Metro District of the C&MA Ordination Exam Prep

How does scripture describe God?

- God is Spirit (John 4:24) - God is a consuming Fire (Hebrews 12:29) - God is light, no darkness in Him (1 John 1:5) - God is love (1 John 4:8) - God is perfect (Matthew 5:48) - God is Holy (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Give a brief teaching of resurrection, biblical basis, importance to the Christian faith and it's relationship to Heaven for believers and non-believers.

1 Corinthians 15: Christ's resurrection and ours - There is a resurrection of the dead because Christ has been raised. Paul says our preaching and faith are useless without the resurrection. - Since death came for all through Adam, the resurrection of the dead comes through Jesus Christ. - There will be a bodily resurrection of the dead who are in Christ at the last day. - It is our hope to continue our labor. Not a human hope but a heavenly hope. We can be confident of this. Revelation 21-22: Heaven - home of the victorious - There will be a new heaven and a new earth. - God himself will be light and be with his people - He will "wipe every tear, no more death, mourning, crying or pain. The old order of things has passed away." - Those who do not believe will not take part in this however, they will be thrown into the lake of fire. Titus 2:11-14 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Hope This is our hope for Christ's return and resurrection of the dead. It is a hope that we will be resurrected and join with Christ.

Criteria used to determine canon of Scripture?

1. Apostolic Authority - Did apostles write it? 2. Antiquity - When was it written? 3. Orthodoxy - Did it follow the rule of faith? 4. Catholicity - Was it universally accepted in churches? What has been believed everywhere, always, by all? 5. Tradition - How and by Who? 6. Inspiration - The source?

What is the Nature of the change brought by regeneration? (4 items)

1. Dead to sin and alive to Christ (Romans 6:18) 2. A new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17-18 3. A new heart (Ezekiel 11:19; Jeremiah 31:31-34) 4. A new nature (Romans 12:1-2)

What are some metaphors in Scripture for the Church?

1. Flock (1 Peter 5:1-3) 2. Bride (Revelation 21:2) 3. Body (Ephesians 1:23)

Biblical basis for Growing/Reproducing the Church?

1. Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) 2. Holy Spirit is empowering the spread of the Gospel (Acts 1:8) 3. We are called to preach to the whole world (Matthew 24:14) 4. Gospel has to be preached for people to believe (Romans 10:14)

Biblical Procedure for Church Discipline?

1. Grow in Faith - it serves to encourage growth (Titus 1:13) 2. Redemption & Restoration - it serves to spiritually redeem & restore (Galatians 6:1, Matt. 18:15) 3. Bearing one another's burdens - serves to teach church to be redemptive (Galatians 6:2) 4. Forgiveness, love & comfort - involves compassion (2 Corinthians 2:5-7) 5. Warning to the divisive - Deters from and instructs (Titus 3:10) 6. Judgement & Expulsion - May lead to judgement and/or expulsion (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

Discuss the Lostness of Man (5 Key points)

1. We have fallen away from our original nature into sin (Gen 1-3). 2. Because of this we are all sinful (Romans 5:12) 3. Not one of us is righteous (Romans 3:10,23) 4. We are slaves to sin and deserving of death (Romans 6:6,23) 5. As a result of this nature, we are lost and in need of a savior (Luke 19:10)

What is a practical significance of Sanctification to the Christ-follower's lifestyle?

2 Peter 1:4 says that we become participants in the divine nature, we become different from the nature of the world, it's practices behaviors and mindsets and exchange them for a divine nature. Romans 8 says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We are able to live free from the sin nature in Christ by the Spirit.

What is the basis for the inerrancy of scripture?

2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is God breathed..." & Matthew 5:17-18 "Not come to abolish the law...not one letter will pass away..." The scriptures as originally written by people, inspired by the Holy Spirit are without error and are trustworthy.

Why is scripture relevant?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is God breathed and useful for..." It is the breath of God which means he can be encountered through it, which is relevant to all because we need Him. Also, it is useful for our daily lives: "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Explain Inspiration

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is God-breated". God breathing upon the words or writings of an individual giving life to them by the Holy Spirit. *[Combination of greek theos and pneumo]

What is hell described as?

