NEW MEMBERS ORIENTATION

NEW MEMBERS

ORIENTATION

T. Roche Coleman, B.A., M.A.B.S., Th. [email protected]: 281.363.0220C: 832.421.6166

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1. Follow the teachings and example of Christ.

2. Be thoroughly knowledgeable of the Bible and its doctrines.

3. Be baptized and/or confirmed4. Join a church and regularly attend.5. Speak in tongues.6. Live a good life.7. Love your fellow man.8. Obey the Ten Commandments.9. Do good deeds/works.10. Contribute money to the poor and

volunteer time to assist the less fortunate.

THE MEANING OF SALVATION“Are you going to Heaven when you die?”

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I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to provide an overview of the doctrines of the Bible, the beliefs and practices of the church, and the expectations of the members.

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II. COURSE OBJECTIVE

A. Statement of the Objectives:

1. To understand and articulate the gospel and the basic doctrines of the Bible.

2. To respond to these truths in a manner that enhances your knowledge and love for God, His people, and His world.

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1. The ______________ with man is SIN!-Man's disobedience in the Garden was an act of sin.-Every descendant of Adam possesses a sin nature.-Man cannot eliminate the destructiveness of sin from

his life.*Romans 3:10; 3:23; cf. Genesis 3:1- 24

Creation of Man

- image

- likeness

The Fall of Man

1) Serpent

2) Eve

Serpent’s Deception- God’s word is inconsistent and questionable- God is unjust- God is domineering and prohibitive- God is an authoritarian-God is a liar

God Eve“any tree of the garden you may eat freely” “trees of the garden we may eat”“you shall not eat” “You shall not eat from it or touch it”“you shall surely die" “lest you die”

Eve refers to the Lord as “God” instead of “Lord God” just as the serpent had done.

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THE FOUR Ps OF THE GOSPEL

Eve’s Reasoning1. Beneficial to her health.-The

tree was good for food 2. Beautiful to the eye.-The tree

was a delight to the eyes 3. Broaden her knowledge.-The

tree could make one wise

3) Adam1. He watched2. He listen3. He ate4. He sinned

The Punishment

2. The ________________ of man's SIN!

-Sin separated God and man; this separation brought spiritual and physical death.-Sin affected man's ability to have a relationship with God.-Sin has enslaved man and force him to obey its desires.*Romans 5:12; 6:23

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The Justice of God

1) Serpent

2) EvePainDesire

3) Adamlisten

Relationships after the Fall 1) God vs. Man

2) Man vs. God 3) Man vs. Woman 4) Man vs. Creation 5) Woman vs. Creature

Pre-Fall vs. Post-Fall

Pre- Fall Post- FallSerpent is a friend Serpent is a foeGod and Man aligned God and Man alienatedMan and Woman are allies Man and Woman are adversariesMan and Creation are allies Man and Creation are adversariesMan’s work is gratifying Man’s work is grievousMan and Woman partner Woman desires to rule the ManMan and Woman naked and unashamed Man and Woman naked and ashamedMan & Woman innocent Man & Woman guiltyChildbearing is a pleasure Childbearing is a painGround is cultivated Ground is cursedMan had eternal life Man has eternal deathPresence of the Lord Punishment of the Lord

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3. God's _________________ for SIN!

-God's love for man caused Him to send His Son.

-Jesus Christ death atoned for man's sin.

-Jesus Christ was our substitute. We deserved death,

but Christ died in our place so that we might have

eternal life with God.*Romans 5:8; cf.5:9-11

4. Man's _________________ of God's provision. - Man must acknowledge his need for salvation. - Man must trust in Jesus Christ ALONE for salvation. - Man's trust should manifest itself through a transformed life. Romans 10:9-10, 13

Authentic Faith vs. Said Faith

I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, in order that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death”

2 Corinthians 7:9-10

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Key Theological Terms for the Provision

• Substitute-

• Atonement-

• Propitiation-

• Redemption-

• Justification-

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By Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, Past President of Morehouse College 1940-1967“Life Is Just A Minute”

Life is just a minute--Only sixty second in it.Forced upon you—can’t refuse it.Didn’t seek it—didn’t choose it.But it’s up to you to use it.You must suffer if you lose it.Give an account if you abuse it.Just a tiny, little minute,But eternity is in it!

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Prerequisites for Discipleship

1. PROFESSION- Faith in Jesus Christ Alone

C = D

C ≠ D

IF- Denotes condition

2. PRIORITY- Jesus Christ above the family- Love for Him greater than all or to state it with another word, priority (V.26).

