will be proud or jealous.

We must realize the relationship which exists between the member and the body. A member cannot be a substitute for the entire body, yet it can affect the whole body. Personal defeat and personal unholiness will influence it. Secret failure of an individual may not be known by men, but the devil knows it. Hidden defeat of a single person may not be perceived by others, yet the evil spirits know it. The defeat of one member touches the whole church. For this reason, we must seek after a life of life: it is for the entire body. We must pursue after a holy life: for this also is for the body's sake. We must desire spiritual progress: but it too is for the sake of the body.

Let us seriously ask ourselves: Am I an independent individualist? Or am I a member of the body? Am I just a believer? Or am I also a member? You are without doubt a Christian, but if you cannot be with other people for five minutes without having some trouble or finding yourself incompatible with others, how can you demonstrate that you live as a member? The Lord will not be satisfied with such kind of living. May God give us light that we may clearly perceive the body of Christ. And having perceived it, we will naturally be delivered from individualism and will spontaneously live as members.

Two

Each member has his part in serving the body of Christ. Everyone who belongs to the Lord has his portion. He has Christ within, and what he has in Christ has a characteristic of its own. It is this characteristic which becomes the distinctive feature of that one's service. To serve the church is to serve with what one obtains in Christ.

The portion of service which we have in the body of Christ is based on our knowledge of Him.



Yet this is not a common knowledge, because a common knowledge of Christ is inadequate. Only a specific knowledge of Him will constitute a specific ministry in serving the body of Christ. Hence specific service is based on specific knowledge of the Lord. Having learned what others have not learned, you receive from the Lord a specific lesson, and with this specific knowledge of Him you may serve. In the human body, for example, the eyes can see, the ears can hear, and the nose can smell. They all have their own functions, and thus each has its own portion. Similarly with the members of the body of Christ. Not every member can see or hear or smell; but each member has his own special ability. This, then, is that member's ministry.

What is your specific ministry? That which you learn especially from the Lord, that which you specifically receive from Him. Only specific ministry can serve the church and cause the latter to increase. Only what comes from above is able to make for the increase of the body. Whatever you have learned before the Lord is what you may transmit of the life of the Head to the body and what you may supply to the church which she does not already have. Hence each member needs to seek earnestly from the Lord what the church has never possessed so as to transmit this to the body of Christ. Today the Lord is looking for those people in whom life is given and by whom the work of the increase of the life of the body might be done. They are used to supply life to the church which she has never known before, to increase the measure of the stature of the Lord, and to be the channel of the life to the body. From them the life which they receive from the Lord flows into the church, thus causing the increase of the stature of the body of Christ.

To serve the body of Christ means to supply to it the life which a member receives from the Head; that is to say, he supplies the life of the Head to the church. When the eyes of a seeing member see, the entire body is able to see. In other words, that member of the body of Christ who has insight into spiritual things becomes the eyes of the body so as to supply seeing to the body. Hands cannot by the sense of touch discern the odor of a thing; but the nose can; it serves the body with its ability to smell. And thus smelling becomes the specific ministry of the nose to the body. Ears, too, serve the body, but with hearing. So hearing is the specific ministry of that member of the body of Christ who can serve as the body's ears. And such can be called the service of the member. And the result of the operation of each such service will be to increase the strength of the body, causing the latter to gain more of Christ. Hence the service or ministry of the member is to serve the church with Christ, thus imparting Christ to others.

The service to the body of Christ is based on knowledge of Christ; and this knowledge comes from life experience, not from doctrine. Man often substitutes life with doctrine or teaching. This is a big mistake, since doctrine is of no avail in itself. People may hear a teaching till they can recite it or even speak on it, yet their understanding is not opened because they do not really see. People are not helped simply because they know teaching. Knowing the teaching at most only adds more thoughts to the mind. God wants to demonstrate a doctrine with life. He therefore first gives life and then the doctrine. This is true from the Old Testament to the New. For instance, God obtained the man Abraham to be the father of faith. Everyone who beholds the life of Abraham can see the doctrine of faith. Or as another example, Abel realized that without the blood no one could approach God. And hence Abel's life represents the teaching of being justified by the blood of Christ (see Rom. 5:9).

In the New Testament, we find the same thing. Please note that the Gospels precede the Epistles. The Gospels first relate what Christ has done, and only then do the later Epistles explain what



actually has transpired. First the experience of Christ, then the doctrine of Christ. First the life of Christ, then the teaching of Christ.

First life, then doctrine. First a problem, then the solution. First an experience, then the teaching. Martin Luther went through much suffering and hardship, yet he did not obtain justification. Not until one day God showed him that justification is by faith. Only by faith was he finally justified; and thereafter he presented the teaching of justification by faith. First the life, then the applicable doctrine.

Let us not spend too much time in examining, analyzing, and researching a doctrine. All these are like reeds which will not support you when encountering real life difficulties. It is God who carries you through. First experience, then the doctrine.

If a person does not have a special experiential knowledge of Christ, that person does not have a ministry. It is through receiving in life something particular from Him that a ministry is formed. The characteristic of a member is the ministry or service of that member. The hand, for instance, has its particular characteristic, hence the latter becomes its ministry to the body. All sufferings, all disciplines, and all trials are used by God to incorporate His word in us that we may have something with which to supply the church. Apart from Christ, aside from life, there is nothing of service to the body of Christ. Christ is life: it is with Him that we supply the church for its building up. The one who has no life brings death to a meeting even if that one only says an amen in a prayer meeting. But the one who has life is able to supply life to the prayer meeting even if that one merely says an amen. Sitting with a person with life will cause people to sense the life in him. The measure of one's knowledge of Christ is the measure with which a member can supply the church with life.

Today God is seeking for people in whom He can deposit an abundant portion of the life of Christ so that they may supply others. Life needs a channel. And God wants man to be that channel of life. He will use man to transmit the life to the body of Christ. If life stops in you or me, we will not be able to supply life to others and the church will suffer loss. For instead of supplying life we will spread death in the church. There is never a personal defeat which does not adversely affect the church. As a consequence, in the body of Christ, when one member suffers all the members suffer with that member. Even if a member is defeated in his room, such as in the matter of neglecting prayer, the body will surely suffer. Every member may influence others. Hence let us not live to ourselves. Let us hold fast the Head and seek fellowship. Before we make certain decisions let us have fellowship. All is in, through, and for the body - not in, through, or for the individual. May God cause us to see the body. May He also use our ministry to serve the church according to our real knowledge of Christ.



REVIEW QUESTIONS

Please complete and turn in to the education department by email [email protected] , fax at 703-490-9664 or hand deliver it to the front office attention education department. Please make sure your name appears on all documents. After review you will be notified by email of your successful completion. If we are in need of additional information you will be notified at that time.

Important: please include with this review question sheet your application (separate file), your member covenant (page 20), spiritual gift test and a headshot picture of you and your family (if this is a family membership).

1. What is the vision of HAEC?

2. What is the foundational scripture of HAEC?

3. What time does service starts in both location?

4. Name three membership services available?

5. Name five next steps that you can do within the next 6 months?

6. Name and explain 3 reasons why we join churches?

7. Explain what it means to receive the spirit of your Pastor?




8. What is your responsibility in outreach?

9. What are the three types of financial giving?

10. Why is it important to financially support your church?


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