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Ordination Paper

Jack D. Gilbert, Jr., M.Div.

Presented to the Ordination Council at First Central Bible Church Chicopee, Massachusetts

June 2, 2017

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Contents Part 1: Personal

1. Conversion ...............................................................2

2. Call to ministry .......................................................2

3. Ministry Experience .................................................5

Part 2: Doctrine

4. Scripture ...................................................................6

5. God ...........................................................................7

6. The Person and Work of Christ ...............................9

7. The Holy Spirit ......................................................11

8. Humanity and Sin ..................................................13

9. Salvation and the Christian Life ..............................14

10. The Church ..............................................................17

11. The Ordinances ........................................................18

12. Angels and Demons .................................................19

13. Eschatology .............................................................20

Part 3: Philosophy of Ministry

14. Leadership style and philosophy of ministry ..........21

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Part 1: Personal

CONVERSION

I grew up hearing about God, but I didn’t really know Him. Throughout my life, God

repeatedly sent Christians to share the hope of the Gospel with me. I always had some answer as

to why it would not work for me. Yet, through His Word, the faithful witness of His people, and

the Holy Spirit, He was drawing me to Himself, offering me life and salvation through Jesus Christ.

In 1996—when I was 17— I met the woman who would eventually be my wife—Simcha

Levy. She began sharing stories with me about her life, her faith, and what it means to know God.

Eventually she invited me to visit her church. I was not really interested, but since she asked, I

agreed. It was that evening when I first felt like I knew what I was missing. As I entered the church

I felt something. I wasn’t really sure what it was, but it felt significant. Wondering about this, I

asked Simcha about it after the service. We talked for about two hours that evening. She shared

the Gospel with me, answered my questions and prayed for me. Over the following week I spent

much time in thought concerning all she had said. I wondered to myself, “What if this is true?

What if God really does want me?”

About a week later I was driving and thinking about God, when the reality of the Gospel

suddenly seemed so clear to me. I was made to live for God, and I was miserable because I had

refused Him for so long. I needed Jesus, and He was offering Himself to me freely. For the first

time in my life, I felt real joy, real acceptance. I said to God, “I don’t understand this whole thing

yet, but if you’ll have me, I am yours.” I spoke with a pastor that Sunday about my acceptance of

Christ and was baptized by immersion a week later in January of 1997.

CALL TO MINISTRY I first felt called to full-time ministry 19 years ago shortly after accepting Christ. I was

enthusiastic about the idea, yet I was not clear as to what God would have me do in full-time

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ministry. I did not have anyone guiding me through the discernment process, and being a new

believer, I became discouraged and eventually abandoned the idea. I felt that I must have imagined

the calling because, in my mind, I believed a call to full-time ministry would be immediate and

specific. Even though I left the idea of full time ministry behind, I remained very active in service

and in evangelism. I made the most of every opportunity to get involved with my local church and

sought out secular jobs that would allow for sufficient time to be heavily involved in lay ministry.

Throughout the years the call to full-time ministry repeatedly returned to my mind. Having

left the idea behind, however, I felt that the opportunity had passed me by and tried to be content

in various forms of lay ministry. I served in many different capacities over the years: a part-time

youth leader, a worship leader in a Protestant Air Force chapel in South Korea, participating in

mission trips, and teaching various small groups and Sunday school classes. The more involved I

became the more I wanted to go into ministry full time. Yet I still unsure if I should.

My desire for full-time ministry had nagged at me throughout the course of my

undergraduate degree. In 2014 I graduated with a pre-med bachelor of science degree and was on

track to become a physician assistant. However, the feeling that I was to enter full-time ministry

was strong. After I spoke with my wife—and with Pastor Mark Wheeler along with his wife

Carol—at length about this desire I decided to enter the ministry full-time. I applied and was

accepted into Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (GTCS) in January of 2014 working toward

a Master of Divinity.

I did not know exactly what it was God wanted me to do after seminary, however. I began

praying for guidance as to how I might serve God during my time in seminary and after graduation.

I believe God was telling me to apply myself to worship, to service in the church, and to my studies,

and that he would give me more guidance later on. During the fall semester of my third year of

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seminary I was praying and I felt God was telling me that I could now begin to ask Him questions

about what I was to do. I began to pray right then, praying something along the lines of this:

“I am willing to go anywhere and do anything that you want me to do; just tell me

and help me to know that it is really your will and not simply my desire alone leading me

there. But, now that I have said that, Lord, I am not sure how much I really mean it. I am

afraid of various things: What about my wife’s job; will she have to quit? What about our

school loans; how will I pay for them? What about my kids’ education? (Various other

things were mentioned). Please take these concerns away from me if I am to go into

missions (which was what I felt He might be leading me to do).

An hour later I met a student named Babu at GCTS. After I introduced myself to him he

said, “My name is Babu, and I believe God is asking you to do something that is much bigger than

you feel you can handle. You are afraid about many things, your wife’s job, your debts, your

children, but listen to me– you need to let go of these things and obey God. Go where He tells you.

It is His power, not yours; you simply need to obey.” I was floored. This was a strong confirmation

of my prayers.

The next week was missions emphasis week at GCTS. I took my family with me in order

to meet with the various mission organizations as fact-finding mission. We spent two days meeting

and talking with various mission organizations. On the second day we meet Bill Leino, the regional

representative for SEND International. My wife and I loved hearing about the work SEND is

doing in Europe, planting churches and reaching out to the refugee population. After prayer and

discussion, my wife and I both agreed that God was leading us to partner with SEND. For the time

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being, God has called me to spread the Gospel in Spain. I will do the work of an evangelist and a

Pastor, planting a church, discipling believers, and quipping people there to plant other churches.

