Purpose: The purpose of this study is to help you understand the term “disciple” and show operationally the distinct characteristics of such a person.

Objectives

1. The disciple will understand that a disciple is more than a believer in Jesus Christ.

2. The disciple will understand that being a disciple involves dedicated discipline and pursuit of the purposes of our Heavenly Father.

3. The disciple will see that discipleship is both an Old and New Testament principle.

4. The disciple will experience a reinforcement of the principles Jesus had in mind for reaching the world.

Scripture Memory

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:62

Agenda

1. Prayer and sharing

2. Discuss topic for this session.

3. Discuss questions.

4. Interact over the book Disciples are Made — Not Born, Leroy Eims.

5. Review Scripture memory.

Making Disciples

I. The Lord put great emphasis upon teaching and the making of disciples in His Great Commission to the Church. See Matthew 28:19-20.

A. Make disciples (more than believers).

B. Baptize.

C. Teach.

II. What is a disciple? A learner who submits to discipline, or one who becomes a disciplined learner.

A. Must be willing to suffer ridicule, Matthew 10:24-25

B. Must be willing to forsake earthly ties, Luke 14:26.

C. Must be willing to lay down his life in following Jesus, Luke 14:26.

D. Must be willing to forsake things, Luke 14:27.

E. Must be willing to continue in His Word, John 8:31.

F. Must bear fruit, John 15:8.

G. Must be teachable, John 14:26.

H. Must be one whose life is characterized by love, John 13:35.

III. Discipleship is modeled in Paul’s ministry with Timothy, 2 Timothy 2:2.

A. Commit (entrust) to others what you have heard. The privilege of receiving the Word bears the responsibility of sharing it as well.

B. Faithful men are to be involved — not necessarily enthusiastic men, but those who persist.

C. They are to be committed with the idea of passing the Gospel on to others, Acts 19: 9-10.

IV. Moses used this method in the Old Testament, Exodus 18:18, 21, 22.

V. Christ’s relationship with His disciples is a further and brilliant example, John 17.

A. He chose a few — twelve.

B. He dealt with them on the basis of the Word, John 17:8, and “they received them.”

C. He prayed for them, John 17:9.

D. He invested everything He had in them, John 17:19.

E. He devoted all of His time to them, yet one proved to be untrue.

VI. Hence, if we are going to win men, we are obligated to care for them spiritually, Colossians 1:28-29; John 15:16.

VII. So what is really involved in the making of disciples and caring and nurturing them?

A. Praying for them, having patience and showing grace toward them.

B. Giving clear instruction from the Word of God.

C. Making the teaching practical — teaching them how to do things.

The Essentials of a Reproductive Disciple Making Ministry

The following variables are descriptions of a disciple— one who truly follows Jesus.

I. A disciple is a learner, Proverbs 9:8-10; Matthew 4:19; John 6:60-66. As such, he is open and teachable. He does not have an attitude of “knowing it all.” Learning and growing is a lifetime venture.

II. A disciple is one who has made a firm commitment to the Lordship of Jesus, putting Him first in every aspect of his life. This commitment is for a lifetime, Matthew 6:9-13, 24, 33; Luke 9:23; John 13:13; 2 Corinthians 5:15.

III. A disciple is committed to a life of obedience, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:22-5:5.

IV. A disciple has a daily devotional time and is developing his prayer life, Psalm 27:4; 42:1-2; Mark 1:35; Luke 11:1-4.

V. A disciple demonstrates faithfulness and a desire to learn and apply the Word of God through hearing it preached and taught, reading it frequently, Bible study, Scripture memory, and meditation on the Scriptures, John 8:31; Acts 17:11; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15.

VI. A disciple has a heart for witnessing, gives his testimony clearly, and presents the Gospel regularly with increasing skill, Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:4.

VII. A disciple is a regular attendee of church services, where his spiritual needs are met, and where he makes a contribution to the body of believers, Psalm 122:1; Acts 16:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Hebrews 10:25.

VIII. A disciple fellowships regularly with other believers, 1 John 1:3.

IX. A disciple is a servant and is actively engaged in helping others in practical ways, Act 6:1-4.

X. A disciple honors God with his finances, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.

XI. A disciple practices spirituality and demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit in His life, Galatians 5:22-23.

