NEW MEMBERS
ORIENTATION
T. Roche Coleman, B.A., M.A.B.S., Th. M.
roche@myimpactchurch.org
O: 281.363.0220
C: 832.421.6166
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THE MEANING OF SALVATION
“Are you going to Heaven when you die?”
1. Follow the teachings and example of Christ.
2. Be thoroughly knowledgeable of the Bible and its
doctrines.
3. Be baptized and/or confirmed
4. Join a church and regularly attend.
5. Speak in tongues.
6. Live a good life.
7. Love your fellow man.
8. Obey the Ten Commandments.
9. Do good deeds/works.
10. Contribute money to the poor and volunteer time
to assist the less fortunate.
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I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to
provide an overview of the
doctrines of the Bible, the beliefs
and practices of the church, and
the expectations of the members.
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II. COURSE OBJECTIVE
A. Statement of the Objectives:
1. To understand and articulate the
gospel and the basic doctrines
of the Bible.
2. To respond to these truths in a
manner that enhances your
knowledge and love for God,
His people, and His world.
4
THE FOUR Ps OF THE GOSPEL
1. The ______________ with man is SIN!
-Man's disobedience in the Garden was an act of sin.
-Every descendant of Adam possesses a sin nature.
-Man cannot eliminate the destructiveness of sin from his life.
*Romans 3:10; 3:23; cf. Genesis 3:1- 24
Creation of Man
- image
- likeness
The Fall of Man
1) Serpent
2) Eve
Serpent’s Deception
- God’s word is inconsistent and questionable
- God is unjust
- God is domineering and prohibitive
- God is an authoritarian
-God is a liar
God
“any tree of the garden you may eat freely”
“you shall not eat”
“you shall surely die"
Eve
“trees of the garden we may eat”
“You shall not eat from it or touch it”
“lest you die”
Eve refers to the Lord as “God” instead of “Lord God” just as
the serpent had done.
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THE FOUR Ps OF THE GOSPEL
Eve’s Reasoning
1. Beneficial to her health.-The tree was good for food
2. Beautiful to the eye.-The tree was a delight to the eyes
3. Broaden her knowledge.-The tree could make one wise
3) Adam
1. He watched
2. He listen
3. He ate
4. He sinned
The Punishment
2. The ________________ of man's SIN!
-Sin separated God and man; this separation brought
spiritual and physical death.
-Sin affected man's ability to have a relationship with God.
-Sin has enslaved man and force him to obey its desires.
*Romans 5:12; 6:23
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THE FOUR Ps OF THE GOSPEL
The Justice of God
1) Serpent
2) Eve
Pain
Desire
3) Adam
listen
Relationships after the Fall
1) God vs. Man
2) Man vs. God
3) Man vs. Woman
4) Man vs. Creation
5) Woman vs. Creature
Pre-Fall vs. Post-Fall
Pre- Fall
Serpent is a friend
God and Man aligned
Man and Woman are allies
Man and Creation are allies
Man’s work is gratifying
Man and Woman partner
Man and Woman naked and unashamed
Man & Woman innocent
Childbearing is a pleasure
Ground is cultivated
Man had eternal life
Presence of the Lord
Post- Fall
Serpent is a foe
God and Man alienated
Man and Woman are adversaries
Man and Creation are adversaries
Man’s work is grievous
Woman desires to rule the Man
Man and Woman naked and ashamed
Man & Woman guilty
Childbearing is a pain
Ground is cursed
Man has eternal death
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Punishment of the Lord
THE FOUR Ps OF THE GOSPEL
3. God's _________________ for SIN!
-God's love for man caused Him to send His Son.
-Jesus Christ death atoned for man's sin.
-Jesus Christ was our substitute. We deserved death,
but Christ died in our place so that we might have
eternal life with God.*Romans 5:8; cf.5:9-11
4. Man's _________________ of God's provision.
- Man must acknowledge his need for salvation.