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Part 2: Doctrine

Scripture

Revelation: Revelation is the disclosure of God’s existence and will to mankind, either in

general revelation or special revelation. In general revelation God reveals Himself to all of

mankind through nature,1 each man’s conscience,2 and by providing for the good of all mankind.3

General revelation is not salvific in nature, but instead leaves those who fail to acknowledge God

without excuse.4 Through special revelation God has revealed Himself in the Holy Scriptures

through the prophets and the apostles by the work of the Holy Spirit5 and through His Son, Jesus

Christ.6 Only the work of special revelation contains the saving knowledge of God necessary for

salvation.7

1 Psalm 19:1–6; Rom 1:19–20; 2 Romans 2:15; 3 Acts 14:16-17, Matthew 5:45; 4 Rom 1:20–23; 5 1 John 5:9–12;

Hebrews 1:1 Titus 1:1–3; 1 Pet 1:12; 6 John 1:18; 14:9; Heb. 1:1–2 7 Rom 10:14–17

Inspiration: I believe and affirm the plenary inspiration of the Scriptures. They are the work

of God the Holy Spirit, in which He inspired the prophets and the Apostles to write the Scriptures,

which constitute the 66 books of the Bible.8 All scripture is “God-breathed” and is confluent with

the work and personalities of the human writers through whom God chose to write the scriptures,

and thus all scripture is true and is the word of God.9

8 2 Peter 1:21; 9 Ex 4:12–16; 20:1; Num. 33:2; Deut. 18:18; Jer. 1:9; John 14:26; Rom 3:1–2; 1 Cor. 2:13; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Pet 1:20–21; 3:16; In stating that the inspiration of scripture is confluent with the work and personalities of the human writers I mean that each writer of scripture had certain abilities and styles of writing, which God used as he guided each author to write exactly what he wanted the particular book of scripture to say. Authority: Because the Scriptures are the true and eternal words of God,10 which reveal

His will to man, they therefore carry authority in the lives of all of mankind, however those who

are not in Christ Jesus are unable to understand or accept them in their truest sense because they

are spiritually discerned.11 It is the Scriptures that believers look to for the rule of life and faith.12

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10 Psalm 119:89,160 11 1 Cor. 2:10–16 12 John 10:35; 14:21–24; 1 Cor. 2:13; 14:37; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 3:16 Illumination: Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit which enables man to understand

the will and word of God.13 The Spirit illuminates the unbeliever through conviction of sin, which

is necessary to be lead to repentance.14 This is necessary because unbelievers cannot understand

or accept the Scriptures without aid of the Spirit.15 The believer also receives illumination by the

Holy Spirit through His Word.16

13 1 Cor. 2:10-13; 14 John 16:7–11; Rom 10:14–17; 15 1 Cor. 2:14; 16 Psalm 119:18; John 16:13–15; Eph. 1:17–19 God Existence and Knowability:

I believe and affirm in the aseity of God. He is self-existent,17self-sufficient,18 and has

existed at all times, without beginning or end.19 The Biblepresupposes God’s existence,20 and that

he existed before anything had been created.21 The Scriptures declare that God cannot be fully

understood,22 yet He is knowable, and having revealed Himself to man, mankind is without

excuse.23 He has revealed Himself to all of mankind in their conscience24, in nature25, in His Word,

and through His Son.26

17 When Moses asked for God’s name he answered, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14); Aseity means self-existence. Thus, His existence is rooted in himself and is not dependent on any external thing, prior event, or cause. 18 Acts 17:24-25; 19 Psalm 90:2; 1 Tim. 1:17, Rev. 1:8; 20 Gen. 1:1; 21 Psalm 90:2, John 1:2, John 17:5; 22 Psalm 139:6; Psalm 147:5; Romans 11:33; 23John 1:18,3:36; Rom 1:19–20; 24 Romans 2:14-15; 25 Psalm 19:1-2; Acts 14:17; Rom. 1:20; 26 Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:18; 3:34 Attributes of God:

God is the one and only true and living God, there is no other god.27 God is self-existent,

being in no way dependent on any creature, and is Himself the source of all creation and life.28

God is Spirit;29 He is invisible.30 He is omnipresent, yet not confined to time or space; He is at

once transcendent and immanent,31 and is involved in the lives of both believers and unbelievers.32

He is omnipotent,33 yet merciful and gracious,34 and slow to anger. 5 He is sovereign over all

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creation; no one can frustrate His will or thwart His purposes.36 God is omniscient,37 knowing all

things possible as well as actual—past, present, and future. He does not change, develop, or

progress, but rather, He is immutable—infallible and perfect in all His ways,38 therefore there is

no need for change; He is always the same.39 God is holy, perfect in wisdom,40 and is both

righteous and just.41 God is faithful.42 God is love.43 He is true and cannot lie.44 He is worthy of

