Questions And Bible Answers – Lesson Notes (Psalm 17:10-15) Question: Will other denominations other than the church of Christ be in heaven? 1. Church of Christ is not a denomination! It is non-denominational. * Denomination: “division” or “divided.” “A value or size of a series of values or sizes (as of money).” – Webster. * Only 1 church! Find it in Acts 2. Lord’s church not part of something else. * The Lord identified it (Acts 16:16), organized it (Acts 20:28), established its methods of worship (Lord’s Supper & preaching – Acts 20:7; giving – I Cor. 16:1-2; singing – Eph. 5:19; & praying (Acts 2:42). * Jesus prayed for unity (John 17:20-23) * Holy Spirit demands unity (I Cor. 1:10). * One body (Eph. 4:4); it is the one church (Eph. 1:22-23) * The New Testament church was/is of “one heart and one soul” (Acts 4:32). * Only one body (Eph. 4:4). Many members, but only one body (I Cor. 12:20). * One body is the church (Col. 1:18). To be added, we must: have faith (Heb. 11:6), repent (Acts 2:38), confess faith in Christ (Acts 8:37), be immersed in water (Acts 2:38; 22:16). 2. 2nd part of question: will people outside the Lord’s church be in heaven? * Who do you think will be saved? Correct answer: “Any who obey Christ” (John 15:14; John 14:15; Luke 6:46). * Sadly though, even some members of the Lord’s church won’t be saved due to unfaithfulness (II Peter 2:20-22). * Even Christians can so sin and lose out (I Cor. 10:12). Obedience important (Jn. 14:15) & lifelong (Rev. 2:10). * God wants all to be saved (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:16). * Parallel question: “Who is a Christian?” * One who has been taught and baptized (Mt. 28:18-20). * Disciples became known as Christians (Acts 11:26). Biblical immersion makes one a disciple. * Becoming a Christian depends on believing Jesus died for you & being immersed in His Name (I Cor. 1:13). * I Peter 4:16&17: Christian = being in house of God. House of God = church (I Tim. 3:15). * Christians are in Lord’s church, not without. Being part of church = membership in The Body (Col. 1:18&24). * Only those Biblically immersed are Christians. Being part of manmade body doesn’t make you a Christian. * Acts 4:12 – Not saved outside Christ. “In Christ” through baptism (Rom. 6:3-4) & puts us in 1 body (I Cor.12:13). * What about Luke 9:49-50? – It does not support the idea of denominations or saved being outside the Lord’s church. * Disciples condemned one who cast out devil for not being part of their group. Jesus corrected them. This man evidently believed the same things the disciples did. Man on corner could preach same things we believe. If he’s preaching the truth, let him preach. If not, demand he stop & teach him (I Tim. 5:20; Acts 18:26). * Lord’s church hadn’t even been established at this time. 3. What does “disfellowshipping” mean?” “How is it done?” “What if they come back?” * Disfellowshipping is the final act of church discipline, not the first. One who refuses to repent should be treated as an outcast (Mt. 18:17). * Watch out for those who cause division (Rom. 16:17). * I Cor. 5 – impenitent fornicator should have been disfellowshipped! (I Cor. 5:2,5,&13) No socialization (v. 11). * “Withdraw from those who walk disorderly” (II Thess. 3:6), but don’t be mean (Gal. 6:1). * Why? To save souls (I Cor. 5:5), gain wayward (Mt. 18:15), make ashamed (I Thess. 3:14), & restore (Gal. 6:1). * This appears to have worked for the Corinthian offender (II Cor. 2:6). * Discipline also for the good of the body (I Cor. 5:6; Rom. 16:18). * Must preserve the integrity of the church before the world (I Tim. 5:14). * NOT the first action taken when someone sins, but final act. All sin occasionally (Rom. 3:23). * We must 1st approach individually, then take 1 or 2 w/us, then bring matter before the church (Mt. 18:15-17). * If necessary, disfellowship (I Cor. 5:4) and Lord will support us (Mt. 18:20). “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord” (Isa. 1:18). R.W. McAlister 7/28/08 p.m.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Oct 2013 00:02:09 +0000
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