New Members Training
Prunedale Ca.93907
Phone 831-663-4944
Corrected Modified or Updated 11/24/11
This Study Has 20 Pages
From: Pastor Bill
Hardman
To: New Members
Subject: Greetings!"
As your pastor, I'd like to let
you know how happy I am that you are considering membership at
Grace Community Church. Making the commitment to be "part
of the family" will be a mutually beneficial experience!
As you have been attending worship services and getting acquainted
you have no doubt witnessed the fact that God is blessing us.
We believe this is a result of our sincere attempt to be a God-honoring
church and that we are meeting some important needs of His people.
There's one thing we don't want. Please do not think that membership
is just "another ritual" in the church. We have no intention
of you joining Grace Community and then fading into inactive anonymity.
Our desire is for each member to be active in some kind of ministry
as part of our ministry team.
Why do we want you to be an "active" member? Because
we believe people grow when they're serving God! Serving God in
the church is a positive and rewarding experience. In 24 years
I have seen hundreds of people grow into the persons God intended them to be through service
in their church family. It always enhances personal and spiritual
growth when we serve each other "as unto the Lord."
I, along with the rest of the leadership, desire to serve you
too! My prayer is that as you join hands with the body of Christ
at Grace and as you allow the Word of God to speak to your heart,
we will together be transformed into the image of Christ Himself.
It's great to be your pastor and friend!
Love
in Christ,
Pastor Bill
Hardman
(1)
"Our History:"
The
Grace Gospel Fellowship. (GGF)
In the late 1930's and early 1940's Christianity experienced a
vital and dynamic movement that began sweeping across the United
States - A serious Bible study and Bible conference movement that
resulted in establishing many Bible Churches, Bible Training Institutes,
and Radio Bible broadcasts. Part of that vast movement was a group
of Christians that began to recognize the distinctive message
and ministry given by the risen Lord Jesus to the church through
the apostle Paul.
Driven with a passion to reach the lost in parts
of the world at that time unevangelized, they established a foreign
mission board known as the Worldwide Grace Testimony with it's
home office in the Midwest and it's original focus the Belgian
Congo. Four missionaries in the Congo then were: Frederick E.
Holland, Francis Pickett, Otto Deming, and Sam Vinton Sr. Today
Sam Vinton is in his nineties and still serving in the Congo as
a medical missionary!
The name of the organization is now called
Grace Ministries International and has it's home office in Grand
Rapids, Michigan with missionaries in Congo, Tanzania, Brazil,
Uruguay, Bolivia, Australia, Puerto Rico, India, Curacao, and
here in the states a boys ranch and prison outreach ministry.
In 1939 this group began an evening Bible Institute with Charles
F. Baker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is now Grace Bible College
in Grand Rapids, Michigan since 1960. Charles F. Baker wrote a
major theology textbook titled A Dispensational Theology. In 1943
these same men formed a bonding organization called the Grace
Gospel Fellowship with which our church is affiliated for fellowship
and as a partner to send missionaries and educate young people
for ministry.
(2)
"Our Affiliation:"
What
values do we see in affiliation with the GGF:?
It is not a denomination
in the usual sense. No one dictates to the local church where
money will be spent, who will be the pastor, or what can or cannot
be done. Each church remains completely autonomous though interdependent.
It is a group of churches and individuals worldwide who hold to
the fundamentals of Christianity and believe that within the Scriptures
God has a distinct program for the Nation of Israel which is essentially
distinct from the Church, the Body of Christ
The G.G.F. is still in its infancy. We have approximately 1,350
churches affiliated of which two thirds are located in Congo,
Tanzania, and the Philippines, due to a strong missions emphasis
in the early years of the G.G.F.
The present
ministries of the G.G.F. include:
Publishing literature,
CBC children's club & Sunday School lessons New church planting.
Pastor's Subsidy for smaller churches, 16 since 1975.
Financial Assistance for church planting and building, 43 churches
so far.
Licensing and Ordaining pastors, assisting in pastoral placement.
Administering pastor's annuity program.
Counseling on government and tax issues
Assisting in church conflict resolution.
Publishing monthly prayer calendar.
Organizing annual national Bible conference (convention).
Organizing annual national Pastor's conference.
Associated
Ministries:
Alpine Boys Ranch - Leavenworth,
WA.
Art Fowler Evangelistic Ministries - Ft. Collins, CO.
Berean Advocate Ministries - Chandler, AZ.