3. PERSEVERANCE- Bearing your cross- Commitment to Jesus Christ regardless of the hardship.

4. POSSESSIONS- Proper perspective on possessions- Obedience regarding the things God has given us stewardship over.

Step #1Tithe $__________ ÷ Gross Salary $_____________ = _____________.

Step #2Move the decimal two places to the right ____%.

High School

BS, BA, Assoc.

Master Degree

JD, PhD

MD

90%

60%

30%

10%11

DISCIPLESHIP

1 Saint1 Saint1 Saint



1 x 3= 33 x 3 = 9Total 12

1 Saint

1 saint

1 Saint

1 Saint

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am withyou always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Matthew 28:18b-20

Affirmation Commands1) All authority has been given to Me 1) Go

2) I am with you always 2) Make disciples3) Baptize them4) Teaching

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DISCIPLESHIP

Sanctification-

There are 3 aspects of sanctification:

1) Positional sanctification. This is the believer’s position of standing before God, based on the death of Christ. The believer is accounted holy before God; he is declared a saint.

2) Experiential Sanctification. It relates to his daily life and experience. Paul’s prayer is that believers should be sanctified entirely in their experience (1Thes. 5:23); Peter commands believers to be sanctified or holy (1Pet. 1:16). It grows as the believer dedicates his life to God (Rom. 6:13; 12:1-2) and is nourished by the Word of God (Ps.119:9-16).

3) Ultimate Sanctification. This aspect of sanctification is future and anticipates the final transformation of the believer into the likeness of Christ (Eph. 5:26-27).

Agents of the process of Sanctification

1. The Father

2. Jesus Christ

3. The Holy Spirit

4. The Believer

5. The Church

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SANCTIFICATION

1. Prayer.

2. Bible Study

3. Holy Spirit.

4. Praise & Worship .

5. Evangelism.

6. Church Attendance/Accountability

1. Prayer

A- Adoration—Acknowledging and attributing to God his significance and value (Psalm 18:3).

C- Confession—Agreeing and acknowledging sins of omission (willful or malicious sins) and commission (unknown sins) (1 John 1:9).T- Thanksgiving—Thanking God for what He has done (Philippians 4:6).

S- Supplication--Requesting or petitioning God regarding a matter (Philippians 4:6).

Seven keys to progressing in sanction

Igniting the engine with the keys

7. Work out

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SANCTIFICATION

Igniting the engine with the keys (continue)

1) The principle of praying in the spirit (Eph. 6:18; Rom. 8:26-27)

2) The principle of constant prayer (1 Thess. 5:17)

3) The principle of expectant prayer (Psalms 5:3)

4) The principle of praying for others (Eph. 5:18-20)

5) The principle of praying about everything (Phil. 4:6-7)

6) The principle of fervent prayer (James 5:16-18).

1. Prayer

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SANCTIFICATION

2. Bible Study Howard Hendricks asserts, “The great tragedy among Christians today is that too many of us are under the Word of God, but not in if for ourselves.”


Key features of Bible study:

• Diligent study (2 Timothy 2:15)

• Examination and Verification ( Acts 17:11)

• Searching for Treasures (Proverbs 2:1-5)

• Ezra’s Example (Ezra 7:10)

• Blessings of Reading the Word (Revelation 1:3)

• Read to revere (Deuteronomy 17:19)

3. Holy Spirit

•Who is the Holy Spirit?

•When do you receive the Holy Spirit?

•What is the role of the Holy Spirit?

•How can you be filled with the Holy Spirit?

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SANCTIFICATION

4. Praise & Worship- The term “worship” comes from the Anglo-Saxon “weorthscipe,” this term was then was modified to worthship, and finally to worship. Worship means “to attribute worth” to something or someone, hence worship is an active response to God whereby we declare His worth. In addition to this definition Robert Schaper offers another aspect of worship when he suggest worship is a Spirit-led reaction to what we believe God has said and done.

Posture and Procedure for P & W

1) Bowing Down & kneeling - (Psalm 95:6).Often individuals would lie down prostrate upon the ground in act of worship and/or repentance. When one assume this position it communicated an attitude of contrition (i.e. brokenness) and humility (cf. Psalms 38:6; 138:2). 2) Lifting of hands- (Psalm 134:1-2). The lifting of hands was a gesture that symbolized complete surrender of the heart and praise to God. Often during prayer and meditation one would extend their hands unto the heavens as an act of worship (cf. Psalm 28:2; 119:48).