A literal place of everlasting punishment and separation from God's presence (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9) where there is torment (Revelation 20:10) and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12)

Describe the worldview of Humanism

A worldview that gives ultimate importance to human beings rather than to divine beings (things). The importance is placed on the value and goodness of humanity, with logic, rationality, and the common good of humanity being the chief manner of solving human relational problems.

Biblical Passages Key for Developing an Understanding of the Second Coming

Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Matthew 24:36

How is progressive sanctification connected with experiential sanctification?

As we encounter the presence of the living Christ, meditate upon Him and experience who He is it changes us into His image. (2 Corinthians 3:18 "with unveiled faces" & 2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord...") We come into ever increasing glory. A continual life of surrender to the Spirit through intimacy with Christ changes us to be more like Him.

Give a brief explanation of the teaching of scripture on the atonement.

Atonement is the reconciliation of our broken relationship with Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 "For Christ has indeed been raise from the dead..." - Romans 3:23 "All have sinned..." Jesus was an atoning sacrifice for the sin of humankind, the sin nature of humans needed a sacrifice to atone for them and reconcile us to God. - Romans 3:25 - God predestined Christ as a sacrifice of atonement through the shedding of blood - to be received by faith. - Isaiah 53:3-6 "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. 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. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

What about man's condition made the atonement necessary?

Because all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, (Romans 3:23) when in the Garden of Eden, mankind was cut off and separated from God through his sin and no longer had access to God (Genesis 3). Atonement was necessary to reconcile the relationship man had with God.

Define Justification

Being declared righteous by God and put in right standing with Him. This happens by his grace (Romans 3:22-26) and the blood of Jesus (Romans 5:9) through faith (Galatians 3:24). So that we can be made children of God and co-heirs with Christ. (Titus 3:5-7)

What is meant by "The Indwelling Christ"?

Christ dwells within us, and he is displayed through the life of the believer. It isn't our lives any more it is Christ alive in us (Galatians 2:20) Christ is in us, his presence displayed through our lives (Colossians 1:27).

Evidences for God's Existence?

Creation - Psalm 19 Jesus - "If you have seen me you have seen the Father (John 14:9) Faith - Hebrews 11:3

Where do we know there is only one God?

Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear O, Israel, the Lord your God, the Lord is one." John 10:30 "I and the Father are one."

What are the qualities & ministries of the Holy Spirit that show Him to be personal?

He guides (Romans 8:14) He intercedes (Romans 8:26) He can be resisted (Acts 7:51) He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30) He advocates for us (John 14:25-26)

Explain Revelation

Eph. 3:3-5, Revealing of who God is and how we relate to Him. Revealed generally through creation (Ps. 19:1-6) and through "special" revelation by Christ himself to us (Heb. 1:1-3).

Explain Illumination

Ephesians 1:17-18 "Spirit of wisdom and revelation...may the eyes of your heart be enlightened". God enlightens and illumines His revelation in our hearts through His Spirit. Not something we do but we ask him to illuminate or "highlight" it to us.

What does a Crisis of Sanctification look like?

Every Christian, then, must consciously and deliberately yield his life to the Holy Spirit. It is a decisive surrender of one's self to God (Romans 6:13) This turning point in our Christian walk may come about as the result of our concern over some glaring failure. It may be precipitated by a struggle over a particular issue. But as completely as we know how, we will give ourselves to the Lord. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship." This verse calls for a decisive act. The same is true in Romans 6:13, "Offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life." When Paul writes in Romans 6:2, "We died to sin," he is expressing in unambiguous language the truth that the person who is in Christ has made a definitive breach with the realm in which sin reigns. Furthermore, Paul underscores this once-for-all break with sin by telling us that if we are in Christ, our "old self" has been crucified with him (Romans 6:6). The verb "crucified" is in the aorist tense, indicating a once-for-all, definitive act. Indeed, the main thrust of the entire chapter is to declare that the believer has been transferred through union with Christ to a new and powerful master, who reigns victoriously over sin.

How do we know God is a healing God?

Exodus 15:26 "If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." Numbers 21 - Moses fashions a bronze staff with serpents on it after the Israelites had sinned against God. They had all been struck with a terrible disease. Anyone who looked upon the staff would be instantly healed. It is an early depiction of the power of Jesus securing freedom over sickness caused by sin.

How are the problems of sickness and sin related?

