let the church be the church good shepherd presbyterian church winter 2012-2013 1

Let the Church be the

Church

Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church Winter 2012-2013

1

IS

THIS

A

CHURCH?

What is a CHURCH ?

“A place where people worship Jesus.” - 10 year old Kaitlyn

“A place where people get together and worship Jesus?” - 8 year old Abigail

“I dunno…” - 6 year old Megan

“… (the) church as it is universally understood, contains in it all the elect of God that have been, are, or shall be. But being considered more particularly, as it is seen in this present world, it consists of a company and fellowship of faithful and holy people gathered together in the name of Christ Jesus, their only king, priest, and prophet, worshipping him properly, being peaceably and quietly governed by his officers and laws, keeping the unity of faith in the bond of peace and love unfeigned."

7 year old Cateline Glendonbrook - North Essex, England:

- Henry Barrow, Puritan, in 1589

What is a CHURCH ?

- dictionary.com

a typical definition of the church by The Charleston Association:

“A particular gospel church consists of a company of saints incorporated by a special covenant into one distinct body, and meeting together in one place, for the enjoyment of fellowship with each other and with Christ their head, in all his institutions, to their mutual edification and the glory of God through the Spirit.”

- Context: a brief historical look at recovery of the Gospel in the Reformation

- the Church as defined by the Westminster Confession, and others

- the essential marks of a True Church

- its orthodoxy and creeds (Apostles, Nicene, Athanasian)

- the marks of a healthy church

- its evangelistic mission and how the individual believer should participate

- the marks of a healthy believer

Let the Church be the Church

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530

KJV1611

GenevaBible1560

WestminsterConfession

1646

2nd London BaptistConfession

1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517

2nd HelveticConfession

1562-66

The Scot’sConfession

1560

Some Historical Context

Hallows Mass (Hallowmas)

- All Saints Day (Nov 1)- All Souls Day (Nov 2)

- All Hallows Eve (Oct 31) Reformation Day – Oct 31, 1517

1st HelveticConfession

1536

Late 1300s – John Wycliffe and “Lollards”

Early 1400s – Jan Hus - Prague

1436 – Gutenberg’s Press

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530

KJV1611

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Late 1300s – John Wycliffe and “Lollards”

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66

Luther 1483-1546

Calvin 1509-1564

Knox 1514-1572


1560

Jan Hus - Prague

Jacobus Arminius 1560-1609

1436 – Gutenberg’s Press

Some Historical Context

Man is fallen, but not completelyJustification is conditional on manChrist atoned for sins of ALL mankindMan can resist God by his own free willMan can lose his salvation (??)

1st HelveticConfession

1536

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530

Henry VIII 1509-1547

Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553

Elizabeth I 1558 - 1603

James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625

Charles II 1660-1685

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560

James VII Oliver Cromwell

Commonwealth1653-1658

William III& Mary II

James II1685-1689

STUARTSTUDORS

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625


GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560




James II1685-1689

STUARTSTUDORS

“Puritan” Movement

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625


GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560




James II1685-1689

STUARTSTUDORS

“Puritan” Movement (separatists)

Puritans / Separatists Presbyterians Baptists Congregationalists Anglicans / Episcopalians

1st London BaptistConfession - 1644

Puritans like Samuel Rutherford up in Scotland who wrote his book Lex Rex, “the law is king,” said that finally the law, not a man, is king. In that we see the seeds of our own American Revolution.

Thomas MacCaulay … also wrote, “The Puritan really is two different men – the one all self-abasement, penitence, gratitude, passion, the other proud, calm, inflexible, sagacious. He prostrated himself in the dust before his Maker, but he set his foot on the neck of his king.”

Well, that’s true. Many academic careers have been made by showing that American democracy comes from Puritanism, comes from the impulses there that we finally answer to God and God alone.

The English Reformation, 16th CenturyCapitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington D.C.Core Seminars

https://online.hillsdale.edu/page.aspx?pid=1735



God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

~ C.S. Lewis


Church


2

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625


GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560




James II1685-1689

STUARTSTUDORS




1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625



GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651


Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



-1453 - Fall of Constantinople (Age of Discovery)

-1415 -Jan Hus-1436 -Gutenberg’s Press

-1384 –John Wycliffe

1st London Baptist

Confession 1644

James II1685-1689

1545-1563 – Council of TrentThe Counter-Reformation

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625



GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651


Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



-1492 - Columbus

-1453 - Fall of Constantinople (Age of Discovery)

-1497 - 1524 - Vasco Da Gama

- after Popes Gregory VII (1073-1085) and Innocent III (1198-1216): declining power of the Papacy and rising corruption in the church

… leads to disaffection in the ruling class with the popes, and Nationalism

-1415 -Jan Hus-1436 -Gutenberg’s Press

-1384 –John Wycliffe

1st London Baptist

Confession 1644

James II1685-1689

The dissolution is such, that the souls entrusted to the clergy receive great damage, for we are told that the majority of the clergy are living in open concubinage, and that if our justice intervenes in order to punish

them, they revolt and create a scandal, and that they despise our justice to the point that they arm

themselves against it.Isabella of Castille – November 1500

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625



GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651


Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



-1492 - Columbus

-1521 – Diet Of Worms (Charles V / I)

-1453 - Fall of Constantinople

-1497 - 1524 - Age of Discovery - Vasco Da Gama

1st London Baptist

Confession 1644

James II1685-1689

The Holy Roman Empire circa 1530Emperor – Charles V (Charles I of Spain)

962-1806 A.D.

In the feudal hierarchy, a medieval Holy Roman Emperor was primus inter pares (first

among equals) among the other medieval Roman Catholic monarchs; he was the "Senior Monarch in (Catholic) Christendom" and the

"secular arm of the Catholic Church".

In 962 Otto I was crowned Holy Roman Emperor ; the Roman imperial title was first restored to Charlemagne by Pope Leo III in 800.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_I

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Roman_Emperor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlemagne

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Leo_III

Luther had challenged the absolute authority of the Pope over the Church by maintaining that the doctrine of indulgences as authorized and taught by the Pope, was wrong. (the 95 Theses)

Luther’s Crimes

Luther maintained that salvation was by faith alone without reference to good works, alms, penance, or the ‘sacraments’ of the Roman Church. (sola fide)

Luther had also challenged the authority of the Church by maintaining that all doctrines and dogmata of the Church not found in Scripture should be discarded.(sola Scriptura)

DIET OF WORMS January 28 - May 25, 1521

Luther maintained that the sacraments were a "means of grace", meaning that while grace was imparted through the Sacraments, the credit for the action belonged to God and not to the individual. (soli Deo gloria)

Sola Gratia grace aloneSola Fide faith aloneSolus Christus Christ aloneSoli Deo Gloria the glory to God aloneSola Scriptura Scripture alone

Five Solas of the Reformation

Justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone

to the glory of God alone.The inerrant Scripture (the Bible) is the sole source of written

divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience.

http://www.theopedia.com/Justification

Luther is now to be seen as a convicted heretic. He has twenty-one days from the fifteenth of April. After that time no one

should give him shelter. His followers also are to be condemned, and his books will be erased

from human memory.

EDICT OF WORMS , 1521

For this reason we forbid anyone from this time forward to dare, either by words or by deeds, to receive, defend, sustain, or favour the said Martin Luther. On the contrary, we want him to be apprehended and punished

as a notorious heretic, as he deserves, to be brought personally before us, or to be securely guarded until those who have

captured him inform us, where upon we will order the appropriate manner of proceeding against the said Luther. Those who will help in his capture will be rewarded generously

for their good work.

EDICT OF WORMS , 1521

While the Edict was harsh, Charles was so preoccupied with political and military concerns elsewhere that it was never enforced. On his way home from Worms, Luther was ‘kidnapped’ by a local nobleman and secreted away to Wartburg Castle.

Eventually Luther was allowed to return to public life and became instrumental in laying the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625



GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651


Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



-1492 - Columbus

-1521 – Diet Of Worms (Charles V / I)-1522-25 - Peasants War – Germany


-1497 - 1524 - Vasco Da Gama

- 1530 – Augsburg Confession (Melancthon)

1st London Baptist

Confession 1644

James II1685-1689

Article VIII: What the Church Is. Although the Church properly is the congregation of saints and true believers, nevertheless, since in this life many hypocrites and evil persons are mingled therewith, it is lawful to use Sacraments administered by evil men, according to the saying of Christ: The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat, etc. Matt. 23:2. Both the Sacraments and Word are effectual by reason of the institution and commandment of Christ, notwithstanding they be administered by evil men.

They condemn the Donatists, and such like, who denied it to be lawful to use the ministry of evil men in the Church, and who thought the ministry of evil men to be unprofitable and of none effect.

The Augsburg Confession - 1530Article VII: The Church . Also they teach that one holy Church is to continue forever. The Church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered.