3) Giving from your labor- (Proverbs 3:9; cf. Nehemiah 13:31KJV). Giving was an act of worship for the Jewish person in the Old Testament. A substantial amount of emphasis was placed on the giving of the first fruits of the harvest as a sign of thankfulness to God for providing for their needs. The giver was also demonstrating his proper stewardship over that which God had entrusted to him.


4) Teaching, Reading, and Meditating on God’s laws- (Psalm 119:12-16; cf. 1:1-2; 27:4;119:171).

5) Songs, dancing, and musical instruments- (Psalm 33:1-3; cf. 2 Samuel 6:14-15). Unlike our contemporary culture, the Jewish culture saw dancing as an expression of worship to God. Combined with the dancing was the skillful playing of instruments that produced a myriad of sounds that was often accompanied with songs of worship.

6) Shouting to God- (Psalm 66:1-2; cf. Psalms 95:1-2; 100). Shouts of joy and elation were a natural part of the Hebrew worship experience. It was not an uncommon or an unwelcome expression of worship which would typically be the case in many of our evangelical churches today. However, in modern Israel shouts of gladness should be on the lips of the worshiper. All inhibitions were released and complete focus was on the Lord and what He had done. Authentic worship takes on various forms. We are not required to be in the church during worship service to worship God. Worshipmay occur whenever we are and the Spirit of God prompts us to give Him glory for His worth.

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SANCTIFICATION

5. Evangelism


- Why do we evangelize?

- How do we evangelize?

- Where do we evangelize?

Why saints do not evangelize:

1) I am afraid.

2) I cannot answer all the questions.

3) I am ashamed of my lifestyle, and especially how I have lived around my unsaved friends and family.

4) Why do I need to evangelize if God has determined who will be saved?

5) No one will listen to what I have to say.

6) I don’t shove my religion down anyone’s throat because I did not want their religion shoved down my throat.

7) I do not want to offend anyone.

8) I do not need to evangelize because my lifestyle will speak for me.

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SANCTIFICATION


6. Church Attendance/Accountability

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SANCTIFICATION


7. Work Out

1) Transform – (Romans 12:2).

2) Flee - (1 Corinthians 6:18).

3) Work - (Philippians 2:12b).

4) Mortify- (Colossians 3:5). (King James Version)

5) Pursue – (Hebrews 12:14).

6) Arm- (1 Peter 4:1).

7) Be Sober- (1 Peter 5:8).

8) Be Alert- (1 Peter 5:8).

9) Resist- (1 Peter 5:9).

10) Supplement- (2 Peter 1:5-8). (RSV)

11) Abstain- (1 Peter 2:11)

12) Purify - (1 John 3:3).

13) Cleanse (2 Corinthians 7:1).

14) Present- (Romans 12:1)

15) Lay aside/Put off- (Ephesians 4:20-24).

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SANCTIFICATION

Spiritual Gifts

The Greek word for spiritual gift in the New Testament is charisma or

charismaton a gift of grace, a free gift. The word appears 17 times in the New Testament

and can be grouped under three separate ideas:

1) God’s gift of salvation (Romans 5:15-16; 6:23)

2) A general gift of grace or love (Romans 1:11; 2 Corinthians 1:11; 7:7)

3) A specific endowment of spiritual ability for service (Romans 11:24; 12:6; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 12:4, 9 28, 30-31; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; 1 Peter 4:10).

This latter use is the most frequently employed used form and the primary passage is found in 1

Corinthians 12. The only other use is found in 1 Peter 4:10. The root word of charisma is charis

which means “grace.” This suggests the proper basis for understanding how God gives gifts to His

people is by grace. It is through the grace of God that the Holy Spirit administers gifts to the body

of Christ, and it is through the grace and power of God that we serve in the body of Christ.

Spiritual Gifts vs. Talents

Spiritual Gifts TalentsGiven at conversion Given at birthGiven by special grace Given by natural graceUtilized to edify the church and saints Utilized to glorify selfFunction under divine power Function under natural abilityMust be cultivated Must be cultivatedEach individuals possess one Each individual possess one

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SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The Church

The term “church” is comprised of two words. preposition “ek” out of verb “kaleo”- to callekklessia- The called out ones

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What two key events signified the origin of the church?A. Pentecost

B. The ascension of Jesus Christ

Theologically we describe the church as having two levels:

A. Local Church

The local church is a group of baptized believers in a particular community or region, who assemble together for the purpose of:1) Fellowship: believers investing precious resources in other believers. (Acts 2:45-46;

4:31; Heb. 10:24,25; Jn. 15:12).