Genesis 3 - Mankind cut off from the tree of life that would have allowed us to live forever. Numbers 21 - Israelites sin and get a skin disease Isaiah 53 - Prophetic word about Jesus' sacrifice freeing us from sickness and sin Matthew 9:2 - Paralyzed man's sins are forgiven, then healed of being paralyzed John 9 - Blind man healed, Jesus says his sin had nothing to do with it. Our sin nature allowed sickness into the world. However, an individual sin does not necessarily cause one to be sick, though the two can be linked.

Explain the difference between gifts of the Spirit and fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:13-26 Gifts are external in the sense that they are a function of ministry. Fruit of the Spirit is about ways the Holy Spirit manifests in the life of the believer. It is about their "being" not a functional or operational use. Example: Someone has a gift of healing and prays for the sick vs. someone who is displaying a Joy. The person displaying joy may exhibit some outward behavior, but there is an intrinsic inward nature that is a state of being as opposed to something they do. Having gifts does not mean they have the fruit and vice versa. An individual can prophesy and not love (1 Cor 13:1) Meaning they have a gift, but not the fruit of the spirit manifesting.

Support the doctrine of the Trinity

Genesis 1:1-5 (God created, Spirit of God hovered over waters) Genesis 1:26 "Let US make man in OUR image" (plurality) Matthew 28:18-20 "Baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit" John 14:25-26 "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name." Luke 3:21-23 (Jesus baptized, Spirit descending as dove, voice of Father saying 'this is my son')

Thoughts concerning evolution and scripture?

God made everything according to its kind (Genesis 1) Transitioning outside of an animals species wouldn't make sense in that way. Also, humans being created in the image of God gives a definitive nature to the initial creation that cannot have changed over time.

What instruction does the New Testament give in relation to healing?

Healing is for today. Jesus says in Mark 16:17-18: "These signs will follow those who believe..." James 5:14-16 - the elders should be called by one who is sick. They will anoint them with oil lay hands on them and pray in faith that the sick person will be made well. The sick should confess their sins and ensure right standing before God.

What does the term "imminent return of Christ" mean to you? Provide scriptural support.

Hebrews 10:37 "For in just a little while..." 1 Thessalonians 5:2 "Like a thief in the night..." We must be watching and living as if the day of the Lord could come at any moment, because it could. We are eagerly anticipating his return.

Evidence Christ was conscious of his divinity?

His baptism (Mark 1:10-11) Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11) Transfiguration (Matthew 9:2-8) Crucifixion (Matthew 27:46) Resurrection (John 20:17)

How would you counsel a believer still seeking miraculous healing?

I would ensure they continue to take opportunities to pray and receive prayer for healing. Continue to pursue the breakthrough. I would also walk them through their emotions concerning the subject to ensure no bitterness or anything unhealthy had taken root as a result of not getting the answer they sought. If there is medication involved, make sure they are still following Drs. instructions and seeking medical counsel as necessary. I would walk them through finding content in every circumstance and thankfulness as they continue to seek breakthrough. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Give a brief understanding of the relationship between Israel and the Church?

The church has been grafted into the family line of Israel and become children of God. (Romans 11:11-31, 1 Peter 2:9) Israel will rule with God (Psalm 89:3-4, 2 Sam 7:2)

Explain the basis for Healing and its relationship to the atonement.

Isaiah 53:5 "By his wounds we are healed..." Matthew 8:16-17 "This was to full what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah." Through the blood of Christ we have access to his healing power. It is by the blood of Jesus that we can have healing from every disease & sickness.

What does the prayer of faith mean?

It is praying by faith to access the healing made available in Jesus Christ. It is not our own healing power but Christ who heals. As stated by Peter in Acts 3:16 "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see."

What is the Church?

It is the "called out ones" - (ekklessia) The Church consists of all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through his blood, and are born again of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the head of the Church. (Ephesians 1:22-23) The local church is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together by the Holy Spirit for worship, edification through the Word of God, for prayer, fellowship, proclamation of the Gospel and observance of the ordinances of baptism and Lord's supper. (Acts 2:41-47)

Define Sanctification (2 main scriptures, 2 sub heading verses)

It is the calling out by God to be holy and be made holy, purified consecrated and free from the guilt of sin. Separated from the world to Himself. (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Romans 6:1-14 It is positional: We have been made Holy in Christ (Hebrews 10:10: And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all) It is experiential: The process of transformation in the image of Christ (2 Peter 1:4) The justified believer not only has died to sin, he also has been decisively and definitely "raised with Christ." Using the aorist tense, Paul asserts that "God . . . made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions and . . . raised us up with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-6). Sanctification means not only a decisive break with the enslaving power of sin but also a union with Christ in His resurrection.