Worksheet

This is a careful look at Scripture and what it means to be a disciple. You are encouraged to look up the following verses and see the characteristics of a disciple. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus has told us to go into all the world and make __________. We might look at the word disciple itself and see that it is the word from which we get the word _ _ _ _ _ pline. Discipling suggests something more active. We are told in 2 Timothy 2:3 to ______________ _____________as a good soldier. It is interesting that the word “suffer” is the word hupomeno, which means to “bear up under.”

There are many fitting descriptions of a disciple in Scripture. Look up these verses of Scripture and see characteristics of a Biblical disciple. Study each verse carefully and see if you can identify the characteristic of a disciple.

1. Proverbs 9:8-10 say that I will be _______________ if I am truly a disciple. Being teachable involves a willingness to submit to another. It acknowledges a need to learn ________________ through the fear of the Lord. A disciple, therefore, does not have the attitude of “knowing it all.” He is open and teachable. Jesus said, “____________________________________,” Matthew 4:19. According to this verse, what is involved in following Him?

In summary, then, a disciple might be called one who is a disciplined ____________. Surely, there is a willingness to continue to ____________ throughout one’s lifetime, Matthew 11:29.

2. Read John 13:13; 2 Corinthians 5:15; and Luke 9:23. What thread of truth concerning what a disciple is can be found in these verses?

Having thought this through, what can be inferred about the behavior of a disciple that would typify one who is a genuine disciplined learner?

3. Acts 1:8, Romans 1:16, and Matthew 28:18-20 suggests another aspect of a true disciple. See if you can find this characteristic and state it clearly.

What practical steps are you taking in your own life, being a disciple, to fulfill this characteristic of true discipleship?

List the names of others you are actively praying for and witnessing to.

If you could not answer the question immediately preceding this, please indicate your reason for not being able to answer.

4. Hebrews 10:25 and Psalm 122:1 indicate that true disciples will be faithful in?

5. Matthew 10:24 seems to imply that a disciple is a _____________ and that as a servant, he is willing to minister in very basic ways. What are some “servant” behaviors you have been willing to do? See also Acts 6:1-4.

6. Luke 14:26 tells us some very difficult things to hear. How do you explain this Scripture in ways that describe a disciple?

7. John 13:35 says the mark of discipleship is ________________ one another. What problems do you have loving others?

8. John 8:31 says that a mark of a disciple is one who _______________ in the Word. This involves not only study but obedience to the Scriptures.

9. John 15:8 indicates that _____________________ is a mark of disciple ship. What kind of fruit is this?

This is one of the chief ways we demonstrate we are His disciples.

10. Acts 11:26 says that disciples were first called ________________ at Antioch. What does this indicate concerning being a disciple?

11. Acts 13:52 says that the disciples were filled with ____________ and the __________ ________________. Does this mean that there is never a lapse in the life of a true disciple? ___________ What should a disciple do if he finds himself devoid of joy and lacking the fullness of the Spirit?

See Session 9 on spirituality and meditate on Galatians 5:22-23.

12. 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 tells us that we should _________________________

_______________________________________ and this probably translates itself into a simplicity of life for disciples. Certainly disciples through the centuries have not lived complicated lives, nor have they been tied into the world system. There is a need today to live uncomplicated lives and move toward simplicity. What does Colossians 3:1-3 say to us about simplicity and the urge to have?

See also Luke 12:15 and write briefly about what it says concerning the attitude of us who are His disciples regarding money and earthly possessions.

To be a disciple of Christ is quite different from the walk of most of us in the world. It is choosing to be different. It is intentionally moving toward a different dimension than adjustment to the world-system which is all around us. After doing this session, write some of the most difficult things involved from your standpoint.

For future Scripture memory: Luke 12:15; Colossians 3:1-3; John 15:8; and John 8:31.

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46.

Questions for Review and Discussion

1. List some people you know who fit this description of a true disciple?

a.

b.

c.

d.