all glory, honor, and praise.45

27 Deut. 6:4; 1 Th. 1:9; Isaiah 45:21; 28 Exodus 3:14; Psalm 90:2; Acts 17:24–25; 1 Tim. 1:17, Rev. 1:8; 29 John 4:24; 30 1 Tim. 1:17; 31 Psa. 139:7–12; 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23-24; Acts 17:27-28; 32Gen 20:6; John 11:49–51; John 15:16; Acts 17:28; 33Gen 18:14; Psa. 115:3, 147:5; Eph. 1:11; 34Neh 9:17; Eph. 2:4–5; Rom 9:16; 35Psalm 103:8; 362 Chron. 20:6; Isa. 14:27; Isa 43:13; Dan 4:35; 37Ps. 139:1-4; Isa. 46:10; Rom. 11:33; Heb. 4:13; 382 Sam 22:31; Rom 12:2; 39Ps. 102:25–27, Mal 3:6; James 1:17; 40Lev 20:26; Psalm 147:5; Rom. 11:33; Col. 2:2-3; Rev 4:8; 41Deut. 32:4; Ps. 36:6, 98:9; Acts 17:31; Rom. 3:25-26 2 Peter 1:1; 42Deut 7:9, 32:4; 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 431 John 4:8; 44Ps. 119:160; John 17:17; Rom. 3:3-4; Titus 1:1-2, Heb. 6:18; 452 Sam 22:4; 1 Chr. 16:25; Psa. 47:6–7; Rev. 4:11, 5:9,12 Trinity:

There is but one God, and apart from Him there is no other.46 God exists in three distinct

yet not separate persons—God the Father,47 God the Son,48 and God the Holy Spirit 49—who are

equal in substance, eternity, power, and deity.50 The three persons of the Trinity have shared love

and relationship for all eternity.51 I reject the heresies of subordination and modalism, but

acknowledge that the Scriptures teach that there exists a functional subordination within the Trinity

in order to accomplish God’s purposes.52

46 Deut. 6:4; Isaiah 45:21; Eph. 4:6; 47 Matt. 6:9; 48 John 1:18, 10:30, 20:28; 49 Acts 5:3-4; Rom 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19 (c.f. 1 Cor. 3:16); 50 Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 1:1-2; 51 John 17:5, 24; 52 Philippians 2:5-11 Creation:

God created everything that exists, both visible and invisible,53 through the power of His

word.54 He created ex nihilo, that is, He created everything out of nothing, without use of, or

adaptation of, existing material; before God created there was nothing but God.55 God created as

an act of His will and not out of necessity or compulsion.56 Creation was a work of the Triune God;

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Father, Son, and Spirit all had a hand in creation.57 There is nothing inherently evil about creation,

for God declared that it was good.58 The purpose of creation is to glorify God.59

53 Col 1:15–16; 54 Gen 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 22, 24, 26; Psalm 33:6; Heb. 11:3; 55 Heb. 11:3; Gen. 1:1; John 1:3; 56 Rev 4:11; 57 Gen 1:2; John 1:1–3; 1 Cor. 8:6; 58 Gen. 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25; 59 Is 43:7; 60:21; Col 1:16 Providence:

God’s providence is the work He does in order to bring His purposes to fruition. One can

see the providential work of God in creation, history, and in the lives of people. In creation God

provides for60 and sustains61 the earth and its inhabitants. In world history He establishes and ends

great nations.62 God works in peoples’ lives through personal circumstances to fulfill His will and

to provide for and to sanctify His people.63

60 Job. 5:10; Ps 104:14; Matt 6:26; Acts 14:17; 61 Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3;62 Job 12:23-24; Ps 22:28; Jer. 27:5-6; Rom 13:1; 63 Gen 45:8, 50:20; Job 14:5; Ps 139:16; Acts 17:26–27; Rom 8:28-29; 1 Peter 1:1-2,6-7 The Person and Work of Christ

Person of Christ/ Two Natures

Jesus is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity, who existed throughout eternity

with God before all creation.64 He is distinct from, but of equal substance with the Father, being

Himself “God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made, being of one

substance with the Father.”65 He is at the same time fully God and fully man,66 having been

conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. In the incarnation, Jesus humbled

Himself in obedience to the Father, yet was Himself still God.67 He was tried and tempted as

man is, yet He lived a sinless life.68

64 John 1:1, 18, 8:58, 17:5; 65 The Nicene Creed, ed. David Lang, Creeds, Confessions and Catechisms; 66 Col. 1:19; 2:9; Phil. 2:6; Luke 24:35–43; 67 John 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Phil. 2:5–11; Colossians 1:19; 2:9; 68 Heb. 4:15 Deity of Christ

Jesus Christ is the unique and beloved Son of God who is equal to God,69 and is Himself

God.70He holds divine attributes which only God can possess: He is pre-existent and eternal;71

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though He has an actual physical body, He is not limited by space;72 He has universal power and

authority;73 He has life in Himself just as the Father has life in Himself; He has the power to raise

the dead;74 and He is the object of prayer75 and worship.76 He performs actions that can only be

done by God: He was active in the creation of the world,77 he sustains the universe,78 He has the

authority to forgive sins,79 and He is the final judge of mankind.80

69 John 3:16; 10:29-31; John 14:7-9; Rom. 9:5; Phil 2:5-6; Col 2:9; 70 John 1:1,18; 20:28; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:8; 2 Peter 1:1; 71 John 1:1; 17:5; Phil 2:5-7; Rev 22:13; 72 Matt 28:20; Eph. 1:22-23; 73 Matt 28:18; Eph. 1:22; 74 John 1:4;5:26; 11:43-4475 Acts 7:59; 76 Matt 28:16-17; John 9:35–38; John 20:28; 77 John 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb. 1:2; 78 Col1:17; Heb. 1:3 79 Mark 2:5-11; 80 Matt 25:31-32; John 5:22, 27 The Work of Christ

Jesus came into the world to offer Himself as a sacrifice and a ransom for the world, in

order to take away their sins,81 to reconcile man to God,82 and mankind to one another.83 Jesus

came to destroy the works of the devil.84 He performed signs and miracles and preached the good

news of the Gospel in perfect obedience to the Father,85 and became obedient even to the point of

death on a cross.86 His sacrifice was substitutionary for all who receive Him by faith; it satisfied