And to the true unity of the Church it is enough to agree concerning the doctrine of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments. Nor is it necessary that human traditions, that is, rites or ceremonies, instituted by men, should be everywhere alike. As Paul says: One faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all, etc. Eph. 4, 5. 6.


Church


3

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625



GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651


Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



-1492 - Columbus



-1497 - 1524 - Vasco Da Gama

1st London Baptist

Confession 1644

-1415 -Jan Hus-1384 –John Wycliffe

-1436 -Gutenberg’s Press

James II1685-1689

- 1530 – Augsburg Confession

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625



GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651


Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



-1492 - Columbus

-1588 – Spanish Armada defeated by England



-1497 - 1524 - Vasco Da Gama-1607 Jamestown Founded

-1620 - northern HRE becomes Calvinist

-1636 Connecticut (haven for Puritans)

-1620 -Plymouth Rock *

1st London Baptist

Confession 1644



James II1685-1689

- 1530 – Augsburg Confession




If the inner man is such that he finds his delight in the law of God because he has been created in

the divine image in order to have communion with him, it follows

that there will be no law or word which will delight that inner man

more than the word of God.Ulrich Zwingli

Let us beware lest our words and thoughts go beyond what the Word of God tells us. We must

leave to God his own knowledge, and conceive him as he makes himself known to us, without

attempting to discover anything about his nature apart from His

word.John Calvin

Reformed View of the Will of God

A. B.

1. Decretive 1. Revealed 2. Preceptive 2. Secret 3. Dispositive (‘will of disposition’)

- God is sovereign in ALL things (including reprobation and election), THEREFORE - the Gospel does not need to be proclaimed. - Men have no independent will – secondary causes are of no effect.

Beliefs of Hyper Calvinism (emphasis on Secret Will of God)

- Not interested in the REVEALED WILL, but in the SECRET WILL

- A sign of election must be sought before repentance. - It is wrong to proselytize.- There is no ‘common grace’ for the unregenerate.- It is wrong to fellowship with Arminians.- All the elect will be converted to Hyper Calvinism.

HYPER CALVINISMThe secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deut 29:29

- The unregenerate seek to do as much evil as possible (‘utterly depraved’ vs. ‘totally depraved’)- God is the creator of ALL sin and evil (vindictiveness)

Hyper-Calvinism is notChristian, or Calvinistic, orBiblical – it is simply wrong

"Being a Christian ... is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast. ... The Bible is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed. ... This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one, which will make them rich indeed.” Patrick Henry




1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625



GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651


Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



-1492 - Columbus

-1588 – Spanish Armada defeated



1545-1563 – Council of Trent




-1620 -Plymouth Rock

1st London Baptist

Confession 1644

-1384 –John Wycliffe-1415 -Jan Hus-1436 -Gutenberg’s Press

James II1685-1689

Council of Trent – Justification by Faith Alone Anathemas (sample of 23)

Canon 9.If anyone says that the sinner is justified by faith alone, meaning that nothing else is required to cooperate in order to obtain the grace of justification, and that it is not in any way necessary that he be prepared and disposed by the action of his own will, let him be anathema. Canon 11.If anyone says that men are justified either by the sole imputation of the justice of Christ or by the sole remission of sins, to the exclusion of the grace and the charity which is poured forth in their hearts by the Holy Ghost, and remains in them, or also that the grace by which we are justified is only the good will of God, let him be anathema. Canon 12.If anyone says that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in divine mercy, which remits sins for Christ’s sake, or that it is this confidence alone that justifies us, let him be anathema.

Canon 13.If anyone says that in order to obtain the remission of sins it is necessary for every man to believe with certainty and without any hesitation arising from his own weakness and indisposition that his sins are forgiven him, let him be anathema.

http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/creeds/bcof.htm#part14http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/index.html?body=/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XIV.html

http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/creeds/bcof.htm#part14


http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/index.html?body=/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XIV.html


1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530

KJV1611

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560

Chapter I Of the Holy ScriptureChapter II Of God, and of the Holy TrinityChapter III Of God's Eternal DecreeChapter IV Of CreationChapter V Of ProvidenceChapter VI Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and the Punishment thereofChapter VII Of God's Covenant with ManChapter VIII Of Christ the MediatorChapter IX Of Free WillChapter X Of Effectual CallingChapter XI Of JustificationChapter XII Of AdoptionChapter XIII Of SanctificationChapter XIV Of Saving FaithChapter XV Of Repentance unto LifeChapter XVI Of Good WorksChapter XVII Of the Perseverance Of the SaintsChapter XVIII Of Assurance Of Grace and SalvationChapter XIX Of the Law Of GodChapter XX Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty Of ConscienceChapter XXI Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath DayåChapter XXII Of Lawful Oaths and VowsChapter XXIII Of the Civil MagistrateChapter XXIV Of Marriage and DivorceChapter XXV Of the ChurchChapter XXVI Of the Communion Of SaintsChapter XXVII Of the SacramentsChapter XXVIII Of BaptismChapter XXIX Of the Lord's SupperChapter XXX Of Church CensuresChapter XXXI Of Synods and CouncilsChapter XXXII Of the State Of Men after Death, and Of the Resurrection Of the DeadChapter XXXIII Of the Last Judgment

The Westminster Confession of Faith

http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_I.html




http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_II.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_III.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_IV.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_V.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_VI.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_VII.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_VIII.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_IX.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_X.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XI.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XII.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XIII.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XIV.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XV.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XVI.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XVII.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XVIII.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XIX.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XX.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXI.html




http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXII.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXIII.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXIV.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXV.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXVI.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXVII.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXVIII.html

http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXIX.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXX.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXXI.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXXII.html



http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXXIII.html



I. The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.

WCF – 1646 – Article 25 – The Church

II. The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the Gospel (not confined to one nation, as before under the law), consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion; and of their children: and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation.

"It was not for societies or states that Christ died, but for men.“ -- C.S. Lewis


Church


4

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530 KJV1611

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560 1st London BaptistConfession - 1644

Chapter I Of the Holy ScriptureChapter II Of God, and of the Holy TrinityChapter III Of God's Eternal DecreeChapter IV Of CreationChapter V Of ProvidenceChapter VI Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and the Punishment thereofChapter VII Of God's Covenant with ManChapter VIII Of Christ the MediatorChapter IX Of Free WillChapter X Of Effectual CallingChapter XI Of JustificationChapter XII Of AdoptionChapter XIII Of SanctificationChapter XIV Of Saving FaithChapter XV Of Repentance unto LifeChapter XVI Of Good WorksChapter XVII Of the Perseverance Of the SaintsChapter XVIII Of Assurance Of Grace and SalvationChapter XIX Of the Law Of GodChapter XX Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty Of ConscienceChapter XXI Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath DayåChapter XXII Of Lawful Oaths and VowsChapter XXIII Of the Civil MagistrateChapter XXIV Of Marriage and DivorceChapter XXV Of the ChurchChapter XXVI Of the Communion Of SaintsChapter XXVII Of the SacramentsChapter XXVIII Of BaptismChapter XXIX Of the Lord's SupperChapter XXX Of Church CensuresChapter XXXI Of Synods and CouncilsChapter XXXII Of the State Of Men after Death, and Of the Resurrection Of the DeadChapter XXXIII Of the Last Judgment





















































































http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ch_XXVIII.html
















Some Questions

1. What is the invisible church?

2. What is the visible church?

3. Are these two different churches or the same church?

4. What is the church not?

There are a lot of things the Church is not but at least: - It is not established by, defined by or ruled over by anyone but

Jesus. - It is not to establish or hold lordship of one saint over another. - It is not to go under the authority of others nor lead men into

bondage where some men will rule over mankind. - It is not to scatter the flock but bring them together in charity

and love.The CHURCH is not a Christian alternativeto the world’s entertainment, methodology.

It is not the world with ‘spirituality’ added.

I. The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.

WCF – 1646 – Article 25 – The Church

II. The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the Gospel (not confined to one nation, as before under the law), consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion; and of their children: and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation.


III. Unto this catholic and visible Church, Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world; and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto.


- do the work of ministry - interpret properly the Word of God - perform the ordinances (baptism & the lord’s supper) - gather the saints together and encourage them in Christlikeness

the promised presence of the Holy Spirit makes all this work

The Church serves the people so that they do not have to apply to others for gifts, gratuities and benefits that would

bring the people back into bondage and make the word of God of none effect.

The Church is: servants of Christ preaching the kingdom, feeding His flock under the perfect law of liberty.

The visible church has been given the responsibility to:

The CHURCH is not a spiritual wing of anysecular institution or political party.