2) Exercise of Spiritual Gifts (1 Peter 4:10)

3) Offering at church (2 Cor. 8:5; 9:6,7).

4) Church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20; 2 Cor. 7:10; 1 Cor. 5:4; Galatians 6).

5) Worship (Ps. 73:13; Jn. 4:23-24).

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THE CHURCH

6) Praying (Acts 4:24-30,31; 21:5).

7) The Lord’s Supper ( illustrated method) (1 Cor. 10:16; 11:19,30).

8) Baptism: public identification with an historic, life-changing event (Mt. 28:19; Acts 8:39, 16:34).

9) Preaching and teaching His Word (Rom. 1:16; Acts 2:42; 11:26; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Peter 1:23).

10) Confession of sin and intercessory prayer (James 5:16; 1 John 1:9).The assembling of these believers in the first century was not confined to an elaborate edifice which characterizes much of the twenty-first century. Rather, the early church frequently met in homes (Act 2:46; Romans 16:5; Philemon 2). The local church served previously and presently as a beacon of reconciliation and restoration in the communities. The local church has traditionally made an indelible mark on the conscience of mankind for being an agent of hope, a bulwark of truth and righteous, and a haven for love and acceptance. When the local church ceases to expel the darkness with the light and truth of the word of God, it ceases to be the galvanizing organism Christ desired for it to represent.

B. Universal Church-

What are the differences between the two levels of the church?

A. Universal B. Local Church1. Must be a Christian 1. You may or may not be a Christian2. Only Christ can give you membership 2. Man grants membership3. Not confided to a certain location 3. Confided to a particular community

The purpose of the church is to:A.

B.

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THE CHURCH

Leadership in the New Testament Church

The Bible is replete with examples of God’s love for leadership, authority, and structure. In

order to achieve the optimal performance or the desired results with a group of individuals, it

is imperative that a proper structure is implemented. The local church is no exception. The

following is a list of the leaders and their qualifications:

Elders

The New Testament utilizes two terms that identify the office of the elder.

1) The first is the Greek term presbuteros, which signifies an older person either

male or female, yet in this context it does not refer to the leader within the church (cf. 1

Timothy 5:1-2; Acts 14:23). The Bible uses the term to qualify leaders in the church, as well

as the Sanhedrin which demonstrates its broad range of use (Acts 14:23; 15:2-6). On

occasions it emphasizes the special stateliness and judiciousness which accompany the office.

This qualified the individual to accomplish the following tasks:

- They aided in the resolution of disputes (Acts 15:2-16:2).

- Make decisions concerning doctrine (Acts 15:2-16:2).

- Pray for those who are ill physically and spiritually (James 5:12ff).

- Distribute money (Acts 11:30).

- They were worthy of respect (1 Timothy 5:17).

- They should not be dictators (1 Peter 5:1-3).

2) The second office is overseer, which is episkopos in Greek and means, “a guardian,

supervisor, inspector.” The term was used to denote function rather than the status of anyone

who exercised supervision or control, as well as to denote a member of a body exercising

oversight and government in a church. The overseer nurtured and cared for the flock God had

entrusted to his charge (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7). It appears the New Testament

uses presbuteros and episkopos interchangeably (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-9). However, it

may be stated with certainty that each episkopos is a presbuteros, but every presbuteros is

certainly not an episkopos. The distinction appears in the function. The distinction in the

function of the episkopos required stringent qualification because this individual would be

deemed worthy to rule the church of Jesus Christ. 24

THE CHURCH

Biblical Qualifications for the Overseer

The episkopos qualifications are strictly delineated in 1 Timothy 3 as the following:

1. Above reproach (a man with a good reputation)

2. Husband of one wife (maintaining moral purity)

3. Temperate (exemplifying balance in words and actions)

4. Prudent (being wise and humble)

5. Respectable (serving as a good role model)

6. Hospitable (demonstrating unselfishness and generosity)

7. Able to teach (communicating the word of God under the power of the Holy Spirit)

8. Not given to wine (not being addicted to substances)

9. Not self-willed (not being a self-centered and controlling personality)

10. Not quick-tempered (void of anger that becomes sinful)

11. Not pugnacious (not an abusive person)

12. Uncontentious (non-argumentative and non-divisive)

13. Gentle (a sensitive, loving and kind person)

14. Free from the love of money (non-materialistic)

15. One who manages his own household well (a good husband and father)

16. A good reputation with those outside the church (a good testimony to unbelievers)

17. Love what is good (pursuing godly activities)

18. Just (wise, discerning, non-prejudiced and fair)

19. Devout (holy and righteous)

20. Not a new convert (not a new Christian; someone with experience)

Cleon L. Rogers Jr. and Cleon L. Rogers III The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament Zondervan Publishing Grand Rapids 1998.