God’s righteous requirement for forgiveness,87 and served to demonstrate God’s love,

righteousness, justice, and mercy.88 It was the Father’s will that He do this,89 yet Jesus did it not

out of compulsion, but of His own free will.90

81John 1:29; 3:16; Matt 20:28; 1 John 3:5; 82 Rom 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:18–20; Eph. 2:16; Col 1:20, 22; 83 Zech. 8:17; John 13:34–35; 15:12, 17 84 1 John 3:8 85Mt 4:23-24; 7:28-29;Mk 4:33-34; Jn. 5:36; Jn. 20:30-31; 84 Phil 2:8; 85 2 Corinthians 5:21; 86 Rm 3:25-26; Rm 5:8; 1 Peter 1:3; 87 1 Tim. 4:10; 1 John 2:2; Romans 10:9-13 88Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:4–5; 89 Luke 4:18; 9:48; John 5:30, 36–37; 6:38–39; Acts 2:22–23; 90John 10:15, 17-18 The Atonement

No one can be saved by following the Law,91 so Christ died on the cross for our sins

according to the Scriptures,92and made a penal and substitutionary sacrifice for the forgiveness of

sins;93He is the propitiation for our sins,94 reconciling to God all those who receive Christ in

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faith.95Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient for and is offered to all,96but only those who place their

faith in Him are saved.97

91 Romans 3:20; 92 1 Cor. 15:3; 93 Heb. 9:27–28; 10:12; 941 John 2:2; Eph. 2:3–5 95Rom 5:10; 10:9–10; 2 Cor. 5:18–21; Gal 3:13; Heb. 9:28; 1 Pet 2:24; 96 1 Tim. 4:10; 1 John 2:2; 97 John 3:15-16, 36; John 12:32; Rom 5:10; 10:9–10 Resurrection and Ascension

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead was literal and bodily,98 and afterward He

was witnessed by hundreds of disciples.99 This resurrection vindicated Jesus’ life, ministry, and

sacrifice on the cross, declaring Him to be the Son of God in power, and that He was Himself God,

because death could not hold Him.100 If there were no resurrection, then all we who believe in

Christ would be without hope, and would be dead in our sins.101 But because He was indeed raised

from the dead,102 all of those who receive Him in faith can have confidence that God accepted the

sacrifice He made on our behalf.103 After His resurrection, Jesus stayed for forty days appearing to

His followers and speaking about the kingdom of God,104 after which He ascended in bodily form

to the Father105 where He makes intercession for us106 as our sympathetic High Priest.107

98 Matt 28:9; Luke 24:36–43; 1 Cor. 15:3–4; 99Acts 1:3, 2:32;1 Cor. 15:5–8; 100 Rom 1:2-4; Acts 2:24–28; 101 1 Cor. 15:14-19; 102 1 Cor. 15:20-22; 103 John 3:36; Rom 10:9–13; Heb. 9:26; 1 John 2:2 104Acts 1:3; 105 Acts 1:9-11; 106 Rom 8:34; 107 Hebrews 4:14-16 The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit indwells every person who comes to faith in Christ, at the time of

conversion. He is the seal and guarantee of our salvation, and He testifies with our spirit that we

are sons of God.108 He is a “person” rather than an energy force or mere power. This is

demonstrated by the fact that He has a name, is able to help, teach, and convict people of sin and

righteousness, He can be grieved, and speaks on our behalf to God in our weakness.109 He is

Himself fully God.110 He empowers believers to build up the church and to do the works to which

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God has predestined them.111 He works in the life of all Christians through salvation, sanctification,

and glorification.112 God will use the Spirit to raise people in the resurrection.113

108 Acts 2:37-38; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 1:13–14; Rom 8:16; Gal. 4:6-7 109Matt 28:19; John 16:7-11; Rom 8:26-27; Eph. 4:30 110 Matt. 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 1111 Cor. 12:1-12, 14:12; 21 112Acts 2:37-38; 1Cor 12:13; Titus 3:4–7 113Rom 8:8–11 Baptism in the Holy Spirit versus Filling with the Holy Spirit Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a one-time event in the life of believers that happens at the

time of conversion. It is said in the Gospels that Jesus is the one who “baptizes in the Holy

Spirit.”113 Jesus also said that he must leave (ascend to the Father) so that he might send the Holy

Spirit,114 and that the Spirit would dwell in believers.115 The Holy Spirit was given to the Church

on the day of Pentecost.116 The moment that a person receives Christ through faith, they are

baptized with the Holy Spirit as a seal of their salvation and as a means of inclusion into the Body

of Christ (the Church).117 Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him,

but to all who are sons of God through faith in Christ, God gives the Holy Spirit.118

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a command to all believers. Being filled with the Holy

Spirit mean submitting to his control.119 Submission to the Spirit manifests itself in the lives of

believers by worship, thanksgiving, humility, and the fruit of the Spirit.120 There are also various

time in the book of Acts which describe post-conversion events in which believers were “filled

with the Holy Spirit.” Examples of this include Peter speaking before the Sanhedrin,121 Peter and

the other apostles prayed after this event and were subsequently “filled with the Holy Spirit and

continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”122 We also see Steven “full of the Holy Spirit”

just prior to his martyrdom.123 In light of these events, filling of the Spirit can also be seen as a

special empowering of the believer by the Holy Spirit for special ministry. This is not the same as

being baptized in the Holy Spirit, which happens at conversion.