Explain Jesus as 'begotten not created' and existing no beginning or end. (i.e. Jesus' divinity)

John 1 - The Word was in the beginning and was God Heb. 7:3 "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains priest forever."

What is the relationship Between the Word of God and scripture?

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God." Revelation 19:13 " He dressed in a robe dipped in blood and his name was the Word of God God's son Jesus is the Word of God in the flesh. The scriptures reveal the Word of God to us. We encounter Jesus the Word of God as we engage the scriptures.

What is the relationship between Justification & Sanctification?

Justification is God's declaration of the believer that they are righteous and holy. It sets them up to become transformed as God intended (Titus 3:5-7) Sanctification is God calling us to be continually sanctified by the Holy Spirit subsequent to being Justified. (Thessalonians 5:23) The justified believer not only has died to sin, he also has been decisively and definitely "raised with Christ." Using the aorist tense, Paul asserts that "God . . . made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions and . . . raised us up with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-6). Sanctification means not only a decisive break with the enslaving power of sin but also a union with Christ in His resurrection.

Explain the meaning of "Holy" in reference to God

Leviticus 11:44 & 1 Peter 1:15-16 "Be holy for I am holy" Holy = hebrew qadowsh (meaning: set apart, to be consecrated for a specific purpose) It highlights God's 'otherness'. his ways are not our ways or the ways of anything within the created universe. Holy = perfect, without blemish or limit. Good, right, perfect. There is holiness to everything God does and says. It is perfect without fault or defect. Therefore everything that God is and does is perfect and good.

Scriptures that help clarify the "canon" of scripture?

Luke 24:44 "Law of Moses, Prophets and Psalms" confirm Old Testament, Galatians 1:12 "Not received from men, but revelation from Jesus Christ." Those books that fit these guidelines are considered canon. While other books may have accurate historical information (i.e. apocrypha) they are not inspired by divine revelation as described by Paul or Jesus above)

How will the Second Coming differ from the First Coming?

Matthew 25:31 - He will come in his glory and all the angels with Him. First coming was humbly as a baby, not in His glory.

Define Regeneration

Means to be born as a new creation (John 3:3 "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'" and 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!") Given life that doesn't perish (1 Peter 1:23) and freedom from any obligation or bondage.

What is the difference between miraculous healing and divine life for the believer?

Miraculous healing is a sickness or a disease in someone's body being healed. Divine life is the life experienced by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit transforming the believer. 2 Corinthians 3-5?

Could anyone other than Christ have made an acceptable offering for our atonement?

No. Acts 4:12: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Jesus is full God (Philippians 2:6-11: "Who being in very nature God...") and fully man and was perfect. (Hebrews 4:15: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.") Our sin required a perfect sacrifice. That did not have any sin. (1 Peter 1:19 "but with the precious blood of Christ. A lamb without any blemish or defect"

Can the atonement be effective in the lives of those who have not heard?

No. The good news must be preached and declared in order to be received. (Romans 10:5-15, Galatians 3:21-22) "How can they believe in one they have not heard".

What are the Old and New Testament descriptions of the Holy Spirit?

Old Testament: "Ruach" the Hebrew word for breath. It is the idea of the Spirit of God being the "life giver" as God breathed upon Adam to bring him life. (Genesis 1, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Job 33:4) New Testament: the idea of "pneuma" which is spirit means wind in greek, extended beyond life giving to being the "Counselor" and "Advocate" (John 14 & 16). The Holy Spirit is more than a life force, He is the one that guides the Church in Jesus' stead. He convicts the world of sin and judges the powers of darkness that have all been condemned.

What are the some attributes of God?

One God (Deut. 6:4) Infinitely perfect (Matthew 5:48) Eternal (Jeremiah 10:10, Hebrews 1:8, 9:24, Revelation 1:8, 22:13) Omniscient: Jeremiah 23:23-25, John 2:24-25, 1 Cor 2:10-12 Omnipresent: Jer. 23:23-25, Psalm 42 Omnipotent: Job 42:2 (You can do all things) Matthew 19:26, 28:18)

What are the biblical leadership roles within the Church? Where do we find their qualifications?