Bible Correspondence Prison Ministries - Riverside, CA.
Bible Doctrines to Live By - Grand Rapids, MI.
Grace & Godliness Ministries - Palm Bay, FL.
Grace Bible College - Grand Rapids, MI
Grace Ministries International - Grand Rapids, MI
Grace Publications - Grand Rapids, MI
Lost and Found, Inc. - Morrison, CO
Salt Ministries - Jenison, MI
Things to Come Mission - Indianapolis, IN
(3)
"Our Heritage:"
Grace Community
Church:
Grace Community
Church was officially organized in 1956 by a group
of believers in the Salinas Valley desiring to evangelize the lost, proclaim the message of the pure Grace
of God, and to teach the whole Word of God
in a clear dispensational framework in
Prunedale. The early
years of the church were a struggle to become established as a
church and work through the vision and specific
purpose
which would define its direction.
Several part
time pastors pastors were active in this process. The church
called its first full time pastor in 1975
after which a number of building improvements were
made, Sunday School was strengthened and the present name,Grace
Community Church was adopted. Also in 1975 the parsonage at 740
Paradise Road was built. In 1981 the
decision was made to build a worship and fellowship addition.
After approval was gained from seventeen different government agencies (a slow process) construction
began with contractor and volunteer help working together.
Seventeen
men lifted up the sanctuary wall facing San Miguel Cyn Rd by hand.
In 1994 the old kitchen area was remodeled
into the present Sunday School rooms 5 and 6. In 1995 and 1996
the old hall and bathrooms
were remodeled
and upgraded. Former pastors
have included: Roy Kreeger, Ken Peebles, Gerald Meyers, Craig
MacDonald and Roger Anderson. Pastor Bill has been at Grace Community Church
since moving from Michigan in
1993.
(4) "What
Makes Grace Community Church Special:"
1. (UNIFIED) Worship:
2. (POSITIVE) Attitude:
3. (CARING) People:
4. (DEDICATED) Leadership: So, if I can enjoy all this without church
membership why join? (I'm glad you asked!)
There are
Three important reasons:
1. Express your _(COMMITMENT)_ Ultimately h elps your commitment to God: Matthew 22:37 Matthew 6:24
2. Experience Christian _(UNITY)_ No "Lone
Ranger" Christians 1 Peter 2:5 Philippians 2:2
3. Exercise your _(GIFTS)_ You are an important
part of the Body of Christ: Romans 12:5 Ephesians 4:11,12
(5)
"What you Get and What you Give:"
Our church's purpose
can also be viewed from two different perspectives:
Our _(RESPONSIBILITY)_- What God desires from us
Our _(PRIVILEGE)_ - What we gain from God's purposes
1. We want to love the Lord with all our heart -- _(WORSHIP) "...Worship
the Lord your God, and serve Him only." (Matthew
4:10) Responsibility--God
wants me to be a magnifier of His name. Privilege--Worship helps me focus
on God. It prepares me spiritually and emotionally for the week ahead - recharges
my batteries.
2. We want to love our neighbor as our self -- _(CARING)_"By
this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35). Responsibility--God wants
me to show to others His love. Privilege--Caring helps me show the reality
3. We want to reach the lost and lead many to Christ -- _(OUTREACH)_"...and gave us the ministry of
reconciliation."(2 Corinthians
5:18) Responsibility--God
wants me to be a messenger of His love. Privilege--Outreach helps
me fulfill my mission of reaching my friends and family for Christ
seeking to reconcile them to Him.
4. We want to bring people into committed relationships --_(FELLOWSHIP)_
"Be completely humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one
another in love" (Ephesians
4:2) Responsibility--God
wants me to be a member of His family, Privilege--Fellowship helps
me face life's problems by providing the support and encouragement
of other Christians - my safety net.
5. We want to equip people to use their spiritual gifts
--_(DISCIPLESHIP)_"The
body...grows and builds itself up in love as each part
does its work." (Ephesians 4:12) Responsibility--God wants me to be
a model of His character. Privilege--Discipleship helps
me strengthen my faith by learning the truth of God's
Word and applying Biblical principles to my lifestyle.
(6)
"Our Strategy for Growth:
"Our goal is to keep moving people from various levels of growth
toward the center commitment.
1. Community
(VISITORS) -
People within driving distance (known & not known to us) Commitment:
None to Christ or Church, might attend 1-3 times/year or kids
might attend.