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113 Matt. 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33; 114John 16:7; 115John 14:6; 116 Acts 1:5; 2:1-4 117 Eph 1:13–14, 1 Cor 12:12–13; 118 John 1:12-13, Rom 8:9–10, Gal 4:6; 119 Eph. 5:18; 120 Gal 5:22–23; Eph 5:19–21; 121 Acts 4:8; 122Acts 4:31; 123Acts 7:55

Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts come from God and are given by the Holy Spirit,124 and are given for the

common good, edification, and building up of the Church.125 Scripture is not clear as to when the

various gifts may end, but 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 seem to indicate that this will happen “when the

perfect comes,” which may be equated with when we see Jesus “face to face.” Speaking in tongues

is not required for salvation or as a proof that the Spirit resides in a believer, because scripture

makes no such statement but does say that we receive the Spirit at conversion.126 If a person does

speak in tongues through the Spirit, it must be done in an orderly fashion and with an interpretation

for the benefit and instruction of those who hear and as a sign to unbelievers.127

1241Cor. 12:4-7; 1251 Cor. 12:7, 14:5, 12, 26; 1261 Cor. 12:12-13; 1271 Cor. 14:22-28, 1 Cor. 14:19 Humanity and Sin

Creation of man/woman

Adam, the first man, was a literal and historical person created by God.128 God specifically

and personally created Adam and Eve (Adam from the dust of the earth and Eve from Adam’s

rib).129 It was not through a process of biological evolution. God created both man and woman in

His own image setting them above the rest of creation and giving them dominion over it as

caretakers.130

128 Note that the use of “These are the generations (toledah/h ∂dVl;Ot)…” begins in Gen 2:4, and that the special and literal creation of man occurs after this. The toledah statements (Gen 2:4; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10, 27; 25:12, 19; 36:1, 9; 37:2) were uses to show historical line of descendants. Gen 3:5; Luke 3:38; Luke 3:38; Rom 5:14; 1 Cor. 11:8-9, 15:22, 45; 129 Gen 2:7, Gen 2:21–22; 130 Gen 1:27–28 The Fall

In his original state man was sinless and communed with God until the time that sin came

into the world through Adam’s disobedience.131 As a result of the fall man’s relationship with God

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was fundamentally changed, having lost the fellowship they once had.132 Because of man’s sin, he

is at enmity with God,133 and an object of wrath. He is a slave to sin,134 unable to please God or to

keep His law, and his mind is hostile to God.135

131 Gen 2:4-25; Acts 17:26–27; 132 Gen 3:7–8; 133 Romans 8: 7-8, James 4:4-5; 134 Romans 6:20; 135 Romans 8:7-8 Original and Personal Sin

Because of Adam’s sin all men are born into sin;136 they are thus spiritually dead and are

by nature objects of wrath.137 Aside from this inherited sin from Adam (called original sin), man

also has personal sin, that is, each person chooses to sin against God of his own accord, and this is

driven by his or her own evil desires.138 Without the great mercy of God139 man is totally lost,

destined to hell.140 Those who are not in Christ (both those who have heard and rejected Christ,

and those who have not heard) are lost.141 It is only those who receive forgiveness of their personal

and original sins through faith in Jesus Christ who are saved.142 Those who have been saved have

experienced a new birth.143 God puts His Spirit in them, makes them a new creation144 that has

escaped the corruption of sin, and makes them partakers in His divine nature.145

136 Gen. 8:21; Psalm 51:5; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 5:12; 137 Rom. 1:18; Eph.2:1-4; 138 Rom 1:18–25; James 1:13-15; 139 1 Peter 1:3; 140 Matt 25:46; John 3:36, Romans 6:23; Rev. 20:12-15; 141 John 14:6; Romans 1:16-25; 142 John 3:36; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:1-2; 8:1-2; 143 John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:3; 144 2 Cor. 5:17; 145 2 Peter 1:4 Salvation and the Christian Life

Election

God has chosen (elected) believers in Christ before the foundation of the world.146 This is

not to say that He has created some for the purpose of damnation, because He does not will that

any should perish,147 but desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.148

God’s choice to elect and the biblical teachings about human responsibility are hard to understand,

but scripture maintains that both exist. This is one of the deep mysteries of God.149

146 Eph. 1:4; 147 2 Peter 3:9; 148 Isa. 45:22; 1 Tim 2:4; 149 Rom. 11:33-36

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Regeneration

Regeneration is the act of God through the Holy Spirit in which a person is given a new

nature and is given new life, that is, he is born again. Regeneration is not the result of works of

righteousness, but of God’s own mercy,150 through the word of truth: the Gospel.151

150 Titus 3:5; The word paliggenesia (παλιγγενεσία), translated as regeneration in the ESV, is the same word used in Matthew 19:28 when Jesus describes the new world to come when He will sit on His glorious throne. This is why it is a new birth, essentially a new creation. 151 Rom. 10:17; James 1:18

Conversion

Conversion is man’s response to God’s call that involves repentance from sin152 and faith

in Christ Jesus.153 Even this is an act of God.154 True conversion requires more than an intellectual

knowledge that God is real, indeed, even the demons believe in God.155 Those who experience

regeneration and conversion are dead in regard to the flesh, and alive in the Spirit,156 receiving a

new heart and spirit.157 Upon conversion the believer receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.158

Obviously, regeneration and conversion are closely related.