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625


William III & Mary II

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

“Puritan” Movement (Separatists)

Puritans / Separatists Presbyterians Baptists non-conformists Congregationalists Anglicans / Episcopalians

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560




16771658

Act of Toleration

1689

James II1685-1689

1644 – 1st London Baptist Confession (7 Baptist Congregations)

1646 – Westminster Confession (Presbyterians)

1658 – Savoy Declaration1

(Congregationalists)

1677 – 2nd London Baptist Confession1689 – 2nd London Baptist Confession (Particular Baptist)

Evolution of English Puritan Confessions

1 A Declaration of the Faith and Order owned and practiced in the Congregational Churches in England.

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530 KJV1611

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



1 Ten Articles (1536)2 Bishops' Book (1537)3 Six Articles (1539)4 King's Book (1543)5 Forty-Two Articles (1552)6 Thirty-Nine Articles (1563)

Anglican Documents / Confessions

Savoy DeclarationCongregationalists

1658

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty-Nine_Articles































Law of the Land in England under Charles II (1660-1685)The CLARENDON CODE

- Corporation Act (1661) required all municipal officials to take Anglican communion, and formally reject the Solemn League and Covenant of 1643.

The effect of this act was to exclude ‘non-conformists’ from public office.

- the Conventicle Act (1664) forbade conventicles (a meeting for unauthorized worship) of more than five people who were not members of the same household. The purpose: to prevent dissenting (non-Anglican) religious groups from meeting.

- the Act of Uniformity (1662) made use of the Book of Common Prayer compulsory in all religious services in all churches in England. Over two thousand clergy refused to comply and so were forced to resign their livings

- the Five Mile Act (1665) forbade ‘nonconformist’ ministers from coming within five miles of incorporated towns or the place of their former livings. They were also forbidden to teach in schools.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporation_Act

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporation_Act

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solemn_League_and_Covenant

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conventicle_Act_1664

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_Uniformity_1662

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Mile_Act

Psalm 11For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 I trust in the LORD for protection.So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”4 But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven.He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.6 He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.7 For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.


Church


5

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530 KJV1611

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560

I. The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, …..

II. The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the Gospel…

III. Unto this catholic and visible Church, Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints…

Chapter XXV - Of the CHURCH The Westminster Confession of Faith

III. Unto this catholic and visible Church, Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world; and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto.


The visible church has been given the responsibility to:

- do the work of ministry - interpret properly the Word of God - perform the ordinances (baptism & the lord’s supper) - gather the saints together and encourage them in Christlikeness

the promised presence of the Holy Spirit makes all this work

Though congregations may substitute the judgment of a body of leaders— whether inside or outside their number— the responsibility it bears is inescapable.

Responsibility and Duties of the Congregation as a WholeThe congregation's responsibilities cannot be delegated.

Just as the people who paid the false teachers were threatened with God's judgment along with the teachers themselves (2 Tim 4: 1– 5), just as the Corinthian church was held accountable along with the sinning members (1 Cor 5: 1– 13), and just as the church envisioned in Matt 18: 15– 20 was held accountable by Christ to excluding the unrepentant, so congregations today cannot evade responsibility before God for fulfilling their biblically assigned duties. - do the work of ministry

- interpret properly the Word of God - perform the ordinances (baptism & the lord’s supper) - gather the saints together and encourage them in Christlikeness

IV. This catholic Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less, visible. And particular Churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them.


- The Universal church is at different times and different places more or less prominent (visible) as particular churches / congregations.

- The Universal church is at different times and different places more or

less pure in particular churches depending on their fidelity to:

(1) the Truth of Scripture (2) the proper conduct of the ordinances (3) the proper conduct of worship

V. The purest Churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error: and some have so degenerated as to become apparently no Churches of Christ. Nevertheless, there shall be always a Church on earth, to worship God according to his will.


- Even the purest churches can have unbelievers in their midst

- Even the purest churches can commit doctrinal error

- Some visible churches can become apostate

- There will always be a remnant of believers

VI. There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ: nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof; but is that Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God.


VI. There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ: nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof; but is that Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God.


As for the false church…. … it bases itself on men, more than on Jesus Christ; it persecutes those who live holy lives according to the Word of God and who rebuke it for its faults, greed, and idolatry.

The Belgic Confession - 1651

Chapter XXVI Of the Communion of Saints

Position – Profession - Prohibitions

WCF - 1646

II. Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, as God offers opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.III. This communion which the saints have with Christ, does not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of His Godhead; or to be equal with Christ in any respect: either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous. Nor does their communion one with another, as saints, take away, or infringe the title or propriety which each man has in his goods and possessions.

I. All saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their Head, by His Spirit, and by faith, have fellowship with Him in His grace, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory: and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other's gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

CHAPTER 27 - OF THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS

1. All saints that are united to Jesus Christ, their head, by his Spirit, and faith, although they are not made thereby one person with him, have fellowship in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory; and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each others gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

2nd London Baptist Confession - 1689

2. Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities; which communion, according to the rule of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families, or churches, yet, as God offers opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, does not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man has in his goods and possessions.


Church


6

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530 KJV1611

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560

1530

The Thirty Years' War (1618–1648)

We believe that we ought to discern diligently and very carefully, by the Word of God, what is the true church-- for all sects in the world today claim for themselves the name of "the church.“ We are not speaking here of the company of hypocrites who are mixed among the good in the church and who nonetheless are not part of it, even though they are physically there. But we are speaking of distinguishing the body and fellowship of the true church from all sects that call themselves "the church.“


The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: (1) the church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; (2) it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them;

Article 29: The Marks of the True Church

What is the Gospel?

“Since Satan could not destroy the Gospel, he has too often neutralized its usefulness by addition, subtraction or substitution.” - J.C. Ryle

Jehovah’s witnesses stopped by yesterday morning, so I asked:

What is the Gospel?

Rev. 21:1- 4

John 17:3 "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.“ (NWT)

In the Gospel of John, ginosko denotes personal fellowship with God or Christ and also between the Father and the Son (Joh_10:14-15, Joh_10:27).

Since the Father and the Son know each other they love each other (Joh_3:35). The same relationship exists between the Lord Jesus and His disciples (Joh_13:1). To know (ginosko) the Father and the Son, since They have life, is to have Their life which is eternal life (Joh_5:26; Joh_17:3).

To know God is to be directed by love (1Jn_4:7-8) and is, therefore, followed by a life of love and the execution of Christ's commandments

And this is eternal life, that they knowG1097(ginosko) you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (ESV)

1. "A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human

life on earth."

2. "God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.“

3. "The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.“

4. "God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem."

5. "Good people go to heaven when they die.“

National Study of Youth and Religion University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Christian Smith

IT’S NOT Moralistic Therapeutic Deism

What is the Gospel?

“A significant part of Christianity in the United States is actually only tenuously Christian in any sense that is seriously connected to the actual historical Christian tradition, but has rather substantially morphed into

Christianity's misbegotten step-cousin, Christian Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.”

“MORALISTIC" because it is about inculcating a moralistic approach to life. It teaches that central to living a good and happy life is being a good, moral person.

“THERAPEUTIC” because it’s about providing beneficial and desirable benefits to its adherent as opposed to being about things like repentance from sin, living as a servant of a sovereign divine, building character through denial of self.

“DEISM” – “the Deism here is revised from its classical eighteenth-century version by the therapeutic qualifier, making the distant God selectively available for taking care of needs."

It views God as "something like a combination Divine Butler and Cosmic Therapist: he's always on call, takes care of any problems that arise, professionally helps his people to feel better about themselves, and does not become too personally involved in the process."

What is the Gospel?

1. God is holy

2. I am not

3. Jesus died to save sinners

4. Everyone who calls on Jesus will be saved

What is Church Discipline?

We believe that we ought to discern diligently and very carefully, by the Word of God, what is the true church-- for all sects in the world today claim for themselves the name of "the church.“ We are not speaking here of the company of hypocrites who are mixed among the good in the church and who nonetheless are not part of it, even though they are physically there. But we are speaking of distinguishing the body and fellowship of the true church from all sects that call themselves "the church.“


The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: (1) the church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; (2) it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them;


As for the false church, it assigns more authority to itself and its ordinances than to the Word of God; it does not want to subject itself to the yoke of Christ; it does not administer the sacraments as Christ commanded in his Word; it rather adds to them or subtracts from them as it pleases; it bases itself on men, more than on Jesus Christ; it persecutes those who live holy lives according to the Word of God and who rebuke it for its faults, greed, and idolatry.

These two churches are easy to recognize and thus to distinguish from each other.

(3) it practices church discipline for correcting faults.

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Psalm 4

:1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

:2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah.

:3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.

:4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah.

:5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.

:6 There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!"

:7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.


Church


8

Natural Church Growth

1. Empowering leadership—leaders focus on equipping and training other Christians to do ministry; leaders are committed wholly to church growth.

2. Gift-based ministry—ministry tasks are distributed according to the spiritual gifts of the people; nearly every Christian is using his/her God-given gifts to build up the church.

3. Passionate spirituality—the spiritual lives of the church members are characterized by prayer, enthusiasm, and boldness; most members live out their faith with power and contagious enthusiasm.