2. Crowd
(ATTENDERS) - Those who attend Sunday, average at least once
per month Commitment:
To the purpose of Regular Worship (Believers OR Unbelievers)
3. Congregation (BELONGERS) - May be members, not actively involved serving
regularly Committed to the purposes of Belonging / Supporting.
4. Core (WORKERS)
- Dedicated active
Workers and Leaders Committed fully to the Lord, the Church and their Individual
Ministries Our
GOAL is (NOT
MEMBERSHIP) but (SPIRITUAL GROWTH)
(7)
"Our Vision:"
Helping people find the life-changing hope and eternal life in
a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
1. It is a dream of a place where anyone who is experiencing emotional
pain can find love, forgiveness, guidance, encouragement and hope.
2. It is a dream of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with
hundreds of residents of North Monterey County and its neighboring
communities.
3. It is a dream of building up several hundred Christians to
spiritual maturity through Biblical discipleship training especially
as defined through Paul's letters.
4. It is a dream of equipping all of our people for significant
ministry by helping them discover their spiritual gifts and talents
for ministry to others.
5. It is a dream of developing from our own membership those who
will go out from our congregation to serve as missionaries and
pastors.
6. It is a dream of expanding our facilities to maximum potential
as God gives direction for and provides the means.
7. It is a dream of growing to a maximum size of about 250 people,
then planting a daughter church. We will not become a mega-church.
Grace Community Church is a nondenominational, family-friendly,
community-active, Bible-teaching church affiliated with the Grace
Gospel Fellowship International. Our teaching is dispensational
and we proclaim the whole Bible as the actual Word of God.
Our study always has practical ramifications which touch on your
daily life. Our goal is changing lives in positive ways and training
people to reach their peers with the most exciting news of real
life in Christ. What are your
dreams and vision for the church you are to be a vital part of?
(8)
"Our Structure:"
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace . . . everything
should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (1Corinthains 14:33,
40) Two Views of how a
church functions to get the work done
1. The People help the Pastor do the work of ministry
2. The Pastor helps the people do their ministries.
"And He gave some . . .Pastor-Teachers to prepare God's people;
For works of service; So that the body of Christ might be built
up . . ." (Ephesians
4:11-12) Which view of how a church functions is a Biblical
(therefore the right) view? Therefore at Grace Community Church
. . .
The (PEOPLE) are the _(MINISTERS)_
The (PASTOR)(S) are the _(COACH(ES)_ Culture and style of ministry vary from church to church.
Contemporary----------------------------X----------------------------------------Traditional
Grace Community is defined as basically a "traditional church
with some use of the contemporary" in terms of the various
combinations of the traditional and contemporary continuum. This
is reflected primarily in the worship services and is influenced
by the makeup and background of the congregation.
How
our church is governed: (SEE) Click Here
The church is governed by a Board
of Directors of at least six members elected by the congregation
for three year renewable terms. The board has full authority over
all church property, finances and programs. Persons or groups
other than those sponsored by the church desiring to hold meetings
or entertainment of any kind need to obtain written prior approval
from the board. Persons within the church desiring to begin new
programs need to obtain prior approval from the Pastor and the
board.
(9)
"Our Membership Commitments"(NIV):
[1]. (GIVE) up
your (RIGHTS) (Matthew
16:24-25): Matthew
16:24. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If
anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up
his cross and follow me.
Matthew
16:25. For
whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses
his life for me will find it.
[2]. <(START) up
your (MINISTRY) (1 Peter 4:10): 1 Peter 4:10.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve
others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
[3]. <(SHOW) up
to (CHURCH)
(Hebrews 10:23-25):
v23.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he
who promised is faithful.
v24. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love
and good deeds .
v25. Let
us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see
the Day approaching.
[4]. (LIFT) up your (BROTHERS)>
(Romans 12:10-11):
v10. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor
one another above yourselves.
v11.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,
serving the Lord.
[5]. (BACK) up
your (PASTOR)
(Hebrews 13:17):
v17. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep
watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that
their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no
advantage to you.
[6]. (OFFER)
up
your (GIFTS)
(2
Corinthians 9:6-7):
v6. Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows generously will also reap generously
v7. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful
giver.
[7]. (LISTEN) up
to (GOD)
(2 Timothy 3:16-17):
v16. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
v17.
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every
good work.