Pastors (Ephesians 4:11) Elders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 3) Deacons (1 Timothy 3, Acts 6). Qualifications for Elders and Deacons found in 1 Timothy 3

What is the basis of belief that God is personal and able to be known?

Philippians 2:6-10 "Being found in appearance as a man" Genesis 2:26 "let us make man in OUR IMAGE" i.e. likeness God's interaction with mankind and his ability to relate us is shown as He refers to himself with personal pronouns like "I". His ability to walk in the garden with Adam and Eve and talk with them shows he is relational and personal.

What is the scriptural foundation for believing that Christ had both divine & human nature?

Philippians 2:6-11, Hebrews, 4:15, John 10:30

Why are both the human and divine natures essential to the person of Christ?

Philippians 2:6-11, Romans 8:3, Romans 5 The idea of needing a "pure and spotless lamb" comes from the Hebrew sacrifices for the atonement of sin that the high priest did annually. Jesus was the sin offering to atone for sin once and for all (Romans 8:3). Death was brought by one man (Adam) so righteousness was brought by one man (Jesus). But Jesus couldn't have sin so he was born of God conceived by the Holy Spirit. The combination of his humanness and his divine nature made him the perfect substitutionary sacrifice for our sins.

What is meant by positional and progressive sanctification and how is "crisis" connected to the two?

Positional Sanctification: What happens at conversion we are declared holy. (Hebrews 10:10, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Colossians 1:2,22). Progressive Sanctification: Ongoing transformation into the image of Christ where we are made holy (2 Cor 3:18: With unveiled faces, ever increasing glory..."). We experience a crisis of continuing to exhibit old patterns of the sin nature while still being a new creation and not belonging to the flesh. In crisis we are faced with a moment where we must yield to God's Spirit and the new nature he has given us and leave behind old patters and behaviors in exchange for Christ (Romans 6:1-14)

What are the 3 main eschatological viewpoints? Define them.

Premillennialism - Christ will return and usher in the millennium Postmillennialism - The Church will usher in the millennium on earth then Christ will come. Amillenialism - No literal millenium, the millennial Kingdom of God is already present and Christ will return and start the eternal state.

Give a brief explanation of the scriptural teaching of the gifts of the Spirit.

Prophecy, teaching, encouragement, leadership, serving, giving, mercy (Romans 12:6-8) Wisdom, knowledge, faith, prophecy, tongues, discernment, interpretation, edification, healing and miracles (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) Speaking and Serving 1 Peter 4:10 These gifts are given to members of the Church by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's purposes. These gifts are available to all believers.

What events take place during and after the millennium. Provide Scriptural Support.

Revelation 20 - Satan bound - Christ reigns - 1,000 years of peace - Satan released briefly - Satan's final defeat - Satan and followers thrown into Lake of Fire - The Judgment - New Heaven and New Earth

Support Premillennialism Scripturally

Revelation 20:5 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Luke 21:27 Hebrews 10:37 The most simple reading of Revelation 20 shows a pre-millennial return of Christ. That his return is imminent, personal, visible, and glorious.

Is there place for Extra-Biblical Revelation?

Revelation 22:18-19 "Anyone who adds or takes away from the words of this book..." The entirety of God's revelations to people will never contradict Scripture if they are true revelation from God.

What is the biblical basis for Constituted Authority? (3 key parts)

Romans 13:1 is the primary passage for an understanding of constituted authority within an organization. Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21) Respect for and obedience to those who are over us in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:12, Hebrews 13:7)

What does scripture teach concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit & Filling of the Spirit?