4. Functional structures—the forms, practices, and structures of the church are designed to most effectively accomplish ministry in this time and place (form follows function); church structures are evaluated as to whether or not they contribute to the growth of the church.


5. Inspiring worship service—attending worship services is inspiring and uplifting to those who attend; worship is a high point of the week for the majority of the congregation.

6. Holistic small groups—there is a continuous multiplication of small groups that meet the real needs of people; the loving and healing power of fellowship is experienced in these groups.

7. Need-oriented evangelism—evangelistic activities relate directly to the needs of the people the church is trying to reach; nearly all Christians use their spiritual gifts to help fulfill the Great Commission.

8. Loving relationships—relationships among the members of the church are characterized by a high level of loving affection; Christ's love permeates nearly all church activities.


We believe that we ought to discern diligently and very carefully, by the Word of God, what is the true church-


The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: (1) the church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; (2) it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them; (3) it practices church discipline for correcting faults.


As for the false church, it assigns more authority to itself and its ordinances than to the Word of God;


The faith “once delivered to the saints” is no longer even known, not only by American teenagers, but by most of their parents. Millions of Americans believe they are Christians, simply because they have some historic tie to a Christian denomination or identity.

We now face the challenge of evangelizing a nation that largely considers itself Christian,

overwhelmingly believes in some deity, considers itself fervently religious, but has virtually no

connection to historic Christianity.Moralistic Therapeutic Deism–the New American Religion

- Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

1. "A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth." 2. "God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.“3. "The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.“4. "God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem." 5. "Good people go to heaven when they die.“

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism

What is the Gospel?

1. God is holy

2. I am not

3. Jesus came and died to save sinners


The Simple Gospel


God’s loving plan for restoring sinning saints.

The confrontive and corrective measures taken by individuals, church leaders, or the congregation regarding the matter of sin in the life of a believer in the church (the ekklesia – assembly).

“The church is called not only to a ministry of reconciliation, but a ministry of nurture to those within her gates. Part of that nurture includes church discipline…” - R.C. Sproul

Biblical church discipline is not designed to punish but to restore.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV)

The basis of all church discipline is the free love of God in Christ expressed in both mercy and judgment.

The purpose of discipline is to bring about the reconciliation of man to God and man to man and to engage the people of God in the ministry of reconciliation, and to promote the peace, purity, and edification of the ChurchChristian discipline is discipleship; it is the response of loving commitment to God in Christ as Lord that learns from Him as it obediently seeks to carry on His mission in the world. Under the rule of Christ expressed through the Church, discipline is that submission that frees the Christian for more effective service.

BUTDoesn’t Church Discipline imply judging the actions of others?....

And aren’t we told not to judge other people?

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. (G2919 κρινω krino)

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: (G2920 κρισις krísis) condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

And doesn’t the Bible say that MERCY trumps Judgment

James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.


This seems to say PRETTY CLEARLY that we should show mercy to peoplerather than

exercise judgment about their conduct

How then did the Reformers come up with the idea that one of the marks

of a TRUE CHURCH was the administration of Church Discipline?

They read and PROPERLY INTERPRETED the Bible

BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS

Hermeneutics is:

the formal process* by which the interpreter employs

certain principles and methods in order to

derive the author’s intended meaning.

The Interpretive Method / Approach

Grammatico – Historical Method

- Context – historical and textual

- Word definitions/grammar

- Literal o Prima Facie (‘Plain Sense’) o Sensus Literalis (literary genre)

- Analogy of Scripture (Analogia Scriptura)

Biblical Hermeneutics

The so-called ‘Grammatico-Historical method', whereby the exegete seeks to put himself in the writer's linguistic, cultural, historical, and religious shoes, has been the historic evangelical method of exegesis, followed with more or less consistency and success since the Reformers' time. - J.I. Packer

CONTEXT CONTEXT CONTEXT

CONTEXT CONTEXT CONTEXT

CONTEXT

The 7 MOST IMPORTANT Elements of

Proper Biblical Hermeneutics


Matthew 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Private

Plural

Public

1Tim 5:19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 5:20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.

Them that sin rebuke before all,.... This the apostle adds to the above rule, to show that he was far from screening wicked ministers, or elders, guilty of flagitious crimes, and gross enormities: for these words, though they may be applied unto, and may hold good of all offenders, that are members of churches; yet they seem chiefly to regard elders, even such who sin, who continue to sin, who live in sin, in some notorious sin or another; which is evident and known, to the great scandal of religion, and dishonour of the Gospel: and so some read the words, "them that sin before all, rebuke"; not only admonish once and again, but degrade them from their office, and withdraw from them, as from other disorderly persons, and cut them off, and cast them out of the church,…

- John Gill, Commentary

ELDERS ?

that others also may fear; that other elders, or other members of the church, or both, may fear to do the same evil things, lest they incur the same censure and punishment:

1Co_9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified..

Eph_6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Heb_12:5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.

Heb_12:7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

Heb_12:8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

Heb_12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Rev_3:19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

(ESV)

What is Biblical Discipline?

What is Biblical Discipline?Heb_12:5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline [chasteningG3809] of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. (ESV)

Heb_12:7 It is for discipline [chasteningG3809] that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (ESV)

Heb_12:8 If you are left without discipline [chastisementG3809], in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. (ESV)

Heb_12:11 For the moment all discipline [chasteningG3809] seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (ESV)

G3809 παιδειαpaideía; gen. paideías, fem. noun from paideúo (G3811), to instruct.

Originally instruction of children. It evolved to mean chastening because all effectual instruction for the sinful children of men includes and implies chastening, correction.

Paideía occurs with epanórthosis (G1882), rectification, in 2Ti_3:16.

To be distinguished from kólasis (G2851), penal infliction, punishment and timoría (G5098), penalty, punishment which denote penal retribution while paideía speaks of correction, educative discipline.

In paideía there is discipline. In Eph_6:4, en paideía . . . kuríou (en [G1722], in; kuríou, the gen. of kúrios [G2962], Lord) means such training as the Lord approves.

Taking a part for the whole, it means correction, chastisement (Heb_12:5, Heb_12:7-8, Heb_12:11; Sept.: Pro_3:11; Pro_22:15).

See nouthesía (G3559), which means instruction mainly by word, while paideía is by deed.


This seems to say PRETTY CLEARLY that we should show mercy to peoplerather than

exercise judgment about their conduct

Mercy triumphs over judgment

1. Who is the author? Who is the Author?

2. What is the context of this verse?

3. What is the definition of “Judgment”?

ForG1063 he shall have judgmentG2920 without mercy,G448 that hath shewedG4160 noG3361 mercy;G1656 andG2532 mercyG1656 rejoiceth againstG2620 judgment.G2920 (KJV)

(NASB)

G3809 παιδειαpaideía; gen. paideías, fem. noun from paideúo (G3811), to instruct.

Chastise - Discipline

JudgmentG2920 κρισιςkrísis; gen. kríseos, fem. noun from kríno (G2919), to judge. Separation, figuratively division, dissension, decision, crisis, turn of affairs, judgment.

(B) Generally meaning judgment given, sentence pronounced (Joh_5:30; 2Pe_2:11; Jud_1:9). Specific sentence of punishment or condemnation, e.g., to death (Act_8:33; Sept.: Jer_39:5). Usually implying also punishment as a certain consequence from God (Rev_16:7; Rev_18:10 [see Rom_8:8]; Rom_19:2; Sept.: Jer_1:16). Of Christ as judge of the world condemning the wicked, judgment, condemnation (Jas_2:13). In 1Ti_5:24, "some men's sins lead on to condemnation" i.e., accuse them, cry for condemnation.Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. (G2919 κρινω krino)

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: (G2920 κρισις krísis) condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

We are told in Scripture that we should not judge others according to appearance (Joh_7:24; James 2:13) or according to the flesh (Joh_8:15). The reason why we should not judge others is because our judgment, at best, can only be based on partial knowledge. We are not entirely aware of the inner lives, motives, and principles of other people. We are not acquainted either with the antecedent conditions of their actions, or the possibilities of justification, progress, or amendment that their future may contain.

This is the reason why we are enjoined to exercise patience and forbearance in the interest of an individual and also of the church.

G2920 κρισις krísis; gen. kríseos, fem. noun from kríno (G2919), to judge.

The Complete Word Study Dictionary – Zodhiates, ed.

This teaching is incorporated in the parable of the tares (Mat_13:24-30, Mat_13:36-43) and in Paul's teaching in Rom. 14. It does not, however, mean that we should not properly exercise the grace of discernment and proper evaluation of people.

How would we know not to give that which is holy to those who are like dogs if we do not evaluate them properly (Mat_7:6)? Or how would we guard ourselves against false prophets (Mat_7:15-20) or false disciples (Mat_7:21-23)? Our judgment of others must never be for the purpose of self-elevation or entertainment of a Pharisaic attitude of self-praise.