2. What will be the major adjustments in your life related to your becoming a true disciple of the Lord Jesus?

3. Some have considered the cost of discipleship too great. Where are you in relation to this cost?

4. Joe desires to go to heaven when he dies. He has come to believe in God, and he goes to church each Sunday morning except when something special comes up. He has said that he doesn’t want to “mix his religion” with his daily and weekly activities. Comment on Joe’s spiritual condition.

Summary and Key Concepts

Being and making disciples is not an optional decision we make. The imperative of the Great Commission is that, as we are going, to make disciples, baptize them and teach them. We are not to consider bringing Christ into our lives in some incidental way. Choosing to be a disciple is a choice that we commit to in a radical way. Each one of us is in this world to live for Jesus Christ and do His will straight forwardly without reserve. This may bring us to a simple lifestyle with spiritual concerns as our primary focus. We need to remember —our Lord had no place to lay His head.

Life Application

Write a paragraph on how your life is going to be different after this session. Think deeply and speak of how your life’s commitments are changing. What aspects of a true disciple seem to be most difficult for you at this point. What are you going to do about these things?

Purpose: The purpose of this session is to focus on the significance of the local church.

Objectives

1. The disciple will understand the true nature of the local body of Christ.

2. The disciple will understand the difference between the church today and the Old Testament saints.

3. The disciple will understand the unique relationship of the church to the Lord Jesus.

4. The disciple will learn the unique mystical union all believers have with each other.

5. The disciple will understand the baptism of the Holy Spirit more clearly.

6. The disciple will understand the implication of membership in the local church body.

Scripture Memory

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether Jews or Greeks or slaves or free, we were all made to drink of the one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13

Agenda

1. Prayer and sharing.

2. Recite memory verses.

3. Review session material

4. Discuss questions.

5. Discuss new terms.

Introduction

It is not uncommon for those who get individual or personal help through discipleship to feel that those from whom they get help are the only ones who really have something worthwhile to say, and that they are the only ones who are doing anything as far as helping spiritual growth is concerned. This is not true, of course. It is important for everyone to appreciate the place and extreme significance of the Church in the life of the Christian. This section is primarily for the purpose of helping and encouraging involvement and commitment to the local body of Christ, which is the expression of the Church on earth—the Church militant!

I. The meaning of the word "church" is derived from and understood in the light of the original Greek--the word "ekklesia" or "the called out ones." The word never relates to buildings for worship. Nor in a true sense, could "church" ever be a description of a Buddhist organization or an organization like the Unity Society or Christian Science or a lodge.

II. The nature of the true Church.

A. The Church is the mystical Body of believers, 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:13-22, that is brought about through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13.

B. The Church began on the day of Pentecost. It is a unique Body that did not exist in the Old Testament, and it is unique to this present day.

C. The Church is the Bride of Christ, Ephesians 5:30-32.

D. The Church expresses itself in local assemblies, Revelation 2, 3.

E. It is a Body that transcends all denominational boundaries. Not all church members of any denomination are members of the true Bride of Christ, nor is every true member of the Body of Christ a member of some local denomination. To be a member of the Church—the Bride—the mystical Body, one must have experienced the new birth and the baptism that is the experience of all who have experienced new birth. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13.

F. To be related to the local church, one must be willing to submit to the pastoral authority of that local body, and to its discipline. Biblical qualifications are the new birth and submission to the authority and doc-trine of the body. Every new believer should submit to water baptism, but this is not an absolute condition for local church membership.

G. Christ's relationship with the Church. He is the Founder, Matthew 16:18; the Chief Cornerstone, Ephesians 2:20; the Head, Ephesians 5:23; the Savior of, Ephesians 5:23; and the Bridegroom, Ephesians 5:30-32.

Worksheet

This is a brief study to acquaint you with the Church, the Body of Christ. It is hoped that you will leave this study understanding that the Church is a unique organism in the world , certainly of a different nature than a lodge, a philanthropic organization, business organization, or groups like Hindus, Buddhists, Christian Science or the Unity organization.

1. The meaning of the word "church" is important to understand. Because there is no way to teach this in a study other than to just tell you what it means, let us simply define it. It is the word "ekklesia" in the original language and it comes from two words—ek" which is a preposition that means "out of" and "kaleo" which means "to call". Putting them together expresses what the true Church is —a group of "called out ones". It is basically a New Testament organism.

