New Member

Orientation Manual

First Baptist Church

311 Church Street

Clifton, Tennessee

 Randall Runions, Pastor

“What the Bible Teaches”

(Nine Week Introductory Discipleship Series)

Table of Contents

1.  Three words are paramount as we approach the study, they are:

   A.  Revelation

   B.  Inspiration

   C. Interpretation

2.  First, Let’s look at Revelation.

   How did God choose to reveal Himself?

     1^st through creation – Romans 1:19-22

     2^nd through conscience – Romans 2:15

     3^rd through Christ – John 14:8-9

     4^th through the Bible – II Timothy 3:16

3.  Next Comes Inspiration.

   Six Theories of inspiration are:

      I   Verbal, Plenary – (full inspiration)

         Infallible, inerrant – original autographs

         O.T. written in Hebrew

         N.T. written in Greek

      II   Dictation Theory

         The writers were merely stenographers.

      III  Concept Theory

         God supplied the concept but not the words.

      IV Partial Theory

         Part of the Bible inspired (Salvation truth, etc.)

      V   Neo-Orthodox Theory

         True only as realized by the reader

      VI  Naturalistic Theory

         An extreme view of unbelief. Bible no different than any other work of literature.

4.  Now we look at Interpretation

   The principles that need to be followed in interpreting the Bible are:

      A.  The purpose of the Bible as a whole.

          (Not a book of science or history, as such)

      B.  The particular message of each book of the Bible.

      C.  To whom addressed?

      D.  The context (verses before and after a particular verse).

      E.  Similar teachings elsewhere in the Bible.

      F.  Accurate exegesis of the words of a particular text.

      G.  Guard against prejudice.

5.  The Evidence (or proof) that the Bible is inspired.

      A.  The evidence is twofold:

         I    Internal

         II  External

      B.  Internal Evidence

         I   Jesus declared it.  (Matt. 5:17-18, Mark 13:31, Luke 16:17, John 2:22)

         II  Other N.T. scriptures declare it.

            (Acts 17:11, Romans 10:17, Revelation 1:2, II Timothy 3:15-17, II Peter 3:15-16)

         III Old Testament Prophecy  (Deuteronomy 18:21-22)

            (No other religious writing contains prophecy.)

      C.   External Evidence

         I    Manuscript Evidence

         II   Archaeology

The Persons of the Trinity, while having equal attributes, differ in certain properties. Hence, the first Person of the Trinity is called the Father. The second Person of the Trinity is called the Son and is sent forth by the Father. The third Person of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit, who is sent forth by the Father and the Son. The order is never reversed, that is, the Son never sends the Father and the Holy Spirit never sends the Son. In the nature of the uniqueness of the Godhead, there is no illustration or parallel in human experience. Thus, the doctrine should be accepted by faith on the basis of scriptural revelation even if it is beyond human comprehension.

1.  The work of the Trinity:

      A.  The Father – electing, loving, bestowing

      B.  The Son – suffering, redeeming, upholding

      C.  The Holy Spirit – regenerating, indwelling, baptizing, energizing and sanctifying

2.  The concept of the godhead (Trinity)                                        View Trinity Illustrated Page

3.  Doctrinal Errors Concerning god

      A.  Monotheism – (Judaism – Islam)

      B.  Polytheism – Many gods (idol worship)

      C. Pantheism – God is All (Eastern religions)

      D.  Atheism – No god exists (Humanism)

4.  The New Testament Sets Forth:

      A.  A Father who is God – Romans 1:7

      B.  A Son who is God – Hebrews 1:8

      C.  A Holy Spirit who is God – Acts 5:3-4

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The Father is all the fullness of the Godhead invisible.

The Son is all the fullness of the Godhead visible.

The Holy Spirit is all the fullness of the Godhead acting upon the person.

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5.  The Baptism of Jesus provides us a look at the distinctions in the trinity

      (Matthew 3:16-17)

6.  the Baptismal formula

      (Matthew 28:19)

7.  Old Testament Evidence of the Trinity.

      (Genesis 1:26)

      (Genesis 3:22)

      (Genesis 11:7)

The many indications in both Old and New Testaments that God exists or subsists as a triune being have made the doctrine of the Trinity a central fact of all Orthodox creeds from the early church until modern times. Any departure from this is considered a departure from scriptural truth. Although the word “Trinity” does not occur in the Bible, the facts of scriptural revelation permit no other explanation.