Judgmental people who judge others from impure and incorrect motives, who do so without a spirit of humility and mercy, are guilty of sin before Godand will be treated by God on Judgment Day in the same way – without mercy.

But those who rightly judge/chastise others, with mercy and pure motives and godly wisdom and discernment and obedience to His commands, will be treatedwith that same mercy from God Himself on Judgment Day.

In that way, Mercy will triumph over the Judgment meted out on Judgment Day.

SO, what does this verse mean Hermeneutically - in CONTEXT???

In identifying and promoting these nine marks, we are not intending to lay down an exhaustive or authoritative list.

There are other significant marks of healthy churches, like prayer and fellowship.

We want to pursue those ourselves as well, and we want you to pursue them with us.

But these nine are the ones we think are most neglected in most local churches today, with the most damaging ramifications.

- Mark Dever, Pastor Capitol Hill Baptist Church

9 Marks of a Healthy Church


Church


9

What is HERMENEUTICS?

What are the four major parts of the Grammatico-Historical methodology?

What are the seven most important elements of proper Biblical interpretation?





Context Context Context Context Context Context

Context

The science of interpretation


certain principles and methods in order to derive the author’s intended meaning.

• Historically• Grammatically• Contextually• Literary form

1. Exegetical Question“What did it mean then?”

2. Theological Question“What is the timeless truth taught?”

3. Homiletical Question“How does it apply to us today?”

Ana

logy

of

Scr

iptu

re

Truth

Extract timeless principles

Contextualize

Principles for today

Timeless Audience

Time bound Audience

Conte

mp

ora

ry A

ud

ience

Ancie

nt A

udie

nce

Problems facing the American church in the 21st Century?







http://www.9marks.org/what-are-the-9marks/




1. Expositional Preaching

This is preaching which expounds what Scripture says in a particular passage, carefully explaining its meaning and applying it to the congregation. It is a commitment to hearing God’s Word and to recovering the centrality of it in our worship.

What is expositional preaching?

Paul charges Titus to "teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).

Our concern should be not only with how we are taught, but with what we are taught.

2. Biblical Theology

Biblical theology is a commitment to know the God of the Bible as He has revealed Himself in Scripture.

Biblical theology seeks to understand the progressive unfolding of God's special revelation throughout history,

whereas systematic theology seeks to present the entire

scriptural teaching on certain specific truths, or doctrines, one at a time.

3. Biblical Understanding of the Good News

The gospel is the heart of Christianity.

But the good news is not that God wants to meet people's felt needs or help them develop a healthier self-image.

We have sinfully rebelled against our Creator and Judge. Yet He has graciously sent His Son to die the death we deserved for our sin, and He has credited Christ's acquittal to those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus' death and resurrection.

That is the good news.


Church


10

• Historically• Grammatically• Contextually• Literary form

1. Exegetical Question“What did it mean then?”

2. Theological Question“What is the timeless truth taught?”

3. Homiletical Question“How does it apply to us today?”

Ana

logy

of

Scr

iptu

re

Truth

Extract timeless principles

Contextualize

Principles for today

Timeless Audience

Time bound Audience

Conte

mp

ora

ry A

ud

ience

Ancie

nt A

udie

nce

1. Expositional Preaching

This is preaching which expounds what Scripture says in a particular passage, carefully explaining its meaning and applying it to the congregation. It is a commitment to hearing God’s Word and to recovering the centrality of it in our worship.

What is expositional preaching?

Paul charges Titus to "teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).

Our concern should be not only with how we are taught, but with what we are taught.

2. Biblical Theology

Biblical theology is a commitment to know the God of the Bible as He has revealed Himself in Scripture.

Biblical theology seeks to understand the progressive unfolding of God's special revelation throughout history,

whereas systematic theology seeks to present the entire

scriptural teaching on certain specific truths, or doctrines, one at a time.

3. Biblical Understanding of the Good News

The gospel is the heart of Christianity.

But the good news is not that God wants to meet people's felt needs or help them develop a healthier self-image.

We have sinfully rebelled against our Creator and Judge. Yet He has graciously sent His Son to die the death we deserved for our sin, and He has credited Christ's acquittal to those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus' death and resurrection.

That is the good news.

THE GOSPEL

We affirm that the Gospel is the good news that God has made a way ofsalvation through the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christfor any person.

This is in keeping with Godʼs desire for every person to be saved.

Is this the Biblical Gospel?

- statement stops short of declaring what the gospel actually is and does

- it is the difference between clearing a road in the jungle so that any who are lost may find their way home by it and actually going to those who are lost and bringing them home along the road.

- Jesus did not merely make salvation possible. He actually accomplished salvation by His life, death, resurrection, and ascension

4. Biblical Understanding of Conversion

The spiritual change each person needs is so radical, so near the root of us, that only God can do it.

We need God to convert us.

Conversion need not be an emotionally heated experience, but it must evidence itself in godly fruit if it is to be what the Bible regards as a true conversion

What is conversion? – and – how does it differ from salvation?

Conversion is a work of God where the individual’s old (sin) natureis changed to a Christ-centered nature; the point at which one is changed by God from “natural life” to “spiritual life in Christ”

5. Biblical Understanding of Evangelism

How someone shares the gospel is closely related to how he understands the gospel.

To present it as an additive that gives non-Christians something they naturally want (i.e. joy or peace) is to present a half-truth, which elicits false conversions.

The whole truth is that our deepest need is spiritual life, and that new life only comes by repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus.

We present the gospel openly, and leave the converting to God.

6. Biblical Understanding of Membership

Membership should reflect a living commitment to a local church in attendance, giving, prayer and service; otherwise it is meaningless, worthless, and even dangerous.

To be a member is knowingly to be traveling together as aliens andstrangers in this world as we head to our heavenly home.

We should not allow people to keep their membership in our churches for sentimental reasons or lack of attention.

What is church membership and why is it important?

Is Church Membership Taught in the New Testament?

Church Government Implies a Membership of Accountability

Church Discipline Implies a Membership of Accountability

Is the Goal of Disciplined Church Membership a Pure Church?

Accountability in the local church does not mean that the church will ever be perfectly pure in this age. We sin after conversion.

The church is a company of forgiven sinners who wrestle against their own remaining sinfulness every day. (Ro 3:23, 7:21; 1Jn1:28; Phl 3:12)

Church membership does not involve an expectation to live perfectly.Church membership is a commitment to worship and minister in a body of believers where the members covenant together to hold each other accountable to pursue obedience to what Scripture teaches.

The pursuit of obedience is not the same as perfection.

The mark of a true believer is not perfection, but the persistent fight of faith that recognizes sin as sin, confesses it, and turns from it in new resolves of holiness again and again.

7. Biblical Church Discipline

Church discipline gives parameters to church membership.

The idea seems negative to people today – “didn’t our Lord forbid judging?” But if we cannot say how a Christian should not live, how can we say how he or she should live?Each local church actually has a biblical responsibility to judge the life and teaching of its leaders, and even of its members, particularly insofar as either could compromise the church’s witness to the gospel.

8. Promotion of Christian Discipleship and Growth

A pervasive concern with church growth exists today – not simply with growing numbers, but with growing members.

These concepts are nearly extinct in the modern church.

Though many Christians measure other things, the only certain observable sign of growth is a life of increasing holiness, rooted in Christian self-denial.

Recovering true discipleship for today would build the church and promote a clearer witness to the world.

9. Biblical Understanding of Leadership

Eighteenth-century Baptists and Presbyterians agreed that there should be a plurality of elders in each local church.

This plurality of elders is not only biblical, but practical — it has the immense benefit of rounding out the pastor’s gifts to ensure the proper shepherding of God’s church.

How is the church to be led?

QUESTION:

What if a local, visible church conducts The Lord’s Supper monthly, and

from time to time preaches from the pulpit that Jesus saves sinners, and

follows the Bible (or Book of Church Order) in church discipline, and

conducts baptisms as warranted by needs and circumstances…Is that church a true church?

Is that church a healthy church?

A HEALTHY CHURCH MEMBER:

Is a FAT Christian

The Marks ofA HEALTHY CHURCH MEMBER:

- An Expositional Listener

- A Biblical Theologian

- Is Gospel Saturated

- Is Genuinely Converted

- Is a Biblical Evangelist

- A Committed Member

- Seeks Discipline

- A Growing Disciple

- A Humble Follower

- A Prayer Warrior


Church


11

A HEALTHY CHURCH MEMBER:

Is a FAT Christian

Faithful

Available

Teachable

Pastor (s)and

Elders

The Individual Christian

A Particular Assembly

of Other Christians








- Seeks Discipline


- A Humble Follower

- A Prayer Warrior

An Expositional Listener

Expositional Preaching is preaching which focuses on a particular/specific passage from the Scripture as the main point of a sermon.

Therefore, Expositional Listening is listening to the meaning of a passage from the Scripture and accepting/grasping that meaning for our personal lives as Christians.