2. When did the Church begin? There is some controversy about this question in the thinking of people today. How did Jesus teach that the Church would originate in New Testament times? Matthew 16:18

3. Read 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 2:13-22, and Acts 1 carefully. See if you can answer the following questions from these verses.

a. How many Christians are members of the one true Church?

b. What puts us into the Body of Christ, the Church?

c. When did the Church begin, and what evidence is there for this?

d. Which denomination today is the true Church?

e. What baptism is spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12:13, and when does that baptism take place?

f. In your own words, state what you believe the Church is.

The Church is a group of "called out" believers who have been placed into one Body by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit at the moment of their salvation. There is a mystical union of this Body so that similar bonds bind us all together. These bonds transcend denominational boundaries.

4. There is one true Church which is not denominational. That Church is the all-inclusive Body of Christ. But part of that Church is in heaven and the rest of it is on earth.

a. The Church in heaven is called the "church triumphant."

b. The Church on earth is called the "church militant."

c. The Church militant expresses itself in local assemblies. This has been true throughout the church age, Revelation 2, 3. What were the local churches in these two chapters?

d. Write the names of some of the local churches you know of today.

5. Now we want to look at some of the qualifications for membership in New Testament local churches. Read the following verses and write your answer concerning the particular condition for membership.

a. Acts 2:47

b. Acts 2:38-41; Matthew 28:19

c. Acts 2:42

In summary, all who are members of every denomination are not members of the one true Church, nor are all members of the one true Body members necessarily of a local church or denomination. To be a member of the Body of Christ that has mystical union, one must have experienced regeneration and the "one" Baptism (of the Holy Spirit) which puts him into that Body.

6. Now let's spend a few moments looking at Christ's relationship to His Church From the following verses, write the word that denotes His relationship to the Church.

Matthew 16:18

Ephesians 2:20

Ephesians 5:23

Ephesians 5:23 (again)

Ephesians 5:30-32

7. Finally, we want to consider briefly the chief purposes of the true Church in the world as it is expressed in local congregations. From the following verses, what is God's purpose for the Church?

a. Ephesians 1:4-6

b. Ephesians 4:11-15

c. Acts 1:8

Questions for Review and Discussion

1. How does the Church differ from organizations such as the Unity Society, Christian Science, Buddhism, etc.?

2. React to this statement. "I am not going to church. I am going to the place where the Church meets each Lord's Day."

3. What do you feel is involved in the chief mission of the Church on earth?

4. What is the meaning of the last part of Matthew 16:18?  

Life Application

Summarize the meaning and significance of the local church in your own life.

Purpose: The purpose of this session is to give the disciple an understanding of the differences between denominations and other groups that assume the name of “church.”

Objectives

1. To understand something about world views and the bases of various groups in the religious world today.

2. To understand that true Christians can be somewhat different in their approaches to certain teachings of the Scripture.

3. To identify some of the approaches that are different from the disciple’s own.

4 To have a beginning of understanding the different systems within the church, and why some are different than yours. This will help to clarify your own belief system.

Scripture Memory

And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Agenda

1. Mutual sharing and prayer.

2. Discuss the session materials.

3. Scripture memory work.

4. Discuss meaning of new terms.

Introduction

This is an overview of the ecclesiastical scene in our country today. It is not complete with small splinter groups, but it will help you understand some of the terminology used—terminology you will become familiar with if you move in the evangelical church movement today.

Two Main Systems of Thought Among Evangelicals

There are two broad systems of theology held by evangelicals. They are the teachings of John Calvin and those of his student Arminius.

Calvinism

Calvin developed a system of thought that emphasized the sovereignty of God. It can be remembered by the acrostic “T U L I P.” The main points are:

Total Depravity

Unconditional Election

Limited Atonement

Irresistible Grace

Perseverance of The Saints

A. The total depravity of man carries the idea that man is affected by sin in every area of his life. It does not mean that a man is as sinful as he might be. Man is in the condition of death and is helpless to deal with this condition. He is born a sinner and sins because of his pitiful condition. Scriptures such as Romans 3:23 and Isaiah 53:5-6 speak of this condition.