- Man must trust in Jesus Christ ALONE for salvation.
- Man's trust should manifest itself through a transformed life.
Romans 10:9-10, 13
Authentic Faith vs. Said Faith
I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of
repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, in order that you might not
suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a
repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death”
2 Corinthians 7:9-10
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THE FOUR Ps OF THE GOSPEL
Key Theological Terms for the Provision
• Substitute-
• Atonement-
• Propitiation-
• Redemption-
• Justification-
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By Dr. Benjam i n El i jah Mays, Past Pre si den t of Morehouse Col le ge 1940-1967
“Life Is Just A Minute”
Life is just a minute--Only sixty second in it.
Forced upon you—can’t refuse it.
Didn’t seek it—didn’t choose it .
But it’s up to you t o use it.
You must suffer if you lose it.
Give an account if you abuse it .
Just a t iny, litt le minute,
But eternit y is in it !
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DISCIPLESHIP
Prerequisites for Discipleship
1. PROFESSION- Faith in Jesus Christ Alone
C=D
C≠D
IF- Denotes condition
2. PRIORITY- Jesus Christ above the family- Love for Him greater than all or to state it
with another word, priority (V.26).
3. PERSEVERANCE- Bearing your cross- Commitment to Jesus Christ regardless of the
hardship.
4. POSSESSIONS- Proper perspective on possessions- Obedience regarding the things God
has given us stewardship over.
Step #1
Tithe $__________ ÷ Gross Salary $_____________ = _____________.
Step #2
Move the decimal two places to the right ____%.
High School
BS, BA, Assoc.
Master Degree
JD, PhD
MD
90%
60%
30%
10%
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DISCIPLESHIP
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with
you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:18b-20
Affirmation
1) All authority has been given to Me
Commands
1) Go
2) I am with you always
2) Make disciples
3) Baptize them
4) Teaching
1 Saint
1 Saint
1 Saint
1 Saint
1 Saint
1 saint
1 Saint
1 Saint
1 Saint
1 Saint
1 Saint
1 Saint
1 Saint
1 x 3= 3
3x3=9
Total 12
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SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification-
There are 3 aspects of sanctification:
1) Positional sanctification. This is the believer’s position of standing before God, based on the
death of Christ. The believer is accounted holy before God; he is declared a saint.
2) Experiential Sanctification. It relates to his daily life and experience. Paul’s prayer is that
believers should be sanctified entirely in their experience (1Thes. 5:23); Peter commands believers
to be sanctified or holy (1Pet. 1:16). It grows as the believer dedicates his life to
God (Rom. 6:13; 12:1-2) and is nourished by the Word of God (Ps.119:9-16).
3) Ultimate Sanctification. This aspect of sanctification is future and anticipates the final
transformation of the believer into the likeness of Christ (Eph. 5:26-27).
Agents of the process of Sanctification
1. The Father
2. Jesus Christ
3. The Holy Spirit
4. The Believer
5. The Church
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SANCTIFICATION
Seven keys to progressing in sanction
1.. Prayer
2. Bible Study
3.. Holy Spirit
4.. Praise & Worship
5.. Evangelism
6. Church Attendance/Accountability
7. Work out
Igniting the engine with the keys
1. Prayer
A- Adoration—Acknowledging and attributing to God his significance and value
(Psalm 18:3).
C- Confession—Agreeing and acknowledging sins of omission (willful or malicious
sins) and commission (unknown sins) (1 John 1:9).
T- Thanksgiving—Thanking God for what He has done (Philippians 4:6).
S- Supplication--Requesting or petitioning God regarding a matter
(Philippians 4:6).
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SANCTIFICATION
Igniting the engine with the keys (continue)
1. Prayer
1) The principle of praying in the spirit (Eph. 6:18; Rom. 8:26-27)
2) The principle of constant prayer (1 Thess. 5:17)
3) The principle of expectant prayer (Psalms 5:3)
4) The principle of praying for others (Eph. 5:18-20)
5) The principle of praying about everything (Phil. 4:6-7)
6) The principle of fervent prayer (James 5:16-18).