Church members are healthy when they give themselves to hearing and applying the weekly message as a regular discipline

A Committed Member

Part of (but not limited to) committed membership is the willingness to do whatever needs to be done to keep the church functioning.

How about gratitude? If you are a genuine Christian, shouldn’t you be grateful to have been saved from an eternity in torment?

Things committed members do:

- Attends regularly - pursues reconciliation- Seeks peace - bears with others- Edifies others - prepares for the sacraments- Warns and admonishes - supports the work of the ministry

Or is this just a list of somebody’s legalistic expectations?

A Biblical Theologian

“Ignorance of God – ignorance both of His ways and of the practice of communication with Him – lies at the root of the church’s weakness today.”

Read a good book on Biblical Theology

Allot some portion of your devotions to studying the Bible thematically.

Adopt the New Testament’s view of the Old Testament and read ALL the Bible with Jesus in mind.

How familiar are you with Biblical Theology? - - p.37 questions

Seeks Discipline

A healthy church member seeks discipline by humbly adhering to the instructions for godly living prescribed in Bible (self-discipline), and recognizing that God’s discipline is an act of His love.

One must be willing to accept correction from others as well as be willing to lovingly correct and restore a sinning brother or sister.

Is Gospel Saturated

A gospel saturated life is a life that "splashes out onto others with the good news."

This life comes about by knowing the gospel, hearing the gospel when it is preached, applying it to oneself, taking the gospel to it's conclusion, ordering your life around the gospel, being intentional and lastly, guarding the gospel from corruption and abandonment.

We're to be like big ole sponges just filled(saturated), and when used, the good news just naturally gushes out.

A Growing Disciple

How To Be One:

- Abide in Christ – in His Word and dependence on His person and Work

- Use the ordinary means of Grace – study the word; participate in the Sacraments

- Participate fully in the local church

- Look to Jesus Return while avoiding ‘eschatomania’

A growing disciple is a Christian who, in humility, actively pursues God via the means of grace (prayer, immersion in and meditation on His word, participation in a local body, and participation in the sacraments) with full expectation that God will use this ultimately for His glory and the person's own sanctification.

Is Genuinely Converted

Conversion is a radical change which involves turning away from a life of compulsive sinning toward a life of glorifying the one, true living God.

This change is accomplished by God Himself and is not of human origin, and it expresses itself in repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

A Humble Follower“In the final analysis, church members are the people who generally make or break a local church. And making or breaking a local church has a lot to do with the membership’s attitudes and actions toward its leaders.”

A humble follower needs to honor, show love and respect to his leaders that God has placed over him.

He also needs to be teachable; open and wanting to learn of God.

We need to be willing to submit and obey our leaders following them in their example of Christ's life lived out!!

Is a Biblical Evangelist

What is the #1 reason Christians don’t do the work of an Evangelist?

Even God needed more than 2 sentences to deliver the gospel! I will do what I can to summarize the biblical evangelist in just 2.The biblical evangelist is meant to be every true believer in Christ. A biblical presentation of the gospel message must include the depravity, sin, and resulting hopelessness of man; the holiness, perfection, and glory of God; God's unimaginable answer to man's impossible problem; Jesus' sinlessness and atoning sacrifice; man's necessary response and true repentance; and my witness to these things in my own life. In a healthy church, your brothers and sisters in Christ are as much a practical example and reinforcement of this same gospel message to your hearers as they are to you.

A Prayer Warrior

If God is sovereign, why pray?

- Prayer is not just about getting stuff from God- Praying is a form of and a manner of worship- Praying to God is commanded in Scripture (1 Thes. 5:17; Rom 12:12; Col. 4:2)

Pray for:

- Laborers and shepherds

- All saints

- Those in authority

- Those who abuse and persecute you (Luke 6:28)

Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked.

Psalm 26:1-5 (NLT)


ChurchGood Shepherd Presbyterian Church

Winter 2012-2013

12

THE REVIEW

- the Church as defined by the Westminster Confession

- the essential marks of a True Church

- its orthodoxy and creeds (Apostles, Nicene, Athanasian)

- a brief historical look at its recovery of the Gospel in the Reformation

- its evangelistic mission and how the individual believer should participate

- the marks of a healthy church

- the marks of a healthy believer

Let the Church be the Church

What is a CHURCH ?

“A place where people worship Jesus.” - 10 year old Kaitlyn

“A place where people get together and worship Jesus?” - 8 year old Abigail

“I dunno…” - 6 year old Megan

“… (the) church as it is universally understood, contains in it all the elect of God that have been, are, or shall be. But being considered more particularly, as it is seen in this present world, it consists of a company and fellowship of faithful and holy people gathered together in the name of Christ Jesus, their only king, priest, and prophet, worshipping him properly, being peaceably and quietly governed by his officers and laws, keeping the unity of faith in the bond of peace and love unfeigned.“ - Henry Barrow, Puritan, in 1589-

IS

THIS

A

CHURCH?

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625


James IIWilliam III

Mary II

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651



Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



-1384 –John Wycliffe-1415 -Jan Hus-1436 -Gutenberg’s Press


1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530 KJV1611

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560

1644 – 1st London Baptist Confession (7 Baptist Congregations)

1646 – Westminster Confession (Presbyterians)

1658 – Savoy Declaration1

(Congregationalists)

1677 – 2nd London Baptist Confession1689 – 2nd London Baptist Confession (Particular Baptist)

Evolution of English Puritan Confessions

1 A Declaration of the Faith and Order owned and practiced in the Congregational Churches in England.

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530 KJV1611

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651

Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



1 Ten Articles (1536)2 Bishops' Book (1537)3 Six Articles (1539)4 King's Book (1543)5 Forty-Two Articles (1552)6 Thirty-Nine Articles (1563)

Anglican Documents / Confessions

Savoy DeclarationCongregationalists

1658

- - - -Edward VI

William & MaryAct of Toleration –

1689Required ‘Non-

Conformists’to pledge oaths of

Allegiance and Supremacy

To the Monarch
































1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625


James IIWilliam III

Mary II

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651


Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



-1492 - Columbus

-1588 – Spanish Armada defeated by England



-1545-1563 – Council of Trent





1st London Baptist

Confession 1644



I. The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, …..

II. The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the Gospel…

III. Unto this catholic and visible Church, Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints…

Chapter XXV - Of the CHURCH The Westminster Confession of Faith

IV. This catholic Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less, visible. And particular Churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them.

V. The purest Churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error: and some have so degenerated as to become apparently no Churches of Christ…

VI. There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ: nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof; but is that Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God…

Chapter XXVI Of the Communion of Saints

Position – Profession - Prohibitions

WCF - 1646

II. Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, as God offers opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.III. This communion which the saints have with Christ, does not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of His Godhead; or to be equal with Christ in any respect: either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous. Nor does their communion one with another, as saints, take away, or infringe the title or propriety which each man has in his goods and possessions.

I. All saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their Head, by His Spirit, and by faith, have fellowship with Him in His grace, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory: and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other's gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

We believe that we ought to discern diligently and very carefully, by the Word of God, what is the true church-


The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: (1) the church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; (2) it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them; (3) it practices church discipline for correcting faults.


As for the false church, it assigns more authority to itself and its ordinances than to the Word of God;


1. God is holy

2. I am not

3. Jesus came to save sinners


What is the Gospel ?


God’s loving plan for restoring sinning saints.

The confrontive and corrective measures taken by individuals, church leaders, or the congregation regarding the matter of sin in the life of a believer in the church (the ekklesia – assembly).

“The church is called not only to a ministry of reconciliation, but a ministry of nurture to those within her gates. Part of that nurture includes church discipline…” - R.C. Sproul

Biblical church discipline is not designed to punish but to restore.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV)

What is HERMENEUTICS?

What are the four major parts of the Grammatico-Historical methodology?

What are the seven most important elements of proper Biblical interpretation?





Context Context Context Context Context Context

Context

The science of interpretation


certain principles and methods in order to derive the author’s intended meaning.

Expositional Preaching -

Biblical Theology -

Biblical Understanding of the Good News -

Biblical Understanding of Conversion -

Biblical Understanding of Evangelism -

Biblical Understanding of Membership -

Biblical Church Discipline -

Promotion of Church Discipleship And Growth -

Biblical Understanding of Leadership -

Nine Marks of a Healthy Church








- Seeks Discipline


- A Humble Follower

- A Prayer Warrior

(1)the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, (2)the doctrine of the Trinity,(3)the person, virginal conception, and nature of

Christ,(4)the doctrine of original sin (5)the atonement of Jesus Christ, (6)the gospel message, (7)the Doctrines of Grace,1

(8)the nature and foundation of the church,

(9)‘covenant’ theology, (10)the sacraments

What do you believe and why do you believe it?