B. Unconditional election grows out of this first condition. Man is helpless and God must take the initiative with respect to salvation. He purposes to deal with sinners through His sovereignty. He calls whomever He determines to call according to His foreknowledge of what He will do. If there were no calling from Him, all would be lost.

C. Limited atonement is a teaching that restricts the benefits of Calvary to the elect. His atonement is limited and efficacious only for the elect. For other than the elect, Christ’s work has no meaning because the propitiatory sacrifice is not for them.

D. Irresistible grace is the teaching that God’s call is always effectual. He is the “hound of heaven” and His Spirit will break down the barriers and reach the hearts of all the elect, bringing them to life and causing them to believe.

E. Perseverance of the Saints is the teaching that those who have been called will continue steadfast to the end and ultimately be saved. Although one may fall, he will not lie in the lap of carnality but will rise and walk effectually again. He will persist to the end. This is an emphasis on the Lordship of Jesus in the life of a believer.

Scriptural passages such as Romans 8:38-39 and 1 John 2:19-20 are used to support these teachings.

Christians are somewhat split on these points, but they are firmly taught by churches that are Reformed in their theology. Presbyterian and Reformed churches, Evangelical Free, Grace Brethren, and a great many Baptists are in this camp. Most Baptists usually accept three of the five points, being somewhat tentative about unconditional election and quite unsure about limited atonement.

Arminianism

Arminius was a student of Calvin. Following Calvin’s death, he moved more to the position of the free will of man and away from the sovereignty of God. As time went by, he developed a system held to by Methodists, Holiness and many Charismatics today. The two groups of denominations mentioned here are not exhaustive but rather representative.

The chart on the following page will help you understand approximately where churches are in terms of basic theology. It has been developed on a continuum with the more Calvinistic movements at the top moving toward those which tend to be more Arminian at the bottom.

Please remember that these are general classifications of denominational belief. They in no way reflect the individual positions of a particular local church or individual in that church.

Note: Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints and other major cults are also basically "works" oriented.

Some will distinguish between Pentecostals and Charismatics. Both generally accept the position that all of the gifts of the Spirit are available to the church in any age in the same way they were present in the early church.

As a rule, Pentecostals are a denomination, whereas Charismatics cut across most denominational boundaries. Some Charismatics are more Arminian in their theology, and sometimes will hold views concerning the coming of the Lord that uniquely relate to their teaching concerning the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

There are differing positions in terms of the church and the coming of the Lord and the method of interpreting the Scripture. The major views might be summarized as dispensational and covenant theology, or Pre-millennial or Amillennial.

Then there are global differences stated in terms of basic theological positions that have to do with the miraculous nature of the Scripture as opposed to the rejection of the supernatural. These divisions can be summarized as:

1. The Fundamentalist— accepts the basic teachings of Scripture in a literal and dogmatic way and is somewhat exclusive and separate. The fundamentalist believes in the supernatural, the deity of Jesus, and the authenticity of the Scripture.

2. The Evangelical —accepts the basic teachings of Scripture, generally in a literal sense. The evangelical tends to be more open than the fundamentalists, believes in the supernatural, the deity of Jesus, and the authenticity of the Scripture. The basic difference between evangelicals and fundamentalists is one of attitude.

3. The Liberal —denies the supernatural aspects of Scripture and spiritual life. There is usually a denial of the physical resurrection of Jesus and His miraculous life. If there is belief in life to come, it is often belief that corresponds with Universalism (the doctrine that all will ultimately be saved).

A note regarding the doctrine of "holiness". The holiness doctrine, or complete sanctification, is the teaching that through a post- salvation experience, one is able to attain sinless perfection. Those churches (see preceding chart) marked with an "x" under holiness are those that teach perfection through a second work of grace.

Contemporary Christianity Today

Fundamentalists, Evangelicals and Liberals

In understanding the church scene today, it is best to see churches as in one of the above groups. Although these terms apply basically to Protestants, some overlap into Catholicism.