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THE CHURCH

Biblical Qualifications for Deacon

Character of the Deacon

Worthy of Respect (1 Timothy 3:8)

Sincere (1 Timothy 3:8)

Not given to drunkenness (1 Timothy 3:8)

Not pursuing dishonest gain (1 Timothy 3:8)

Faith of the DeaconKeep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience (1 Timothy 3:9)

Selection of Deacons

Must be first tested- probationary period (1 Timothy 3:10).

Formal selection is conducted by the church (Acts 6:1-6).

A plurality of deacons is modeled in the early church (Acts 6:1-6; Phil. 1:1).

Reputation of the Deacon

Blameless (1 Timothy 3:10)

Full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom (Acts 6:3)

Family of the Deacon

Husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12)

Must manage his children well (1 Timothy 3:12)

Must manage his household well (1 Timothy 3:12)

Deacon's Wives

Worthy of respect (1 Timothy 3:11)

Not malicious talkers (1 Timothy 3:11)

Temperate (1 Timothy 3:11)

Trustworthy in everything (1 Timothy 3:11)

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THE CHURCH

Biblical Reference for Deaconess

The Apostle Paul mentions Phoebe as a deaconess (dia¿konon) of at church at Cenchreae

(Roman 16:1KJV). The New Testament does not describe a ministerial order of deaconess,

but due to this reference it is assumed that an order existed from apostolic times. It is

not clear whether the term bears a technical sense or a general meaning of service. The

mention of women in 1 Timothy 3:11 cause some ambiguity with the qualifications of deacons.

It appears to reference the wives of deacons, but some interpreters take it as a reference to

deaconess. Likewise is the obscure relations of deaconess to the order of widows (1 Timothy 5:9-10).

Five Offices/Gifts Give to the Church

1. Apostles (aÓposto/louß)-one sent with a message.

2. Prophets (profh/taß)-one who foretells the future or speaks on behalf of God.

3. Evangelists (eujaggelista¿ß)- one who announces the gospel

4. Pastors (poime÷naß)-one who is responsible for the care and guidance of a Christian

congregation

5. Teachers (didaska¿louß)- one who provides instruction

Why the Offices?to equip the saints for the work of ministry

Purpose for Equipping?

that is,15 to build up the body of Christ,

until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God—a mature

person, attaining to16 the measure of Christ’s full stature.17

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THE CHURCH

Church Discipline

Church discipline is the exercise of the church leadership power for the prevention and correction of offences in the church.

Church discipline was given to the church by our Lord so maintain the integrity and vitality of

the church. It is unfortunate that many church fail to exercise this rite due to social pressure, fear

of termination and the decline in church attendance. This is truly an issue of faith in the sovereign

Lord to sustain the local church as we obey His commands. The church must exercise church

discipline with a heart of compassion that seeks to restore a sinning brother. Otherwise it becomes

abusive and injures the parties involved and the testimony of the church. Tragically, this has

occurred over the course of church history but this is not an excuse to disregard a health and

viable dimension of the church.

Apprehensions Regarding Church Discipline

1. Church discipline does not exemplify the love of Christ Jesus.

2. Church discipline is an attempt to socially & spiritually kill individuals.

3. Church discipline is not the best way to express forgiveness.

4. Church discipline leads to improper judging.

Purpose of Church Discipline

1. Reconciliation of believer- vertical relationship (1 John 1:9; cf. Proverbs 13:24; Hebrew

12:6; Revelations 3:19)

2. Restoration of believer-horizontal relationship (Galatians 6:1ff; James 5:20)

3. Remedy Sin from Spreading through the Church (1 Corinthians 5; Ephesians 5:27; 1

Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:14-16)

a. Purity of the church

b. Power of the church

4. Retain the Glory and Honor of Christ (Ephesians 5:27)28

THE CHURCH

Process of Church Discipline

Elder(s)ProhibitionDo not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses.

AdmonitionThose guilty of sin must be rebuked before all, as a warning to the rest.

ChristiansMatthew 18:15-17Step #1 "And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private;

Step #2if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

Step #3But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you,

Purpose:so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.

Step #4 And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and

Step #5if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax gatherer.”

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THE CHURCH

NEW MEMBERS ORIENTATION

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