1 Fundamental / radical sin nature of man Sovereign election Definite Atonement Effectual Grace Eternal Salvation of persevering saints

Total DepravityUnconditional ElectionLimited AtonementIrresitable GracePerseverance of the saints


ChurchGood Shepherd Presbyterian Church

Winter 2012-2013

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Basis of Worldviews

Stanford Dictionary of PhilosophyPanentheismFirst published Thu Dec 4, 2008; substantive revision Tue Feb 5, 2013“Panentheism” is a constructed word composed of the English equivalents of the Greek terms “pan”, meaning all, “en”, meaning in, and “theism”, meaning God. Panentheism considers God and the world to be inter-related with the world being in God and God being in the world. It offers an increasingly popular alternative to both traditional theism and pantheism. Panentheism seeks to avoid either isolating God from the world as traditional theism often does or identifying God with the world as pantheism does. Traditional theistic systems emphasize the difference between God and the world while panentheism stresses God's active presence in the world. Pantheism emphasizes God's presence in the world but panentheism maintains the identity and significance of the non-divine. Anticipations of panentheistic understandings of God have occurred in both philosophical and theological writings throughout history (Hartshorne and Reese 1953; Cooper, 2006). However, a rich diversity of panentheistic understandings has developed in the past two centuries primarily in Christian traditions responding to scientific thought (Clayton and Peacocke 2004). While panentheism generally emphasizes God's presence in the world without losing the distinct identity of either God or the world, specific forms of panenethism, drawing from a different sources, explain the nature of the relationship of God to the world in a variety of ways and come to different conclusions about the significance of the world for the identity of God.

The duties and responsibilities church members have toward one another summarize the life of the new society that is the church. As followers of Jesus Christ, Christians are obliged to love one another. Christians are members of one family, even of one another. Absent a life of love for one another, what other duty of church members is satisfying or worthwhile? Love obligates the members of the church to avoid anything that "tends to cool love." By this love the nature of the gospel itself is demonstrated.

Duties to other Church Members

Church members are also obliged to seek peace and unity within their congregation. The desire for peace and unity should follow naturally from the obligation to love. Further, if Christians share the same spirit and mind— the Spirit of Christ— then unity is a natural expression of that Spirit. Given the sin which remains in believers in this life, however, unity often requires effort. Thus Christians "stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel." Strife should be actively avoided.

Love is expressed and unity is cultivated when church members actively sympathize with one another. As Paul commanded the congregation in Rome, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Other duties follow: to care for one another physically and spiritually; to watch over one another and hold one another accountable; to work to edify one another; to bear with one another, including not suing one another; to pray for one another; to keep away from those who would destroy the church; to reject evaluating people by worldly standards; to contend together for the gospel; and to be examples to one another.

Duties to other Church Members

Particular responsibilities toward the leaders of the church,

Church members also have particular responsibilities toward the leaders of the church, even as the leaders do to them. As Paul said to the Corinthians, "Men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God." Such men should be respected, held in the highest regard, and honored. If Christians expect their pastor to fulfill his biblical responsibilities, church members must make themselves known to him. They must regard him as a gift from Christ sent to the church for their good. The minister of the Word is a steward of God's household and an undershepherd of God's flock. He serves willingly and eagerly. His reputation can and should be defended, his word believed, and his instructions obeyed unless Scripture is contradicted or facts are plainly distorted. The faithful minister should be so regarded simply because he brings God's Word to his people; he does not replace it with his own.Church members should remember their leaders and imitate their life and faith. Good preachers and teachers are worthy of being doubly honored, according to Paul in 1 Tim 5: 17, which includes material support. And church members should give themselves both to praying for their ministers and to assisting them in every way they can. Ministers of the Word have been given the task of bringing God's Word to God's people. As Paul said to the Corinthians, "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." More important work could hardly be conceived.

Responsibility and Duties of the Congregation as a Whole

In the New Testament local congregations realized they had particular responsibilities which could not be delegated to groups outside themselves. The local congregation was responsible for ensuring a qualified minister of the Word preached to them, insofar as it was in their power. The congregation was ultimately responsible for ensuring converts were baptized and the Lord's Supper was duly administered to those giving credible evidence of regeneration. And the congregation was ultimately responsible for protecting and defining the membership of a church, both in admitting and dismissing members. Thus Paul assigned these responsibilities to the Corinthian congregation in 1 Cor 5: 1– 13 and 2 Cor 2: 1– 11.The entire congregation is also responsible for the faithful stewardship of the gifts entrusted to it. Foremost among these is the gospel, which must be preached in the church's own building, across the city, and around the world. Finally, the congregation is responsible for ensuring that the gospel message reaches out across these different spheres (see Gal 1: 6– 9; Phil 1: 5; Col 1: 3– 4; 1 Thess 1: 8).

The congregation's responsibilities finally cannot be delegated. Though congregations may substitute the judgment of a body of leaders— whether inside or outside their number— the responsibility it bears is inescapable. Just as the people who paid the false teachers were threatened with God's judgment along with the teachers themselves (2 Tim 4: 1– 5), just as the Corinthian church was held accountable along with the sinning members (1 Cor 5: 1– 13), and just as the church envisioned in Matt 18: 15– 20 was held accountable by Christ to excluding the unrepentant, so congregations today cannot evade responsibility before God for fulfilling their biblically assigned duties.

Responsibility and Duties of the Congregation as a Whole

Historians distinguish four different manifestations of the Christian Inquisition:

the Medieval Inquisition (1184–16th century), including - 2500-3000 deaths/executions

the Episcopal Inquisition (1184–1230s)the Papal Inquisition (1230s) and following Christian inquisitions

the Spanish Inquisition (1478–1834) - 2250 + deaths / executions

the Portuguese Inquisition (1536–1821) - 1183 executions

the Roman Inquisition (1542 – c. 1860) - 1250 executions

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval_Inquisition

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Inquisition

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_Inquisition

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Inquisition

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Inquisition

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Inquisition

1500 17001600

AugsburgConfession

1530


Mary Tudor1553-1558

Edward VI 1547-1553


James I 1603-1625

Charles I 1625-1649

KJV1611

James VI 1567-1625


James II- - - - - - - - - - - - -

William III &Mary II

GenevaBible1560


1646


1689

BelgicConfession

1651


Canons of Dort1619

GallicConfession

1559

95 Theses 1517


1562-66


1560



-1492 - Columbus

-1588 – Spanish Armada defeated



-1545-1563 – Council of Trent

-1497 - 1524 - Age of Discovery - Vasco Da Gama-1607 Jamestown Founded




1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith - Chapter 26: Of the Church

1. The catholic or universal church, which (with respect to the internal work of the Spirit and truth of grace) may be called invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ, the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

2. All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and obedience unto God by Christ according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints; and of such ought all particular congregations to be constituted. 3. The purest churches under heaven are subject to mixture and error; and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan; nevertheless Christ always hath had, and ever shall have a kingdom in this world, to the end thereof, of such as believe in him, and make profession of his name.

4. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father, all power for the calling, institution, order or government of the church, is invested in a supreme and sovereign manner; neither can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God; whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.

5. In the execution of this power wherewith he is so intrusted, the Lord Jesus calleth out of the world unto himself, through the ministry of his word, by his Spirit, those that are given unto him by his Father, that they may walk before him in all the ways of obedience, which he prescribeth to them in his word. Those thus called, he commandeth to walk together in particular societies, or churches, for their mutual edification, and the due performance of that public worship, which he requireth of them in the world.

7. To each of these churches thus gathered, according to his mind declared in his word, he hath given all that power and authority, which is in any way needful for their carrying on that order in worship and discipline, which he hath instituted for them to observe; with commands and rules for the due and right exerting, and executing of that power.

8. A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church (so called and gathered), for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and execution of power or duty, which he intrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or elders, and deacons.

6. The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ; and do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ; giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the Gospel.

9. The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the office of bishop or elder in a church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the church itself; and solemnly set apart by fasting and prayer, with imposition of hands of the eldership of the church, if there be any before constituted therein; and of a deacon that he be chosen by the like suffrage, and set apart by prayer, and the like imposition of hands.

10. The work of pastors being constantly to attend the service of Christ, in his churches, in the ministry of the word and prayer, with watching for their souls, as they that must give an account to Him; it is incumbent on the churches to whom they minister, not only to give them all due respect, but also to communicate to them of all their good things according to their ability, so as they may have a comfortable supply, without being themselves entangled in secular affairs; and may also be capable of exercising hospitality towards others; and this is required by the law of nature, and by the express order of our Lord Jesus, who hath ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.

11. Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and called by the church, may and ought to perform it.

12. As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ.

13. No church members, upon any offence taken by them, having performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at, ought to disturb any church-order, or absent themselves from the assemblies of the church, or administration of any ordinances, upon the account of such offence at any of their fellow members, but to wait upon Christ, in the further proceeding of the church.