Fundamentalists

The fundamentalist believes in the dictation theory of the inerrancy of the Scriptures, often stating loyalty to the King James Version of the Bible. The term describes those who believe basic Bible truths that are taught in the Word of God. Two things cause them to differ from evangelicals — they are usually dogmatic about everything they teach and they tend to be militant in their approach and outlook. Some Baptists, Pentecostals and a few Presbyterians could be termed fundamentalists.

Evangelicals

The beliefs of an Evangelical do not vary much from those of the fundamentalist. Attitude seems to be the biggest difference. Although dogmatic on the distinct basic doctrines of Scripture (see theological hierarchy), they are willing to fellowship with those who are true believers who hold to the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Although there may be difference in certain doctrines they hold to the essentials, where there are no significant differences that would hinder fellowship. Among these one would find Baptist, Evangelical Free, some Presbyterians, Grace Brethren, some Lutherans and some Pentecostals. Some Reformed churches would fit this description, as well as some Catholics and Reformed Episcopalians and others.

Liberals

These churches usually deny the supernatural, the inerrancy of Scripture, many tenets of the historic faith, and tend to preach a social gospel. They would often teach a salvation by works and deny the need for the new birth. A definite need for commitment to Christ as Lord and Savior is not emphasized and often not considered important. Most Methodists, many Presbyterians, Lutherans, Episcopalians and, with a few exceptions, the United Church of Christ would be considered liberal today.

Theological Systems Today

We want to go a step further and define systems according to their teaching concerning the millennium. This will help in your understanding of some of the practices in various churches.

The word “millennium” comes from a Latin word which means “a thousand.” It is used to speak of a time recorded in Revelation 20:1-10 when Christ will reign as King over all the earth. During this time, Satan is bound and he is cast into the bottomless pit. This time is accompanied by the resurrection of saints who have died. They reign on earth with Christ for 1,000 years. Teachings about the millennium usually include death, immortality, judgments, and the end of the world as we know it today. It concerns the chronology of coming events that involve the human community on earth. There are three views or approaches that are central in the consideration of theological approaches.

Premillennialism

The premillennialist believes the coming of the kingdom of Christ will be brought about by sudden cataclysmic events that involve the personal return of Christ to earth. This return will be preceded by signs such as wars, earthquakes, a great departure from the faith, the restoration of Israel to the land, and the appearance of the anti-Christ. The time will be a period of peace and righteousness when Christ will rule with His saints on earth from Jerusalem. This rule is established suddenly through supernatural methods and the Jewish nation will be restored to Christ’s favor as described in Romans 11.

Two approaches are held by premillennialists.

Historic Premillennialism holds the view concerning the end time as follows. The church is the initial phase of Christ’s kingdom prophesied in the Old Testament. The church may win some victories, but it will ultimately fail and become corrupt as world-wide evil increases. The church will go through the tribulation (Jacob’s Trouble) which will be the end of contemporary history. Christ returns at the end of the great tribulation, conducts the Bema, fights Armageddon, binds Satan and establishes a worldwide kingdom with Satan bound and in the bottomless pit.

At the end of this period, Satan is loosed and there is a huge battle with God intervening. The resurrection of the lost with their judgment takes place and the eternal order begins.

Leading individuals who espouse this view included Tertullian, Justin Martyr, Erdman, Godet, Torrey, Ladd and J. Barton Payne.

Dispensational Premillennialism teaches that Christ’s offer to the Jews of the Davidic Kingdom was rejected and therefore postponed until the future. The church is a parenthesis with different programs for Israel and the Church. Toward the end time, there will be a turning from correct doctrine.

The return of Christ is in two phases. The first phase is the rapture of the church. The second phase is to establish a literal kingdom that will be ruled from Jerusalem for 1,000 years. Satan is bound for this time and he cannot oppose God or the saints. Another way to speak of His coming is to say He is first coming “for” His saints and secondly, with the saints. Satan is released at the very end of the 1,000 year period of time.

When Satan is loosed, he attacks Christ and His saints. Jesus calls down judgment from heaven. The second resurrection takes place (the resurrection of the lost), and the judgment of these unbelievers at the Great White Throne will end all time.