152 Acts 2:38; 3:26; 153 Acts 16:31; Rom. 16:5; 154 John 6:44; Ephesians 2:8 155 James 2:19; 156 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal 5:24; Eph. 2:1-10; 156 Ez. 18:31-32; James 4:8; 158 Acts 2:38 Justification

Justification is a legal term meaning that man (who by his sinful nature is an object of

God’s holy wrath) is pardoned by God from the condemnation he rightly deserves. Essentially

justification is the event in which man moves from being condemned to being acceptable and right

before God, who is holy and just (and in light of justification, also merciful). Justification is the

free gift of God159 (it is not from good works or the will of man)160 in which he imputes His own

righteousness to those who have faith in Him.161 In Justification, God holds us blameless for all

sin, having judged it through Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice.162 Justification is received through

faith alone by grace alone.163

159 Rom. 3:24; Rom 6:23-24; 160 Rom. 3:20-21; 4:5; 5:6; 161 2 Cor. 5:21; 162 Rom. 8:1–4; 2 Cor. 5:21; 163 Gal. 3:24

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Sanctification

Sanctification is the progressive work of God and man which diminishes sinful behavior

and makes us more and more like Christ in our actual lives. It begins at the time the believer is

justified, continues throughout life, and is completed when the believer stands before Christ.

Justification precedes sanctification and is a finished act of God on behalf of the believer, whereas

sanctification is a progressive series of acts by God in the believer over the course of his or her life

leading to their volitional cooperation and obedience to Christ.

Sanctification is for believers, because an unbeliever is incapable of pleasing God.164

Scripture speaks of sanctification in terms of a progressive process with past, present, and future

aspects. Believers have been sanctified at the time they “were justified in the name of the Lord

Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”165 Sanctification is an ongoing process, for no one is

without sin in this life.166 Believers are being sanctified, being conformed to the image of Jesus

Christ by putting off sin and putting on righteousness, confessing sin, walking by the Spirit, and

purifying themselves in light of the hope of Christ and His coming.167 Believers are called to obey

as part of their sanctification, but it is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit who

sanctifies us.168 The future aspect of sanctification is complete when the believer dies and stands

before Christ, at which time He will be sanctified, being finally made to be like Christ.169

164 Rom 8:5–14; Heb. 11:6 1651 Cor. 6:9-11; Heb. 10:14; This is sometimes referred to as positional sanctification, I simply use the biblical language here. 166 1 John 1:8; 167 Heb. 10:14; Col 3:1-17; 1 John 1:9, 3:3-10; 168 Lev 20:8; John 17:17; 1 Cor. 6:1; Phil 2:12–13; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1Titus 1:11-14; 1 Peter 1:2 1691 John 3:2 Perseverance

Those who have genuinely been saved will never fully or finally fall from a state of grace.

Salvation cannot be lost because it is entirely a work of the Triune God.170 Those who are saved

are being guarded through faith by God, 171 they have received the Spirit as a guarantee of their

salvation,172 and the Son has promised never to cast them out, because it is the Father’s will that

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He should never lose any that come to Him.173 The life that Christ gives is eternal, and nothing nor

anyone can take us from His hand or separate us from His love.174

170 Eph. 1:3-14; 1711 Pet 1:3–5; 172 2 Cor. 1:22, Eph. 1:13–14, 4:30; 173 John 6:37–40 174 John 10:27-30; Rom. 8:38-39,1 John 5:11–12 The Church

The Nature of the Church

Christ is the founder and the head of the Church.175 It consists of all those who have ever,

or will ever, come to faith in Jesus Christ (both Jew and Gentile), and it began at Pentecost when

God sent the Holy Spirit, baptizing them into the body of Christ,176 and empowering them for the

great commission, which is the Church’s mission.177 The church consists of many members, each

of which is important to the edification of the church and the completion of its mission.178 The

local church is any group of believers who gathers together to dedicate themselves to teaching,

fellowship, Baptism, the breaking of bread (Communion), and for prayer.179 We are called not to

forsake this local gathering.180 Though geographically separated from other local churches, local

congregations are all one in Christ and comprise the universal Church.

175 Matt 16:18; Colossians 1:18; 176 1 Corinthians 12:13; 177 Matthew 28:19-20; 178 1 Cor. 12:14–26; Eph. 4:11–12; 179 Acts 2:42; Matt. 28:19; 180 Hebrews 10:24-25 Government of the Church

Christ is the head of the Church,181 but has seen fit to put in place a system of government

within the Church itself. The Church has been given elders and deacons as church officers; deacons

are spiritually mature servants within the church, 182 while the elders are those who teach and

oversee the church183 and are dedicated to prayer and the ministry of the word.184 The local church

is not subject to outside authority, but instead selects a plurality of elders who are spiritually mature

and of good character, thus being qualified to oversee the church.185 The pastor is one of the elders

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who, along with the other elders, oversees the church but has some unique functions within the

context of the local church, and is often paid for His ministry.186

181 Colossians 1:18; 182 Acts 6:3; 1Tim 3:8–13; 183 Titus 1:5–9; Elders are also called overseers [episkopēs, (ἐπισκοπή) and presbyteros (πρεσβύτερος)]. Both are translated as elder in the New Testament. Poimanow (ποιµαίνω) is translated as shepherd. All three words are interchangeable terms of address for the same position. The pastor is equal with the other elders, but is dedicated to fulltime teaching and preaching.184 Acts 6:4; 185 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1861 Timothy 5:17-18 The Ordinances Baptism