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SANCTIFICATION
Igniting the engine with the keys (continue)
2. Bible Study Howard Hendricks asserts, “The great tragedy among Christians
today is that too many of us are under the Word of God, but not in if for ourselves.”
Key features of Bible study:
• Diligent study (2 Timothy 2:15)
• Examination and Verification ( Acts 17:11)
• Searching for Treasures (Proverbs 2:1-5)
• Ezra’s Example (Ezra 7:10)
• Blessings of Reading the Word (Revelation 1:3)
• Read to revere (Deuteronomy 17:19)
3. Holy Spirit
•Who is the Holy Spirit?
•When do you receive the Holy Spirit?
•What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
•How can you be filled with the Holy Spirit?
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SANCTIFICATION
Igniting the engine with the keys (continue)
4. Praise & Worship- The term “worship” comes from the Anglo-Saxon
“weorthscipe,” this term was then was modified to worthship, and finally to
worship. Worship means “to attribute worth” to something or someone, hence
worship is an active response to God whereby we declare His worth. In addition
to this definition Robert Schaper offers another aspect of worship when he suggest
worship is a Spirit-led reaction to what we believe God has said and done.
Posture and Procedure for P & W
1) Bowing Down & kneeling - (Psalm 95:6).Often individuals would lie down prostrate
upon the ground in act of worship and/or repentance. When one assume this position it
communicated an attitude of contrition (i.e. brokenness) and humility (cf. Psalms 38:6; 138:2).
2) Lifting of hands- (Psalm 134:1-2). The lifting of hands was a gesture that symbolized
complete surrender of the heart and praise to God. Often during prayer and meditation
one would extend their hands unto the heavens as an act of worship (cf. Psalm 28:2; 119:48).
3) Giving from your labor- (Proverbs 3:9; cf. Nehemiah 13:31KJV). Giving was an
act of worship for the Jewish person in the Old Testament. A substantial amount of
emphasis was placed on the giving of the first fruits of the harvest as a sign of thankfulness
to God for providing for their needs. The giver was also demonstrating his proper stewardship
over that which God had entrusted to him.
4) Teaching, Reading, and Meditating on God’s laws- (Psalm 119:12-16; cf. 1:1-2;
27:4;119:171).
5) Songs, dancing, and musical instruments- (Psalm 33:1-3; cf. 2 Samuel 6:14-15).
Unlike our contemporary culture, the Jewish culture saw dancing as an expression of
worship to God. Combined with the dancing was the skillful playing of instruments that
produced a myriad of sounds that was often accompanied with songs of worship.
6) Shouting to God- (Psalm 66:1-2; cf. Psalms 95:1-2; 100). Shouts of joy and elation
were a natural part of the Hebrew worship experience. It was not an uncommon or an
unwelcome expression of worship which would typically be the case in many of our
evangelical churches today. However, in modern Israel shouts of gladness should be
on the lips of the worshiper. All inhibitions were released and complete focus was
on the Lord and what He had done. Authentic worship takes on various forms. We
are not required to be in the church during worship service to worship God. Worship
may occur whenever we are and the Spirit of God prompts us to give Him glory for His worth.
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SANCTIFICATION
Igniting the engine with the keys (continue)
5. Evangelism
- Why do we evangelize?
- How do we evangelize?
- Where do we evangelize?
Why saints do not evangelize:
1) I am afraid.
2) I cannot answer all the questions.
3) I am ashamed of my lifestyle, and especially how I have lived around my unsaved
friends and family.
4) Why do I need to evangelize if God has determined who will be saved?
5) No one will listen to what I have to say.
6) I don’t shove my religion down anyone’s throat because I did not want their religion
shoved down my throat.
7) I do not want to offend anyone.
8) I do not need to evangelize because my lifestyle will speak for me.
