CMA Accreditation Bible Verse Only
What is your belief concerning the gifts of the Spirit being present in the church today?
1 Corinthians 12 (Whole chapter) (7) There are many spirit gifts but, each one is given for the common good of the Church. (11) The gifts are distributed by the Holy Spirit as he determines. (9) "gifts of healing" Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
What does the Trinity model for us that we can put to practice in our own life and within the church?
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (God desires for us to be in harmony, unity, honoring and loving for each other, the way that He does in the Trinity.) (25) This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. (26) If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. (27) All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it.
Give three names given to Jesus in the New Testament and why they are important for you and those you disciple?
1) Matthew 1:23 "Immanuel" - "God with us" (Jesus is with us in everyway, no matter what we are going through.) 2) John 6:35 "Bread From Heaven" (Only Jesus can satisfy our spiritual hunger.) 3) Titus 3:4-7 "Savior" (Saved us not because of what we done but because of his mercy/love.)
What are three proofs of Christ's resurrection?
1) Matthew 28:1-10 (The tomb was empty.) (6) He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 2) 1 Corinthians 15:5-10 (Christ appeared to the Apostles and 500 witnesses.) 3) The Church exist - The changed lives of the Apostles (especially Paul - 1 Corinthians 15:8-10) and disciples that was so profound they would die for the truth - Jesus.
Describe your understanding of constituted authority vested in the General Council, Board of Directors, District Conference, Field Forum, and any elected or appointed official under whom you may serve.
Constituted authority is a biblical concept that can be found in Romans 13:1, that all must submit to governing authorities because God is ultimately the one that place those authorities before us.
What is the role of the church in discipleship? How important is it to the church? How can it be done well?
Ephesians 4:11-14 (Christ himself gave the Church the apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers to equip us for works of service, knowledge and faith, to build up the Church so that we can attain the whole measure and fullness of Christ.) (To do it well - we need to hold on to the teaches of Jesus) John 8:31 (31) To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
As a part of your spiritual journey and following your salvation experience, can you describe a time when you came to the end of yourself and found the need to fully surrender everything to the Lord and to be filled with His Spirit? Is there a specific section of Scripture that helps you to understand and describe this experience?
Example - When my wife was ill. Feeling helpless, worrying about the future (taking care of wife/mom), feeling inadequate. Philippians 4:6-7 (6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I surrendered the situation to God, I felt peace, empowered for the hard work ahead because God was going to be with me.
Where in Scripture do we see evidence of both Jesus as fully man and fully God? How does this affect your faith or spiritual walk?
Jesus fully man and fully God. Philippians 2:6-11 (Jesus was the very nature of God, made himself into the nature of man.) How it affects my faith? (God is not on high but understands my every need as a human. Doubts, worries, fears, also joys, desires, my very nature as a man.)
What is the Holy Spirit's role in the unbeliever's life?
John 16:8 (Convict the unbeliever of his sins, righteousness and judgment)
Provide scriptural references which describe the deeper life/sanctifying work the Holy Spirit does in the believer.
Romans 6:1-14????? CMA stance of Sanctification and crisis moment. Read notes on Doctrinal working doc and see J Vernon McGee commentary on ROM 6 in e-sword
What role should Scripture play in your own life?
Since it is the Word of God, it should be used in my life to teach, rebuke, correct, and train me to be a more godly person. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (16) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Explain spiritual death.
(Eternal death where the person is forever put away from the presence of God and will suffer eternal torment.) Revelation 21:8 (8) But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Revelvation 20:10 (10) And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Explain what a bodily resurrection is.
( 1) Christ had a physical resurrection, it was not symbolism, Jesus appeared to many.... Also like Christ, believers will also be resurrected and given physical bodies that are imperishable, free of sin and corruption.) 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (20) But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. (21) So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. (22) Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. (23) But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. (52) in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
How would you walk someone in your church through prayer for physical healing? Give the steps you would take someone through.
(Ask for healing in the name of Jesus, acknowledge in faith that he is able and willing to heal just like he healed many in the Bible. Acknowledge that by his death on the cross, he took away your illness." ) James 5:14-16 (14) Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. (15) And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. (16) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
How do we see the story of the atonement in both the Old Testament and New Testament? Explain what the atoning work of Jesus is.
(Atonement in the OT was made by sacrificing animals to God to temporarily cleanse the sins of the people. In the NT, Jesus is the perfect sacrifice that once and for all cleanses the world of sin. The atoning work of Jesus is his death on the cross for our sins that reconciled us back to God.) Leviticus 16:15-16 (15) "He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and take its blood behind the curtain and do with it as he did with the bull's blood: He shall sprinkle it on the atonement cover and in front of it. (16) In this way he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the uncleanness and rebellion of the Israelites, whatever their sins have been. He is to do the same for the tent of meeting, which is among them in the midst of their uncleanness. (Jesus's death on the cross is the final atonement for all of mankind... it restores all of humanity back to God) 1 John 2:2 (2) He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
How would you walk someone in your church through healing prayer for their emotions or past emotional trauma? Give the steps you would take someone through.