Baptism is a command for all believers. All who place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord

are to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.187 Baptism is

only for believers and must be done as an act of faith and obedience after having been born again

through saving faith in Jesus Christ. It is a symbol of the believer's death and resurrection in Christ,

and it represents an appeal of good conscience to God because Christ also died and was raised

from the dead.188 Considering that the Lord Himself was baptized by immersion (bapti÷zw,

baptizo: to dip in or immerse under water), and that baptism is the symbol of our being buried and

raised with Him, the most appropriate mode of baptism is by immersion.189

187 Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38-39; 188 Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 16:14-15; Acts 16:31-33; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:3–5, Rom 6:3–5; 1 Peter 3:21; 189 Matthew 3:16, Romans 6:4 The Lord’s Supper

The Lord's Supper (also called communion) is commanded for all believers by Christ

Himself, and is a symbol of the new covenant, which He made through His body and blood, being

represented by the elements of bread and wine, respectively.190 The elements are to be taken in

faith, with thanksgiving, and as a corporate body.191 It is a proclamation of Christ’s death and a

means of remembering the sacrifice which He made for us.192 One ought to examine one’s self

before taking the Lord's Supper, so as not to take it in an unworthy manner.193 The Church is to

partake in the Lord’s Supper until He comes back for us.194

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190 Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-29; 191Acts 2:42,46-47; 20:7; 1921 Cor. 10:16; 11:23-29; 1931 Cor. 11:23-29; 1941 Cor. 11:26 Angels and Demons

Angels

Angels are created beings who serve and worship God.195 They are spiritual creatures and

are not typically seen, 196 though sometimes are manifested as messengers as God sees fit to allow

us to see them, 197 sometimes in bodily form.198 They also serve to guard and protect believers.199

Angels have a free will, as can be seen in that some angels (including Satan) sinned and rebelled

against God.200 These were cast out of heaven and are now known as Satan and his demons.

Scripture does not teach that people become angels after death, but that people are a separate

creation, made in God’s image,201 and that angels are amazed by the work of salvation done in

mankind by Christ’s sacrifice.202

195Neh. 9:6; Psa. 148:2, 5; Luke 2:13; 196Heb. 1:14; 197 Luke 1:11, 19, 26, 30; Num. 22:31; 2 Kings 6:17; Luke 2:13 198 Heb. 13:2; 199Psa. 34:7; 91:11; Heb. 1:14; 200Isa. 14:12-15; 2 Peter 2:4; 201Gen. 1:27; 2021 Peter 1:12 Satan and Demons

Satan is a real entity, a fallen angel who sought to take God’s place and was cast out of

heaven.203 He is described as “that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan.”204 He tempted

Adam and Eve in the garden, tempted Jesus in the wilderness, 205 and possessed Judas Iscariot in

an attempt to destroy Jesus and His mission to reconcile people to God.206 He is the enemy of God,

who seeks to kill and destroy, trying to prevent people from understanding and receiving the

Gospel.207 He is a deceiver and one who disguises himself as an angel of light.208 Satan is crafty

and powerful209 and he and his demons battle against believers, but Satan and his demons are

accountable to God, who limits what they can do.210 Jesus came to destroy the works of Satan, and

did so by His work on the cross.211 Being joined to Christ, Christians can resist Satan through the

power of the Holy Spirit and Satan will flee.212 The Devil and his demons are destined to eternal

punishment in the lake of fire at the end of time. 213

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203 Isa. 14:12-15; I state here that Satan is a real entity in opposition to the view of some who teach that Satan is a metaphor and not a real being. 204 Rev 12:9; 20:2; 205 Gen 3:1-5,14-16; Matt 4:1-11; 206 Luke 22:3; 207 Mark 4:15; 1 Peter 5:8; 208 2 Cor. 11:14-15; 209 Gen 3:1; 2 Cor. 2:11; 210 Job 1:6–12, 2:4-6, Mark 5:7-13; 211 Galatians 5:16; 1 John 3:8 212James 4:7; 213Matt 25:41; Rev. 20:10

Eschatology

The Return Of The Lord And Other End Time Events Though Christ has ascended and now sits at the right hand God the Father, he will indeed

one day physically return.214 His second appearance will not be to deal with sin, but to save those

who are eagerly waiting for Him.215 Only God the Father knows the day and the hour of Christ’s

return.216 Until his coming believers are to watch and wait for Him, longing for His return.217 There

have been, and will be, those who claim to be Him—even attempting to deceive the elect—but

Christ’s followers are not to believe them.218 There will be no mistaking Christ’s return because

He will appear suddenly219 and His people will meet with Him in the sky. First, those who have

died in Christ, and then those who are alive will be raptured.220 The rapture will be after the time

of the tribulation.221

He will appear personally, visibly, in bodily form as the glorious King over all the

nations.222 All the nations will be gathered to Him and He will separate and judge both believers

and unbelievers.223 Those who do not believe—whose names are not written in the Book of Life—

they will go away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might, being cast into

the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his demons, into eternal fire and punishment.224 The

current order of things will pass away (death, pain, and sorrow will be no more), even the current

heavens and earth, and God will make a new heaven and earth where He will dwell with His

people.225 Those who believe will enter into the inheritance that was set apart for them from the

foundation of the world.226 They will have eternal life, God will make His dwelling place among

them, and they will worship Him and reign with Him forever and forever.227

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214 Matthew 24:3, 27, 37, 39; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13; 4:15-16; 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9; James 5:7, 8; 2 Peter 1:16; 3:4, 12; 1 John 2:28; Rev 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20 215 Hebrews 9:28 216 Matthew 24:36,44; 25:13; Luke 12:40 217 Mark 13:32-33, Hebrews 9:28; Phil 3:20; 218Matthew 24:4-5, 23-24; Mark 13:5-6, 21 219 Matthew 24:27 220 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Matthew 24:31 221 Matt 24:29-31; 2 Thess. 2:1-8 222 John14:3; Acts 1:11; Matthew 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 223 Matthew 25:32; John 5:28-29; 224 Matthew 25:2,41,46 Thessalonians 1:8-9, Rev. 20:14; 225 Rev 21:1-4; 226Matthew 25:34,46; 227 Matthew 25:34,46; Rev. 21:3; 22:3