Romans 6:1-10, 8:9-11, Ephesians 5:18-20, 2 Peter 1:4, 1 Corinthians 2:12-13, Titus 3:6 We are baptized in the Holy Spirit through Christ Jesus (Titus 3:5-6) as we enter into and identify with His death. This is when we receive life through God's Spirit. (Romans 6 & 8). This seems to imply a moment where we shift from our old self in the flesh to a new self where we are baptized in the Spirit. Even the Apostles do this with new converts in Ephesus who had only been baptized in repentance (John's Baptism) but had not received the baptism by the Holy Spirit (Jesus' baptism). He said to them "'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' They answered, 'No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.' So Paul asked, 'Then what baptism did you receive?' 'John's baptism,' they replied. Paul said, 'John's baptism was a baptism of repentance.' He told the people to 'believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.' On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied." Paul commands believers in Ephesus to be filled with the Spirit. However, they had surely already been filled. We are actually being commanded by Paul to be "continually filled" with the Holy Spirit. The greek, "be filled" is a present imperative which implies a continual, or more than one filling. This is confirmed throughout Acts as believers are "re-filled" on multiple occasions. While there is an initial baptism of the Spirit when we identify with the death of Jesus, we do not have a single moment of filling. We are called to keep on being filled with the Spirit. Through our dependency on Jesus we are continually filled with the Spirit.

What is the relationship between Scripture and Divine Guidance?

Romans 8:26-27 "We don't know what we out to pray...Spirit intercedes for us with groans" & Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" The Holy Spirit works in our hearts to have us pray in a manner that will bring about the will of God in our lives. My scripture reading that is illuminated by the Spirit serves as a light to guide me in God's will. The Spirit confirms scripture and the scripture confirms what the Spirit says.

What is sanctification mainly concerned with?

Sanctification is mainly concerned about forming the Image of Christ within us. Galatians 2:20

What is the continuing purpose of regeneration? (3 scriptures associated with it)

Sanctification, which produces holiness. (2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:9; Philippians 1:6) We are called to participate in the divine nature of Christ and become holy like He is. This is the sanctification process brought by the work of the Spirit.

What are some of the names of Christ in scripture?

Savior (Matthew 1:21) Light of the World (John 8:12) Son of God (Luke 1:35, 3:22) Word Made Flesh (John 1:14) Gate of the Sheep (John 10:2) The Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) The Lamb of God (John 1:29) Good Shepherd (John 10:14) Bread of LIfe (John 6:35) True Vine (John 15:1) Lord (Philippians 2:11) Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13)

What is the difference between a gift of healing & healing prayer?

The "Prayer of Faith" mentioned in James 5 is healing prayer done in Jesus' name. A gift of healing refers to the spiritual gift of healing given to members of the body of Christ for the use of the Church (1 Corinthians 12).

What is the mission of the Church?

The Great Commission defines the core of the Churches mission: Matthew 28:19-20 "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all I have commanded you."

Who performs the work of Regeneration?

The Holy Spirit. Titus 3:4-7 says: "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

Describe worldview of Theism

The belief that God (or gods) created the universe and continues to sustain and intervene in creation through personal involvement (relationship) with it.

Describe worldview of Deism

The belief that God (or some supreme being or intelligence) created but does not intervene (non-personal)

Describe worldview of Atheism

The belief that there are not gods or supreme being (thing) of any sort.

Give an understanding of being positionally sanctified.

The believer is positionally sanctified. Paul refers to the Christians at Corinth as "those sanctified in Christ Jesus" (1 Corinthians 1:2). The Greek verb is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed past action with continuing results. This means that the Corinthian believers were sanctified through their union with Christ and that this sanctification continued to be their status before God. In First Corinthians 6:11, sanctification is again coordinated with justification as a definitive act of God. "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." Just as believers were justified once-for-all in Christ, so also believers have been sanctified once-for-all in Christ. This teaching is confirmed both in Acts 20:32 and 26:18, where the texts speak of believers as "those who are sanctified." The ground for all Christian experience, then, is that significant transformation of an individual that occurs the moment he is united with Christ.

What is scriptural evidence of the sanctified life?

The believer who is sanctified displays the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) they are participants in Christ's nature instead of the world (2 Peter 1:4) and they are full of love, and holiness (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)

What is the destiny of those who die outside of Christ?

The dead outside of Christ will be condemned (John 5:28-29)

What are the limitations of those who may benefit from the atonement?

The only limitations are those self-imposed by people. If we do not have faith and believe we do not receive. Anyone an receive the gift of the atonement made available to us as long as the confess Jesus is Lord. Galatians 5:5-6 "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Romans 10:9 "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

How does one walk out the process of sanctification despite the flesh and spirit conflict?