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SANCTIFICATION
Igniting the engine with the keys (continue)
6. Church Attendance/Accountability
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SANCTIFICATION
Igniting the engine with the keys (continue)
7. Work Out
1) Transform – (Romans 12:2).
2) Flee - (1 Corinthians 6:18).
3) Work - (Philippians 2:12b).
4) Mortify- (Colossians 3:5). (King James Version)
5) Pursue – (Hebrews 12:14).
6) Arm- (1 Peter 4:1).
7) Be Sober- (1 Peter 5:8).
8) Be Alert- (1 Peter 5:8).
9) Resist- (1 Peter 5:9).
10) Supplement- (2 Peter 1:5-8). (RSV)
11) Abstain- (1 Peter 2:11)
12) Purify - (1 John 3:3).
13) Cleanse (2 Corinthians 7:1).
14) Present- (Romans 12:1)
15) Lay aside/Put off- (Ephesians 4:20-24).
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SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Spiritual Gifts
The Greek word for spiritual gift in the New Testament is charisma or
charismaton a gift of grace, a free gift. The word appears 17 times in the New Testament
and can be grouped under three separate ideas:
1) God’s gift of salvation (Romans 5:15-16; 6:23)
2) A general gift of grace or love (Romans 1:11; 2 Corinthians 1:11; 7:7)
3) A specific endowment of spiritual ability for service (Romans 11:24; 12:6; 1
Corinthians 1:7; 12:4, 9 28, 30-31; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; 1 Peter 4:10).
This latter use is the most frequently employed used form and the primary passage is found in 1
Corinthians 12. The only other use is found in 1 Peter 4:10. The root word of charisma is charis
which means “grace.” This suggests the proper basis for understanding how God gives gifts to His
people is by grace. It is through the grace of God that the Holy Spirit administers gifts to the body
of Christ, and it is through the grace and power of God that we serve in the body of Christ.
Spiritual Gifts vs. Talents
Spiritual Gifts
Given at conversion
Given by special grace
Utilized to edify the church and saints
Function under divine power
Must be cultivated
Each individuals possess one
Talents
Given at birth
Given by natural grace
Utilized to glorify self
Function under natural ability
Must be cultivated
Each individual possess one
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THE CHURCH
The Church
The term “church” is comprised of two words.
preposition “ek” out of
verb “kaleo”- to call
ekklessia- The called out ones
What two key events signified the origin of the church?
A. Pentecost
B. The ascension of Jesus Christ
Theologically we describe the church as having two levels:
A. Local Church
The local church is a group of baptized believers in a particular community or region, who
assemble together for the purpose of:
1) Fellowship: believers investing precious resources in other believers. (Acts 2:45-46;
4:31; Heb. 10:24,25; Jn. 15:12).
2) Exercise of Spiritual Gifts (1 Peter 4:10)
3) Offering at church (2 Cor. 8:5; 9:6,7).
4) Church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20; 2 Cor. 7:10; 1 Cor. 5:4; Galatians 6).
5) Worship (Ps. 73:13; Jn. 4:23-24).
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THE CHURCH
6) Praying (Acts 4:24-30,31; 21:5).
7) The Lord’s Supper ( illustrated method) (1 Cor. 10:16; 11:19,30).
8) Baptism: public identification with an historic, life-changing event (Mt. 28:19; Acts
8:39, 16:34).
9) Preaching and teaching His Word (Rom. 1:16; Acts 2:42; 11:26; 1 Corinthians
4:17; 1 Peter 1:23).
10) Confession of sin and intercessory prayer (James 5:16; 1 John 1:9).
The assembling of these believers in the first century was not confined to an elaborate edifice
which characterizes much of the twenty-first century. Rather, the early church frequently met in
homes (Act 2:46; Romans 16:5; Philemon 2). The local church served previously and presently
as a beacon of reconciliation and restoration in the communities. The local church has
traditionally made an indelible mark on the conscience of mankind for being an agent of hope, a
bulwark of truth and righteous, and a haven for love and acceptance. When the local church
ceases to expel the darkness with the light and truth of the word of God, it ceases to be the
galvanizing organism Christ desired for it to represent.