14. As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.

15. In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine or administration, wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church, in their peace, union, and edification; or any member or members of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in censures not agreeable to truth and order: it is according to the mind of Christ, that many churches holding communion together, do, by their messengers, meet to consider, and give their advice in or about that matter in difference, to be reported to all the churches concerned; howbeit these messengers assembled, are not intrusted with any church-power properly so called; or with any jurisdiction over the churches themselves, to exercise any censures either over any churches or persons; or to impose their determination on the churches or officers.

What is the difference between Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology?

Biblical theology seeks to understand the progressive unfolding of God's special revelation throughout history, whereas systematic theology seeks to present the entire scriptural teaching on certain specific truths, or doctrines, one at a time. Biblical theology is thus historical and chronological in its design; and in fact, a close synonym for biblical theology, at least in its wide-angle task of accounting for all of special revelation, is the term “redemptive history”. Biblical theology is not always pursued in so broad a fashion, however; sometimes, certain themes are approached in a biblical theological manner; for instance, a biblical theology of holy space in worship would seek to understand how that specific motif unfolded in redemptive history, from the beginning of revelation until the end. Another narrower application of biblical theology would be the study of the unfolding of revelation during a specific time period (for example, post-exilic biblical theology); or the study of the development of themes in a particular author (for example, Johannine biblical theology); but ultimately, even these narrower applications are truly biblical-theological in nature only as they seek to advance an understanding of the progression of redemptive history as a whole.

Systematic theology, on the other hand, is laid out, not chronologically, nor with a consideration of the progressive development of doctrines, but thematically, taking into account from the outset the complete form which revelation as a whole has finally assumed. Systematic theology attempts to answer the question, “what is the full extent of the truth that we may know about the doctrine of sin, or salvation, or the Holy Spirit, etc.?”. Hence, systematic theologies progress from the doctrine of the Godhead, or theology proper, to christology, pneumatology, angelology, soteriology, and so on, treating each theme exhaustively.

"It was not for societies or states that Christ died, but for men.“ -- C.S. Lewis

" In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc., having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."

" In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc., having undertaken for (1) the Glory of God, and (2) Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the (3) Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, (4) for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."

The Mayflower Compact

Sacerdotalism is the belief that propitiatory sacrifices for sin require the intervention of a priest.

The term sacerdotalism comes from the Latin sacerdos, priest, literally one who presents sacred offerings, from sacer, sacred, and dare, to give.

Sacerdotalism

That is, it is the belief that a special, segregated order of men called the priesthood are the only ones who can commune directly with God.

This system is exemplified by the priests in the Old Testament, and by the Roman Catholic Church.

The Holy ScripturesGod and the Holy TrinityGod's DecreeCreationDivine ProvidenceThe Fall of Man, Sin and PunishmentGod's CovenantChrist the MediatorFree WillEffectual CallingJustificationAdoptionSanctificationSaving FaithRepentance and SalvationGood WorksThe Perseverance of the SaintsAssurance of SalvationThe Law of GodThe Gospel and Its InfluenceChristian Liberty and Liberty of ConscienceWorship and the Sabbath DayLawful Oaths and VowsThe Civil MagistrateMarriageThe ChurchThe Communion of SaintsBaptism and the Lord's SupperBaptismThe Lord's SupperMan's State After Death and the ResurrectionThe Last Judgement

2nd London Baptist Confession - 1689


































The regulative principle of worship is a teaching shared by some Calvinists and Anabaptists on how the Bible orders public worship. The substance of the doctrine regarding worship is that only those elements that are instituted or appointed by command or example or which can be deduced by good and necessary consequence from Scripture are permissible in worship, and that whatever is not commanded or cannot be deduced by good and necessary consequence from Scripture is prohibited. The term "regulative principle" is less frequently broadened to apply to other areas such as church government , but in this sense it becomes synonymous with the principle of sola scriptura.

The regulative principle is often contrasted with the normative principle of worship which teaches that whatever is not prohibited in Scripture is permitted in worship, as long as it is agreeable to the peace and unity of the Church. In short, there must be agreement with the general practice of the Church and no prohibition in Scripture for whatever is done in worship.

The normative principle of worship is the generally accepted approach to worship practiced by Anglicans,Evangelicals, and Methodists. The regulative principle of worship is generally practiced by the conservative Reformed churches, Restoration Movement, and in other conservative Protestant denominations, and it finds expression in confessional documents such as the Westminster Confession of Faith (see Chapter 21), the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the London Baptist Confession of Faith.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvinism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabaptist

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worship

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_and_necessary_consequence



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_government

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sola_scriptura

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normative_principle_of_worship

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglican

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelicalism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodist

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformed_churches

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformed_churches

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restoration_Movement

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_denomination

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Confession_of_Faith

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidelberg_Catechism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidelberg_Catechism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgic_Confession

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Baptist_Confession_of_Faith

de·cree Noun1.a formal and authoritative order, especially one having the force of law2.Law. a judicial decision or order.3.Theology . one of the eternal purposes of God, by which events are foreordained.verb (used with object), verb (used without object)4.to command, ordain, or decide by decree.

can·on noun1.an ecclesiastical rule or law enacted by a council or other competent authority and, in the Roman Catholic Church, approved by the pope.2.the body of ecclesiastical law.3.the body of rules, principles, or standards accepted as axiomatic and universally binding in a field of study or art4.a fundamental principle or general rule: the canons of good behavior.5.a standard; criterion: the canons of taste.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/force

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/decision

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/which

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/verb

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/art

The Toleration Act 1689 (William & Mary, was an Act of the English Parliament which received the royal assent on 24 May 1689.

The Act allowed freedom of worship to Nonconformists who had pledged to the oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy and rejected transubstantiation, i.e. Protestants who dissented from the Church of England (Baptists, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists… but not Catholics)

Nonconformists were allowed their own places of worship and their own teachers, if they accepted certain oaths of allegiance.

It purposely did not apply to Catholics, nontrinitarians and atheists. The Act continued the existing social and political disabilities for Dissenters, including their exclusion from political office and also from universities.

Dissenters were required to register their meeting locations and were forbidden from meeting in private homes. Any preachers who dissented had to be licensed.

As there still remained a Test Act, non-Anglicans could not sit in Parliament (this included all Protestant non-Conformists, Jews, Catholics, and Unitarians). The Test Act remained in force until the nineteenth century.

Act of Toleration

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_England

I, (insert full name), do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty, her heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.

Act of Toleration - 1689Oath of Allegiance

Oath of Supremecy I (insert full name) , do utterly testify and declare in my conscience that the Queen's Highness is the only supreme governor of this realm, and of all other her Highness's dominions and countries, as well in all spiritual or ecclesiastical things or causes, as temporal, and that no foreign prince, person, prelate, state or potentate hath or ought to have any jurisdiction, power, superiority, pre-eminence or authority ecclesiastical or spiritual within this realm; and therefore I do utterly renounce and forsake all foreign jurisdictions, powers, superiorities and authorities, and do promise that from henceforth I shall bear faith and true allegiance to the Queen's Highness, her heirs and lawful successors, and to my power shall assist and defend all jurisdictions, pre-eminences, privileges and authorities granted or belonging to the Queen's Highness, her heirs or successors, or united or annexed to the imperial crown of this realm. So help me God, and by the contents of this Book.

English Baptists

In 1612 John Smyth wrote, "the magistrate is not by virtue of his office to meddle with religion, or matters of conscience". That same year, Thomas Helwys wrote that the King of England could "command what of man he will, and we are to obey it," but, concerning the church — "with this Kingdom, our lord the King hath nothing to do." In 1614, Leonard Busher wrote what is believed to be the earliest Baptist treatise dealing exclusively with the subject of religious liberty.

American Baptists

The Danbury Baptist Association of Danbury, Connecticut sent a letter, dated October 7, 1801, to the newly elected President Thomas Jefferson, expressing concern over the lack in their state constitution of explicit protection of religious liberty, and against a government establishment of religion.In their letter to the President, the Danbury Baptists affirmed that "Our Sentiments are uniformly on the side of Religious Liberty — That Religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals — That no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious Opinions — That the legitimate Power of civil government extends no further than to punish the man who works ill to his neighbor..."

Separation of Church and State 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Smyth_(1570-1612)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Helwys

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Helwys

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Busher

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Busher

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danbury,_Connecticut

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson

Wall of separation

Thomas Jefferson's response, dated January 1, 1802, concurs with the Danbury Baptists' views on religious liberty, and the accompanying separation of civil government from concerns of religious doctrine and practice. Jefferson writes:

"...I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State."

This doctrine, known as the "wall of separation" or "strict separationism," would later become highly influential in 20th century Supreme Court understandings of the relationship between church and state. As a result, the relevance of this letter is a subject of heated debate, with scholars such as Robert Boston emphasizing its importance, and others such as Mark David Hall arguing that the letter was a historical outlier.

Jefferson's letter is almost always taken out of context.

Separation of Church and State 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state_in_the_United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Boston

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_David_Hall