(Encourage and comfort the person with scripture such as Matthew 5 and Psalms 147. Jesus is close to the brokenhearted and those who are suffering. End of Matthew 5, Jesus even tells us to love and pray for our enemies.) Mathew 5:3-12 (3) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (5) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (7) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (9) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (10) Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (11) "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (12) Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Psalms 147:3 (3) He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (10) That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Explain your understanding of "one God" and "existing eternally in three persons."
(God is our father, Jesus is our Lord and Savior, Holy Spirit is the one who indwells, empowers, and teaches us - all three are of ONE ESSENCE -fully God - equal and eternal, yet 3 persons) (To be clear, there is only 1 God.) Deuteronomy 6:4 (4) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (The Son and The Holy Spirit was there with God the Father since the beginning) John 1:1-5 (1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (3) Through him all things were made. Genesis 1:1-2 (1) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (2) Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Where in your own life have you specifically seen the Holy Spirit guide, teach, or empower you?
(Going back to school... The Spirit reveals to be the deep truths of God, gave me time to work and study full-time. In ministry, the Spirit has given me words to say when I didn't know what to say, to answer/encourage...) 1 Corinthians 2:10 (10) these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. Matthew 10:20 (20) for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
How has Christ's death, burial, and resurrection enabled us to move from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of light? What blessings does this bring?
(His death paid for our sins....... his burial and resurrection prove his victory over death/sin in that we now have redemption and forgiveness of sins.) Colossians 1:13-14 (13) For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Tell us about your spiritual life and journey following the experience you've just described. What changes have you seen in your life that evidence the Spirit's fullness? How do you handle the struggle with the flesh/old man differently now? Is there a specific section of Scripture that helps you understand and describe this ongoing experience?
(I've learned to trust God much more now. When I start feel anxious, anxiety, or fear, I turn to him right away. The old man use to hold on and try to figure it out without God.) Jeremiah 29:11 (11) For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I worry less now, knowing that God plans for me is to give me hope and a future. I go to him instantly now when I worry. I make time to pray and read his words for comfort.
What is the scriptural basis for the position that physical healing is provided in the redemptive work of Christ?
(In the middle of Jesus healing many people and casting out demons... Matthew tells us why Jesus heals and he relates it to the work Jesus does on the cross) Matthew 8:17 (17) This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases." Isaiah 53:4-5 (4) Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. (5) But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Privileges for the Church in this present age) Act 4:30 - Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Why is it important that we know and believe that God is infinitely perfect? How do we know this?
(It is important because God is the standard of Righteousness. And Jesus himself, tells is we must be perfect like our heavenly Father is.) Matthew 5:48 (48) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
How do you know that the Spirit and the Son are members of the Trinity?
(Jesus commands us to baptize disciples publicly in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit... Jesus use of all three name is an indication that all three are equally God.) Matthew 28:19 (19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Has healing by Jesus been a part of your own journey? Please explain why or why not?
(Physical Healing - My Wife) James 5 - Called Pastor and church to come to pray, but so many friends came and prayed also. We pray for healing and for the diagnoses to be "nothing" and the diagnose was "nothing")
Why do we as The Alliance emphasize church planting locally and globally? How can it be done well?
(Planting local churches extends God's Kingdom one church at a time. Planting churches locally and globally are ways the Alliance can establish God's Kingdom in areas of spiritual darkness. It is also a natural and necessary result of evangelism and discipleship making (Mat 28) Can be done well by empowering/training local leaders to build churches that meet the needs of their area and in a context relevant to their areas.
How does the realization of Christ's second coming impact how you live your life and do ministry?
(Say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and try to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, as we wait for Jesus' return) Titus 2:11-15 - It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, (13) while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
What does God's Word say about those who are a part of Christ's church who experience suffering?
(Suffering is something that is meant to produce in us perseverance. To strengthen our faith so that we can become fully dependent on Christ) James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (3) because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (4) Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 1 Peter 4:12-19 (Our suffering for the sake of Christ now will turn into rejoicing later when His glory is revealed. Matter of fact, Peter remarks that we should actually rejoice that we participated in the same insults and suffering that Christ suffered because then we know that the Spirit of God is resting on us. )
You have befriended someone and now they want to understand how to become a child of God. What would you tell them? What is the gospel? What words would you use to explain how to become a part of God's family?
(The Gospel of Jesus) John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 1:12-13 (Becoming a child of God) (12) Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— (13) children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
How do we know that the Holy Spirit is a divine person?