B. Universal Church-
What are the differences between the two levels of the church?
A. Universal
1. Must be a Christian
2. Only Christ can give you membership
3. Not confided to a certain location
B. Local Church
1. You may or may not be a Christian
2. Man grants membership
3. Confided to a particular community
The purpose of the church is to:
A.
B.
C.
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THE CHURCH
Leadership in the New Testament Church
The Bible is replete with examples of God’s love for leadership, authority, and structure. In
order to achieve the optimal performance or the desired results with a group of individuals, it
is imperative that a proper structure is implemented. The local church is no exception. The
following is a list of the leaders and their qualifications:
Elders
The New Testament utilizes two terms that identify the office of the elder.
1) The first is the Greek term presbuteros, which signifies an older person either
male or female, yet in this context it does not refer to the leader within the church (cf. 1
Timothy 5:1-2; Acts 14:23). The Bible uses the term to qualify leaders in the church, as well
as the Sanhedrin which demonstrates its broad range of use (Acts 14:23; 15:2-6). On
occasions it emphasizes the special stateliness and judiciousness which accompany the office.
This qualified the individual to accomplish the following tasks:
- They aided in the resolution of disputes (Acts 15:2-16:2).
- Make decisions concerning doctrine (Acts 15:2-16:2).
- Pray for those who are ill physically and spiritually (James 5:12ff).
- Distribute money (Acts 11:30).
- They were worthy of respect (1 Timothy 5:17).
- They should not be dictators (1 Peter 5:1-3).
2) The second office is overseer, which is episkopos in Greek and means, “a guardian,
supervisor, inspector.” The term was used to denote function rather than the status of anyone
who exercised supervision or control, as well as to denote a member of a body exercising
oversight and government in a church. The overseer nurtured and cared for the flock God had
entrusted to his charge (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7). It appears the New Testament
uses presbuteros and episkopos interchangeably (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-9). However, it
may be stated with certainty that each episkopos is a presbuteros, but every presbuteros is
certainly not an episkopos. The distinction appears in the function. The distinction in the
function of the episkopos required stringent qualification because this individual would be
deemed worthy to rule the church of Jesus Christ.
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THE CHURCH
Biblical Qualifications for the Overseer
The episkopos qualifications are strictly delineated in 1 Timothy 3 as the following:
1. Above reproach (a man with a good reputation)
2. Husband of one wife (maintaining moral purity)
3. Temperate (exemplifying balance in words and actions)
4. Prudent (being wise and humble)
5. Respectable (serving as a good role model)
6. Hospitable (demonstrating unselfishness and generosity)
7. Able to teach (communicating the word of God under the power of the Holy Spirit)
8. Not given to wine (not being addicted to substances)
9. Not self-willed (not being a self-centered and controlling personality)
10. Not quick-tempered (void of anger that becomes sinful)
11. Not pugnacious (not an abusive person)
12. Uncontentious (non-argumentative and non-divisive)
13. Gentle (a sensitive, loving and kind person)
14. Free from the love of money (non-materialistic)
15. One who manages his own household well (a good husband and father)
16. A good reputation with those outside the church (a good testimony to unbelievers)
17. Love what is good (pursuing godly activities)
18. Just (wise, discerning, non-prejudiced and fair)
19. Devout (holy and righteous)
20. Not a new convert (not a new Christian; someone with experience)
25
Cleon L. Rogers Jr. and Cleon L. Rogers III The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament
Zondervan Publishing Grand Rapids 1998.
THE CHURCH
Biblical Qualifications for Deacon
Character of the Deacon
Worthy of Respect (1 Timothy 3:8)
Sincere (1 Timothy 3:8)
Not given to drunkenness (1 Timothy 3:8)
Not pursuing dishonest gain (1 Timothy 3:8)
Faith of the Deacon
Keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience (1 Timothy 3:9)
Selection of Deacons
Must be first tested- probationary period (1 Timothy 3:10).