1.   The Holy Spirit

      Third person of the Trinity

      Attributes – same as the Father and the Son

      Work – Regeneration

Work –       Indwelling

Work –       Baptizing

Work –       Sealing

Work –       Filling (control)

2.  The Holy spirit is a person.

      A.  He teaches (1 John 2:27)

      B.  He speaks (Galatians 4:6)

      C.  He intercedes (Romans 8:26)

      D.  He leads (Romans 8:14)

      E.  He appoints others (Acts 13:2)

      F.  He may be: lied to, insulted, grieved.

3.  The Work of the holy spirit.

      A.  To the lost – Conviction (John 16:8)

      B.  To the Saved – Regeneration

                                      Indwelling                    ONCE FOR

                                      Sealing                              ALL

                                      Baptizing              AT CONVERSION

                                      Filling (Control) – as often as needed

4.      the instant work of the holy spirit

      A.  Regeneration – New Birth

         (Titus 3:5)

         (John 3:6)

      B.  Indwelling – Energizing for service

         (John 14:17)

      C.  Sealing – Security

         (Ephesians 1:13)

         (II Corinthians 1:22)

      D.  Baptizing – Identified with and into the Body of Christ.

5.  The reoccurring work of the holy Spirit

   His Filling or Control

      A.  The filling (control) defined

         (Ephesians 5:18)

      B.  The Conditions for the filling of the Holy Spirit

         I    Grieve not – Ephesians 4:30

         II   Quench not – I Thessalonians 5:19

         III   Walk in – Galatians 5:16

         IV  Yield to – Romans 12:1-2

      C.  The result of the filling (Control) of the Holy Spirit.

         I    Fruit – Galatians 5:22-23

         II   Service – Ephesians 2:10

         III  Doctrine – John 16:12-15, I Corinthians 2:9-10

6.  doctrinal errors concerning the Holy spirit

      A.  Subsequent works of the Holy Spirit apart from salvation

         (At a later time)          John 3:34, Ephesians 1:3

         Such as:  Sanctification

                          Baptism of the Holy Ghost

                          Speaking in Tongues

      B.  Losing the Holy Spirit

         To be lost again, after being saved

7.  Gifts of the Holy Spirit

      A.  Permanent – I Corinthians 12:1, Romans 12:6-8

         Evangelist, Pastor-Teacher, Helps, Administration

         Exhortation, Giving, Teaching, Showing Mercy, Faith

      B.  Temporary – I Corinthians 13:8-11

         Apostle, Prophecy, Miracle Gifts, Healing, Tongues, Interpretation

1.  The bible reveals 3 categories of mankind

      A.  The Natural Man

      B.  The Carnal Man

      C.  The Spiritual Man

2.  The Natural Man

      A.  Spiritually dead – Ephesians 2:1

      B.  Adamic Nature – Romans 5:12-14

      C.  Spiritually Blinded – I Corinthians 1:18 and 23

      D.  He can be morally good or vile and wicked

3.  The CArnal man

      A.  Spiritually Alive – I Corinthians 3:1

      B.  Weak and willful – I Corinthians 3:3

        The carnal man being so little occupied with the true spiritual meat, yields to envy and strife, which leads to
         division among the very believers.

4.  The Spiritual man

      A.  Spiritually empowered – Ephesians 5:18

      B.  By Faith, not by feelings – Hebrews 11:6

      C.  Yielded – Romans 12:1-2

5.  The Bible reveals man to be a tri-part being

      A.  Body – World Consciousness

      B.  Soul – Self Consciousness – Genesis 27:6

      C.  Spirit – God consciousness – Hebrews 4:12

        However, man is born spiritually dead and must be regenerated by the Holy Spirit before he is alive spiritually.

6.  The Two Headships of Mankind

7.  The Human body

  The Bodies of the Saved are declared to be:

      A.  Temples – I Corinthians 6:19, Philippians 1:20

      B.  Earthen Vessels – II Corinthians 4:7

      C.  Under Subjection – I Corinthians 9:27

      D.  Glorified – Philippians 3:20-21 (future)

1.  Before we consider salvation proper,

     let’s look at the object of salvation – the lost.

      A.  God’s estimate of the Lost.

         I     John 3:16-20

         II    John 3:36

         III   John 8:44

         IV  Mark 7:21-23

         V   I Corinthians 2:14

         VI  Romans 3:10-18

         VII  Ephesians 2:2

         VIII  Colossians 1:13

         IX  O.T.  Jeremiah 17:9

                       Isaiah 64:6

           These conditions demand a superhuman power for their cure.

2.  The Three tenses of salvation.

      A.  Past - Justification

      B.  Present - Sanctification

      C.  Future - Glorification

3.  Salvation Past

      A.  Justification – Regeneration.

      B.  Saved from the PENALTY and guilt of our sin. Genesis 2:17

      C.  Our Position – Ephesians 1:4

      D.  Received by Faith – Ephesians 2:8-9

4.  Salvation Present

      A.  Sanctification – John 17:17

      B.  Saved from the power of sin – Romans 8:2

      C.  Our practice (walk) – I Corinthians 3 ------------------------ Galatians 5:22

5.  Salvation Future

      A.  Glorification – I Peter 1:3-5

      B.  Saved from the PRESENCE of Sin. – Ephesians 5:27

6.  the one condition of salvation

      A.  The word       | Believe |      is used about 150 times in the N.T.

      A.  The word       |   Faith   |

      A.  The word       |   Trust   |

                                         /\

                                 Synonyms

            and is NEVER related to any human work or merit.