The Millennium

At the end of the time of tribulation the Lord will bind Satan for 1,000 years so that he

cannot deceive the people of the earth during that time.228 At that time the Lord will reign bodily

on the earth for a literal 1,000 years.229 The saints will rule with Him during that time and there

will be peace until Satan is released again to tempt those who are on the earth.230

228 Rev. 20:1-3; 229 Rev. 20:4-6; 230 Rev. 20:4, 6, 7

Part 3: Philosophy of Ministry

Pastoral Identity As a pastor I am called to lead from a place of servitude: first to God, then to the people. I

do this through submitting myself to God, dedicating myself to worship, to prayer, and the study

of His Word, as well as to the preaching of that word and to the shepherding of His people. It is

my joy and privilege to know and communicate the word of God in such a way that people not

only understand it, but also are moved to act upon it, fulfilling the purpose of God in this generation

and helping believers to become mature before our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am also called to help others to become leaders within the church. I do this by actively

training and mentoring those who have been called by God and desire to lead in the church. If I do

my job well, not only will the flock of God come to maturity through my teaching, but they will

be able to sustain this long after I leave, in part because I will have ushered along other leaders

from within who will likewise point God’s people to His will through preaching, teaching, prayer,

and biblical leadership.

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Ecclesiology

The Church is composed of all those who have been reconciled to God through faith in

Jesus Christ. That being said, local congregations are composed of a wide spectrum of people in

terms of their spiritual walk: new and/or immature believers, those who are advancing in their

maturity, and even the unsaved. It is my responsibility to know my congregation and serve them

where they are in their faith. For the lost I will proclaim the Gospel and call for repentance. For

those who believe I will spur them on to maturity in Christ and to good works through preaching,

teaching, rebuking, and encouragement. For those who are mature in their faith and called by God,

I will train and equip them to lead the church and serve the Body of Christ.

The main mission of the church is to spread the Gospel and make disciples. This is not

accomplished passively, but must be made a priority and accomplished through the intentional

training, equipping, and sending of the saints to do the work of God. Corporately we come together

to do the work of discipleship, individually we go out into the community to spread the good news

of reconciliation to God through Christ.

A biblical model of corporate worship will center on discipleship, evangelism, and the

equipping and training of the saints. This is accomplished by an Acts 2 model of corporate worship:

Teaching the scriptures, prayer, observing communion, corporate fellowship, and thanksgiving to

God, as well as personal and intentional discipleship by all. (Acts 2:41–47)

Church Polity

The Church is made up of many local congregations that are led by elders who are members

of that congregation. Elders oversee the spiritual well-being of the church, defending the faith by

teaching true doctrine and refuting worldly philosophy and false teaching that may creep into the

congregation. Elders are to: feed the flock through the teaching of the word; lead the flock through

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casting vision and living as an example; protect the flock through spiritual oversight and spiritual

warfare on their behalf; and to equip the flock, helping them to discover and utilize their spiritual

gifts in order to do the work of evangelism, discipleship, and good works that bring glory to God.

Core Values and Leadership

• As A Pastor I Must Be Dependent On God: I am grateful for the education I have received,

but human ability is not enough for successful ministry. I must rely on God’s leading in

ministry, being obedient to Him, abiding in my relationship with Christ. He is the source of

my competence and ability and without Him I can do nothing. (John 15:1–11; 2 Cor. 3:4–6)

• I Daily Submit Myself To God: I am a follower of Jesus Christ before all else. He calls for

my worship and obedient submission. As both a Christian and as a leader in the church I am to

submit myself to God, obeying His Word, and living by the standards enumerated for elders in

Timothy and Titus. This can only be done through a daily commitment to worshiping and

following God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

• As Pastor I Am Both Shepherd And Equipper Of The Saints: It is my privilege and my

responsibility to see to the spiritual needs of my congregation by teaching, encouraging, and

exhorting them. I must also equip them for the work of the ministry, exhorting them to do the

good works that God has prepared for them. (John 21:15-17; 1 Pet 5:1–4)

• I Place A High Priority On Preaching And Teaching The Word Of God: As a believer

God has predestined good works that I should do, but as a pastor I am to place a high priority

on preaching and teaching the word of God to people in order that true doctrine is guarded,

that believers may be equipped to do the works God has called them to, and that they may be

presented as mature before Christ Jesus. I am accountable to God for this. (Acts 2:42, 6:1-6;

Col 1:28–29; Eph. 4:11–13; 2 Tim 4:1–5; Heb. 13:17)

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• I Commit Myself To Discipleship And Helping Others To Do The Same: All Christians

are called to make disciples. This goes beyond conversion and means that I must mentor others

in the faith to observe God’s word and to live a lifestyle of faith and righteous living. I will do

this in such a way as to make it self-perpetuating, teaching those I disciple to disciple others.

(Matt 28:19–20; Phil. 3:12-18; Col 1:28–29)

• I Must Minister To My Family As Well As To My Congregation: Ministry requires

commitment and self-sacrifice, but that sacrifice is personal, and should not adversely affect

my family. As the Spiritual head of my household I am to diligently teach my children, love

my wife as Christ loves the Church, and to manage my household well. This requires careful

consideration and balance in ministry. (Deut. 6:4–8; 1 Tim 3:4–5, Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:19)