Advocates of these concepts include Barnhouse, Darby, Geisler, Ironsides, Ryrie, Pentecost, Walvoord, Swindoll and others. The release of the Scofield Bible in the early part of the twentieth century was the instrument that resulted in these ideas being widespread.

Amillennialism

Another system that takes a different view of the millennium is called amillennialism. The augment “a” means no literal millennium. The kingdom is simply spiritualized. There will be no literal reign of Christ on earth. The major principles of this system are:

The church is the kingdom era prophesied in the Old Testament. Therefore, Old Testament and New Testament saints are all one body. In most forms of amillennialism, infant baptism brings children into a covenant relationship with God.

Christ reigns in the hearts of believers and inasmuch as He does, there will be an influence on culture. Toward the end of the growth of evil, the personal anti-Christ and great tribulation will come. Christ will then end history by His return. Judgment will bring about the eternal reward of the saints.

Advocates of these concepts and approaches include Berkouwer, J. Adams, Hoekema, Walke, and Boettner. Most Reformed theologians hold to these approaches.

Postmillennialism

This is the third approach that is somewhat less popular than the former two. The main teachings of this system are:

The messianic kingdom was founded on earth during the ministry of Christ. The church became the Israel of God. The kingdom is redemptive and spiritual rather than physical. It exercises transformational influences in history and will gradually expand without Christ’s presence on earth. Fulfilling the Great Commission succeeds in the Christianizing of the entire world, after which Christ will return.

Those who have advocated these positions were Augustine, Calvin, Eusebius, Machen, Hodge and Strong. Differences are not only in belief about the millennium but also in the nature of the church and the restoration of Israel.

Additional Differences

We have covered a brief description of some of the differences. There are a few more distinct differences that result from interpretive methods and systems.

Hermeneutics is the science of biblical interpretation. This science differs among various systems in that while Dispensationalists tend to be futurists and interpret the Scriptures literally and at face value, covenant theology (amillennialist) tends to see things allegorically. Major differences of belief that are rooted in methods of interpreting Scripture involve the judgments, the church, the return of Christ and the meaning of baptism.

In spite of these differences, amillennialists, premillennialists, and postmillennialists are counted as evangelicals and\\or fundamentalists. There is a firm holding of the fundamentals of the faith and sound doctrine.

For additional information read Introduction to Dispensational Teaching, in the Appendix.

Purpose: The purpose of this session is to acquaint you with the major approaches to the idea of the existence of God or gods. A large block of the world’s population holds views unlike those of Christians. An added purpose of this session is to make clear some of the approaches to the Christian faith that may differ from ours.

Objective

1. You will understand the differences among non-Christian world views.

Scripture Memory

Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form, and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Colossians 2:8-10

Agenda

1. Mutual sharing and prayer.

2. Discuss the topic.

3. Discuss new terms.

4. Mutual review of memory work.

Worksheet

As we begin this session, let’s consider the family structure. As Christians, we are a family, and as a family, there is a _____________ and we are His _______________. Thus these are parallels between the family of God and our earthly families. We have been _______ _______ , John 3:7. This experience of being born from above puts me into a new relationship with God, the __________and we are members of the true ___________, which is a unique organism that is Christ’s ____________, Ephesians 5:30. This is not an organization as some have said, but a living _____________ which causes us to be one. I am uniquely related to all others in the organism. Then one might ask, “why so many other beliefs, and why so many denominations?” After all, doesn’t the Scripture teach that we are all one? 1 Corinthians 12:12,13. If this is true, why then are there so many churches and religions? This section of your manual will attempt to deal with this question.

World Views

Theism

A major difference between Christianity and other systems of thought is the difference between world views. You have come to a theistic group if you are a Christian. Theism is a major world view. Christian theism holds that there is only one God who is supreme, and He has made all things. He has made man _____ _______ _______ _____________,Genesis 1:26-27. He is desperately _____________about men. This concern has brought Him to a place where He constantly looks after those He has made. So great is His concern that He has revealed Himself to us in two particular ways — The ________________, 2 Timothy 3:16, and His only ________, Jesus Christ, John 3:16. Jesus was virgin born and is the most full revelation we will ever have of God, John 1:18. God is infinite in all of His attributes, the central of which is His holiness. He is pure ____________John 4:24, and His holiness is the source of His love and mercy. The values of Christians spring from the revelation He has given us. It would be helpful to know that Muslims and Jews are theistic as well. Protestants and Catholics hold the same theistic world view, although there are considerable differences in their belief systems.