      B.  Repentance is included in the act of believing. It is a grace also. Acts 8:37, Acts 5:31, John 6:44

      C.  Unscriptural additions to salvation include:

        - The Sacraments – Romanism

        - Baptism – Church of Christ

        - Works – Cults and some main line denominations

        - Universalism

        - Liberal Theology – (Same as universalism).

1.   The Ordinances of the Church

  - Only TWO are universally recognized.

      A.  Baptism – Union with Christ.

        - Administered only once.

      B.  The Lord’s Supper – communion with Christ.

        - “…As oft as ye do this…”

        - administered on a reoccurring basis.

2.  Baptism

  A good definition of baptism is…”to be identified with.”

     - Three types of baptism are mentioned in the New Testament.

      A.  Baptism by Fire

      B.  Baptism of the Holy Spirit

      C.  Baptism in water……….Matthew 3:11

         I   Baptism of Fire – (Suffering)

           - Matthew 20:22-23

         II  Baptism of Holy Spirit

           - Mark 1:8

           - John 1:33

           - I Corinthians 12:13 (every Christian)

         III  Baptism in Water

           Two Views:  Supernatural

                                 Symbolic

3.  Water Baptism

      A.  Who is to be baptized – N.T. Examples?

         I   Acts 8:35-39 (v. 37)

         II  Acts 16:30-34 (v. 31) – To follow conversion.

      B.  Who is not to be baptized?

         I   Unregenerate

         II   Infants

      C.   What method of baptism?

         I   Affusion – (Pouring or sprinkling)

           - This method is used by most mainline denominations and Roman Catholics.

         II   Immersion

           - This method is used by Baptists and is the universally accepted method used by the first century church.

While baptism is not essential for salvation, only immersion can give a proper picture of what takes place in salvation, i.e. the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and our identity with Him.

4.  The Lord’s supper

      A.  Instituted on the night before the crucifixion of Christ.

      B.  Symbolic of the believer’s participation in the benefits of His death.

      C.  Who is to participate?

        - Believers, after self-examination – I Corinthians 11:28

      D.  Doctrinal Errors.

         I   Transubstantiation – (Roman Catholic)

           - Body and Blood of Christ are actually in the elements.

         II  Consubstantiation – (Lutheran)

           - The presence of the body of Christ is in both elements.

      E.  How often should the Lord’s Supper be observed?

        - The scripture is silent on this subject, or at least not clearly given. In any case, it should not be infrequent.

1.  What the Church is not!

      A.  Not a physical structure

      B.  Not a state or national church

      C.  Not a denomination

      D.  Not the Kingdom of God or Heaven

      E.  Not Israel

      F.  Organization

2.  What the Church is:

      A.  A Body (Gk. Soma) – I Corinthians 12:12-14, Colossians 1:18

      B.  A Bride – Ephesians 5:31-32, II Corinthians 11:2 (Oriental Wedding)

      C.  A Building – Ephesians 2:19-22, I Peter 2:4-7

      D.  A Branch – John 15:15

        - The Church is also seen as a Sheepfold and as a Priesthood.

3.  The Word Church:

  - Taken from two Hebrew words “called out” and “assembly” and translated in the Greek Old Testament
     (the Septuagint) by the word “Ekklesia”.

The first appearance of the word “Ekklesia” in the New Testament is found in Matthew 16:18 when Jesus said…”I will build my church.”

4.  The local / universal Church:

      A.  Local – Acts 8:1

      B.  Universal – Ephesians 1:22-23

5.  The literal / symbolic church:

      A.  Literal – Acts 11:26

      B.  Symbolic ‑ Colossians 1:18

6.  The work of the Church:

      A.  Edification – Ephesians 4:11-12

         I      Worship

         II    Prayer (corporate)

         III   Study

         IV  Train

         V    Fellowship

         VI  Give

      B.  Evangelism – Matthew 28:19-20

         I        Live as examples of the believer

         II      Verbal witness

         III    Visitation

         IV  Follow-up – nurture

         V    Ministries of Outreach

         VI   Missions

7.  the separation of church and state:

      A.     The church – Free to worship without any intervention from the state.

      B.     The state – Not to establish any laws regarding the free exercise of worship.

        - NOT freedom from God, but freedom of worship.

8.  The organization of the church:

      A.  Local and Autonomous

        Baptists do not believe in a hierarchy, such as all mainline denominations and Roman Catholics. Each
        congregation owns its own property and conducts its own affairs.

      B.  Church Leaders

         I    Pastor (synonymous with Elder, Bishop)

         II   Deacon

1.  The Local Assembly / Autonomous

      A.  Pastor

      B.