(The Holy Spirit is a divine person in that he is God, but he has a distinct personality than the Father and the Son. For example: He is sent to indwell in us, and help us to know all truth concerning God) John 14:16-18 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— (17) the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (18) I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (Distinctly mentioned as a person of the Trinity by Jesus) Matthew 28:19 (19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Explain what the outcome is for the just and the unjust.
(The Just will be raised to life and the Unjust will be raised to be condemned.) John 5:28-29 (28) "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice (29) and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. (Condemned) Revelation 21:8 (8) But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
Are there other ways to heaven except through Jesus? Why or why not? What key Bible passages state this truth?
(There is no other way to Heaven except through Jesus.) John 14:6 (6) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Acts 4:12 (12) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
What is the fate of those who have not heard the gospel? What should the believer's response be to this?
(Those who have not heard the Gospel and accepted it are lost.) Acts 4:12 (12) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." John 14:6 (6) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (Response should be to carry out the Great Commission so that all shall be saved.)
What is the significance of baptism and communion?
(Two of the ordinances that Jesus commands us to do. Going back to Matthew 28 - "baptize new converts". ) Baptism Romans 6:3-5 Symbolize our old sinful self dying and buried with Christ and then being raised to back to life in Christ a new person. Communion Mark 14:22-25 Take in remembrance of what Jesus did for us. Breaking of Bread - Death/Body being broken for us Wine - Blood, which was spilled out for forgiveness of sins
How can Christ be our substitutional sacrifice? How can we move from death to life by His work on the cross?
(We are all sinners and deserve death, however, Jesus became man so that he could take our place on the Cross and he died to pay for our sins.) Heb 2:9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (But because of his shed blood we are saved from God's wrath. We move from death to life) Romans 5:9 (9) Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!
Does the Trinity play a vital role in your spiritual life? How?
(Yes, it does. It helps me understand my salvation. Salvation is not just something we receive as a reward from believing in Christ but at Salvation's essence is God's love, glory, and unity that he has with himself and desires for me.) John 17:21-26 (21) I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. (23) May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. (26) I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them."
What is your understanding of what constitutes the local church and why is this important to understand?
Acts 2:41-47 (A body of believers who are joined together in Christ) Matthew 28-19 - The Great Commission
What are the essential corporate functions of the church and why are they important?
Acts 2:42 (42) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 1) Apostles' Teaching - Teaching/Preaching the Word of God. 2) Fellowship - Unity in Christ 3) Breaking of Bread - Observance of the Lord's Supper 4) Prayer - Dependence on Christ
How have you come to trust the inerrancy of Scripture? Why can you trust it as a complete revelation of God's will for the salvation of men and as a guide for your Christian faith?
I trust it because the promises within scripture give me hope! They give life and a purpose for my life. I am not just here today and gone tomorrow, but that God loves me and he has good plans for me. I take what 2 Tim says to heart... I want to be a good servant of God and so i refer to it to teach me. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (16) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
What is the role of the church in the proclamation of the gospel both locally and globally? What happens when the church does not perform its role?
Matthew 28 - Great Commission and Acts 1:8 (The Church is commissioned and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses to the world.) (We are to be like Salt and Light) Matthew 5:13 (13) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Give three reasons why this statement (inerrancy) on the Bible is important to the strength of The Christian and Missionary Alliance as a Christ-Centered, Acts 1:8, Family.
Our Mission from Matt 28:18-19 & Acts 1:8 1) 2 Peter 1:20-21 (Faith rest on Scripture being from God and not Man) (20) Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. (21) For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2) Acts 1:8 (Empowerment and Authority) (8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 3) Matthew 28:18-20 (Make disciples, and teach all Jesus commanded)
Why is the resurrection pivotal for our faith?
Pivotal for faith because as Paul explains... 1 Corinthians 15 (whole) - v2-3 - The gospel is that Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and was resurrected. v17 -If Christ was not raised then our faith would be futile and we are still in sins.
What are your beliefs about Christ's second coming? How would you defend those views using Scripture? Why is Christ coming again?
Revelation 20 1 - Angel will imprison Satan for 1000 years 2 - Believers will reign with Christ for 1000 years 3 - After 1000 Satan will be release to deceive the nations. 4 - When Satan attacks Jerusalem, he will finally be destroyed. Christ comes to Judge the Earth and establish the New Heaven\New Earth (His Kingdom) Revelation 20:12 (12) And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
What is the Fourfold Gospel and why are its four themes important to The Alliance?
The Fourfold Gospel refers to Jesus Christ as our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. These four themes is what The Alliance believes sums up the person and work of Jesus Christ and if we desire to know our God then we must know who he is and what he did. Savior - He died for us and save us from the penalty of Sin. Sanctifier - He works in us through the Holy Spirit to make us more like Him Healer - He made provisions for our healing by his work on the Cross Coming King - He is going to return