Formal selection is conducted by the church (Acts 6:1-6).
A plurality of deacons is modeled in the early church (Acts 6:1-6; Phil. 1:1).
Reputation of the Deacon
Blameless (1 Timothy 3:10)
Full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom (Acts 6:3)
Family of the Deacon
Husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12)
Must manage his children well (1 Timothy 3:12)
Must manage his household well (1 Timothy 3:12)
Deacon's Wives
Worthy of respect (1 Timothy 3:11)
Not malicious talkers (1 Timothy 3:11)
Temperate (1 Timothy 3:11)
Trustworthy in everything (1 Timothy 3:11)
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THE CHURCH
Biblical Reference for Deaconess
The Apostle Paul mentions Phoebe as a deaconess (dia¿konon) of at church at Cenchreae
(Roman 16:1KJV). The New Testament does not describe a ministerial order of deaconess,
but due to this reference it is assumed that an order existed from apostolic times. It is
not clear whether the term bears a technical sense or a general meaning of service. The
mention of women in 1 Timothy 3:11 cause some ambiguity with the qualifications of deacons.
It appears to reference the wives of deacons, but some interpreters take it as a reference to
deaconess. Likewise is the obscure relations of deaconess to the order of widows (1 Timothy 5:9-10).
Five Offices/Gifts Give to the Church
1. Apostles (aÓposto/louß)-one sent with a message.
2. Prophets (profh/taß)-one who foretells the future or speaks on behalf of God.
3. Evangelists (eujaggelista¿ß)- one who announces the gospel
4. Pastors (poime÷naß)-one who is responsible for the care and guidance of a Christian
congregation
5. Teachers (didaska¿louß)- one who provides instruction
Why the Offices?
to equip the saints for the work of ministry
Purpose for Equipping?
that is,15 to build up the body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God—a mature
person, attaining to16 the measure of Christ’s full stature.17
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THE CHURCH
Church Discipline
Church discipline is the exercise of the church leadership power for the prevention and correction
of offences in the church.
Church discipline was given to the church by our Lord so maintain the integrity and vitality of
the church. It is unfortunate that many church fail to exercise this rite due to social pressure, fear
of termination and the decline in church attendance. This is truly an issue of faith in the sovereign
Lord to sustain the local church as we obey His commands. The church must exercise church
discipline with a heart of compassion that seeks to restore a sinning brother. Otherwise it
becomes
abusive and injures the parties involved and the testimony of the church. Tragically, this has
occurred over the course of church history but this is not an excuse to disregard a health and
viable dimension of the church.
Apprehensions Regarding Church Discipline
1. Church discipline does not exemplify the love of Christ Jesus.
2. Church discipline is an attempt to socially & spiritually kill individuals.
3. Church discipline is not the best way to express forgiveness.
4. Church discipline leads to improper judging.
Purpose of Church Discipline
1. Reconciliation of believer- vertical relationship (1 John 1:9; cf. Proverbs 13:24;
Hebrew 12:6; Revelations 3:19)
2. Restoration of believer-horizontal relationship (Galatians 6:1ff; James 5:20)
3. Remedy Sin from Spreading through the Church (1 Corinthians 5; Ephesians 5:27; 1
Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:14-16)
a. Purity of the church
b. Power of the church
4. Retain the Glory and Honor of Christ (Ephesians 5:27)
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THE CHURCH
Process of Church Discipline
Elder(s)
Prohibition
Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by
two or three witnesses.
Admonition
Those guilty of sin must be rebuked before all, as a warning to the rest.
Christians
Matthew 18:15-17
Step #1 "And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private;
Step #2
if he listens to you, you have won your brother.
Step #3
But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you,
Purpose:
so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.
Step #4
And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and
Step #5
if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax gatherer.”
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