Deism

A second world-view is close to Theism, although it is dreadfully lacking in truth about the Father. This view believes that God is the Creator, but having made man, He is disinterested. The view is known as Deism. Deism basically believes that God made the universe, got it going, and left it to be on its own. No prayers are ever answered, and Jesus was only a man. The Unitarian Church is an example of Deism. This system of belief attracts very few and the world-view is basically dead.

Atheism

Although not a formal organization, the next group of beliefs are called Atheism. The augment “a” means none. This system teaches that God doesn’t exist. There is no God. There are therefore no values except those developed within a person, and all values are relative and situational. Materialism ( from Darwinism), which teaches that the world came into being by chance, is atheistic. Man is alone in this world.

Humanism

A good summary of the values of Humanism, which is closely related to atheism, is presented in the Humanistic Manifesto by Kurtz:

1. The universe is self-existent and was never created by anyone.

2. Man, a part of the universe, has emerged as a result of continuous process.

3. Man is totally on his own. There is no superpower to help him. We must do for what we need. There is no other.

4. Situational ethics comprise the teaching regarding values. Human experience is the important thing.

5. Freedom and human dignity are absolute values. Each individual has a right to die with dignity even if it by his own choice through suicide.

What does Scripture say about God’s existence? And about God being dead?

1. Malachi 3:6

2. Hebrews 7:25

Atheists say that the world is eternal and uncreated. Concerning the argument from cause and effect, they ask, “what caused the first cause?”

What arguments are valid with the atheists? Genesis 1:1-2; Hebrews 1:1-3.

Why is it important to always use Scripture when talking with an atheist or those of any other false world view?

Pantheism

A world view that has gained worldwide prominence is Pantheism. This is the approach to God that says He is impersonal. God is simply the sum total of the world and the world is God. He is the trees, the mountains, the ocean and even the storms. God is nature and since man is part of nature, we are gods. Hindus and Buddhists are pantheistic. Churches or religious groups that follow this world-view are Christian Science, the Unity society, the Church of Religious Science and the Theosophical Society, as well as some others. Since God is the universe, one would pray to the universe. What would make this approach to God and His nature erroneous? See Malachi 3:6.

The ethics of the New Age, a popular form of pantheism can be summarized as follows:

1. The development of one’s self.

2. Working with nature’s resources.

3. Being self-reliant but cooperative.

4. Being nonviolent.

New Age philosophy has gone into the public schools and has infiltrated much of our society. Avoiding bad “karma” is a goal of those in the New Age movement. The saying “what goes around comes around” is New Age thinking.

Polytheism

Yet another world view is polytheism. Polytheism is the belief that there are many gods, none of which are supreme. Outstanding examples of polytheism are the early Hawaiians. There is within the early Hawaiian culture the belief in a god of volcanoes (Pele), the god of the sea, and many other gods. In polytheism, the gods wage warfare with each other to determine who is supreme.

A “church” with a polytheistic world view is Mormonism. Mormons believe that every good Mormon male will become a god in his own right. Space is filled with the unborn spirits from celestial marriages waiting for physical bodies to enter and be born. The Polytheistic thinking of each good Mormon is that he can become a god in his own universe. Mormonism is dealt with separately in this manual, so we will not discuss what is unscriptural about it at this point.

Finite Godism

This is a world view that teaches there is a God but He is not infinite. He needs man to help Him accomplish what he wants to do. He created the world but He was unable to keep sin from entering His creation. This system does not view God as all powerful. The teachings of finite Godism creep insidiously into the beliefs of many evangelical Christians.

We hope the above discussions have been sufficiently helpful to give you a somewhat broader orientation to the religious world.

Life Application

As you learn more about the false teachings of this world, make it your habit to thank God often that He has made Himself known to you and called you to the Truth.