The solution to both the unholy inclinations of the flesh and the problem of human weakness is to be found in Christ. Through the Savior's victory over sin at Calvary, we can overcome the flesh. Christ's Resurrection gives us power to live as we ought for God. Christ's life and power sanctifies the believer, and life and power that is made operative in us by the Holy Spirit. Holy living, then, results from the control and the enabling of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:12 says, "Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it." Instead we are to live according to the direction and enabling of the Holy Spirit.

What assurance do we have that the offering was acceptable to God?

The veil was torn in in the temple, symbolizing the fact that we were no longer separated from God's presence. (Matthew 27:51). Jesus was resurrected by God's power, proving it was an acceptable sacrifice. He appeared to many proving he had risen and conquered death. (1 Cor 15:3-8). If the sacrifice was not acceptable to God, Jesus would not have been resurrected by Him.

Highlight "Christ-Figures" in the Old Testament

There were Christ figures and theophanies in various forms foreshadowing Christ. There are several mentions in scripture of the "Angel of the Lord" thought to be a pre-incarnation manifestation of Jesus (Christophany) (Genesis 31, Exodus 3, Numbers 22, Judges 2, 6 & 13,). Book of Daniel: 3:25 (one looks like a son of the gods) 7: 13 (one looking like a son of man coming on the clouds of heaven) Foreshadowing figures: Moses, David, Abraham, Melchizedek. Prophetic words: Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel.

How is Jesus our Sanctifier?

Through his perfect life (2 corinthians 5:21), death (Hebrews 2:17,18; 9:13,14,28) resurrection (John 10:10) and ascension (Ephesians 1:22-23) Jesus took on human nature so that "both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family" (Hebrews 2:11). As a human person subject to temptation and sin, Jesus became the first person to live a totally holy life (2 Corinthians 5:21). Then, His perfect life was offered up to God in death as a perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 2:17, 18; 9:13, 14, 28). Christ not only died, He rose again to restore humanity to fullness of life (John 10:10). Finally, He ascended to the Father where He is "Head over everything for the Church, which is his body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way" (Ephesians 1:22-23). Out of His finished work, Christ has made His gracious Holy Spirit available to us, and the Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ to our lives. Christ Himself, then, is our Sanctifier and our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30).

How is the believer dead to sin and alive to God?

We are not slaves to sin (Galatians 4:7) Our sin nature died and was buried with Christ - and anyone who has died in Christ, there sin has also died. And we are now alive in Christ in our new nature because we have also been resurrected with Him. Sin can no longer reign in our bodies, it has no power to do so. Our bodies are now for righteousness. (Romans 1:1-14)

What is the dilemma of Sanctification?

While the believer is genuinely new in Christ, he is not yet totally new in daily practice. Galatians 5:16-17 describes a conflict in the believer between the "flesh" and the "Spirit": So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. Romans 8:5-8 discusses this same conflict within the believer. the Christian who is controlled by the flesh will continue to respond to the enticements of sin. Paul admits this possibility even when imploring believers in Romans 6:12, "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires." Additionally, the believer is unable in his own strength to overcome sin, to act righteously in every circumstance, and to serve God effectively. Romans 7:14-21 depicts the ineffectual struggles of an individual who seeks to measure up to the righteous demands of the law of God by his own ability and determination. Though he may affirm the validity of God's laws and want to meet their demands, he finds himself unable to do so.

Discuss the call to Holiness beyond conversion.

While the believer is sanctified positionally through his union with Christ, Scripture also calls the Christian to holiness and fruitfulness in daily practice through his union with Christ. Peter admonished believers, "Be holy because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews urges. "Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and let us go on to maturity" (6:1). And Matthew, reflecting on the conditions for participating in the Kingdom of God, wrote, "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Romans 8:4 tells us that we have been delivered from condemnation so that the righteous requirements of the law actually might be fulfilled in us. Because by His death and resurrection Christ has broken sin's dominion over us and because in Christ we have life, we are urged to live and walk in the victory which is every believer's birthright in Him.

Do you believe that Jesus is Lord? Why?

Yes. I've met Him, He's definitely Lord. Holy Spirit confirms this and word of scripture as well. Philippians 2:11 & Matthew 26:63-63

Is Christ Eternal?

Yes. John 1, Hebrews 7:3, Revelation 22:13 confirm this. Gospel passages highlight his existence before earth and his eternal status. Birth: Luke 2:10-11 Death: Luke 23:46 Resurrection: Luke 24:5 Ascension: Acts 1:9