Evaluate
your life:
How do you measure up?________
Which is your strongest area? _______
Which area needs improvement? _______
What is your plan for improvement? _____
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
(10)
"The Meaning of Formal Membership:"
1
Article V--Membership:
1. This Church shall receive only such persons as give credible
evidence of their salvation through personal testimony and conduct
and through a recognition of and a willingness to support the
Doctrinal Statement given in Article IV.
2. Any member who conducts himself in a manner not in harmony
with Scriptural principles and for which he does not show evidence
of repentance after having been interviewed and counseled by the
Pastor and one or more Board members shall be removed from membership
by the Board of Directors. They shall be notified of such action
by a personal visit by the Pastor and at least one Board member.
3. Age of membership shall not be specified.
2. Application
for Membership:Statement of faith Article IV: Click Here
1. Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ,
the Lord, to be your Personal Savior?________
2. Will you protect the unity of your church by acting in love
toward other members, by refusing to gossip and by following the
leaders?_______
3. Will you share the responsibility of your church by praying
for its growth, by inviting the unchurched to attend and by warmly
welcoming those who are guests?_______
4. Will you serve the ministry of your church by discovering your
gifts and talents, by being equipped to serve by your pastor(s)
and by developing a servant'heart?_______
5. Will you support the testimony of your church by attending
faithfully, by living a godly life and by giving regularly as
the Lord enables?_______
6. Will you support the statements of purpose and faith in articles
II and IV of your constitution?_______
Article II--Purpose:
The purpose of this fellowship
is to join believers together in the worship of God and the acknowledgement
of the unity He places in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-6). In our steadfast purpose to make known the riches
of God's grace in Christ to the believer for the edification of
the Body of Christ.
Consistent with our adherence to the Pauline revelation, we realize the responsibility
of proclaiming the ministry of reconciliation to the unsaved
to the end that they might be saved. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and
(2Corinthians 5:14-21).
3.
Affiliation with the Grace Gospel Fellowship:
Every member of Grace Community Church is also a member of Grace
Gospel Fellowship International unless you choose not to be. As
a G.G.F. member, you become part of the network of Grace believers
all over the world and will receive information about various
Grace ministries and organizations.
(11)
"Our Bridge to Life:"
Our bridge to life lies primarily not in membership, but in a
personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This illustration helps
us understand our dilemma and God's good plan.
Us
.....THE CROSS OF CHRIST.....God
|
Religion
|
Good
Works
|
Self
Improvement
|
etc.
|
Religion is spelled ("DO")
Trying to do enough good things to please God.
Problem: We can never know when we have done enough. The
Bible says we can never do enough.
(Romans 3:23):
v23. for
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Christianity
is spelled
("Done") Christ
did what we could never do. He lived the perfect life and died on the cross
to pay for our sins, He arose on the third day and He is now at the right
hand of the Father making intersession for us.
(John
19:30):
v30. So when Jesus had
received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Our Response: It's not enough just to know this. We have to personally Believe and trust Him for what He has done
for us. It is appropriate to ask His forgiveness and leadership
in our lives.
(13) "Lifestyles of the Believer (I):"
"An Appointment
With God:"
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants
for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When
can I go and meet with God?" (Psalm 42:1, 2)
What Is:? A. T.A.W.G.? T._(Time) _A. _(Alone)_
W._(With)_ G._(God)_
1. A time or personal _(Time)_ with
God. (Luke 6:12) *Key element is desire.
(cf. Psalm 42:1,2)
2. A time when God _(Speaks)_to
you about your life through his Word(Psalm 139:23, 24)
3. A time for personal_(Thought)_
and _(Reflection)_
(Psalm 100)
Why
Have A T. A. W. G.:?
1. God desires
our (Fellowship)_.
2. God deserves our _(Attention)_.
3. God delights in our _(Spiritual Growth)__.
How To
Have A T.A.W.G.:
1. Choose the best _(Time)_.
2. Choose the best _(Place)_.
3. Choose the best __(Plan)_.
Here's
A Good Plan For Beginners :
"Ten Minutes With God:"
1 minute - Pray for guidance, Praise to God, Quiet your heart.
4 minutes - Read Scripture; ask God for special insight.
5 minutes - Prayer A._(Adoration)__C._(Confession)__T._(Thanksgiving)_S._(Specific
Requests)_.
(14)"Lifestyles
of the Believer: (II)"
"Habits,
Heartbeat, and Hope Chests:"
How you live your day-to-day
life is of great importance to God. He cares about your:
1. Habits - Your_(EXAMPLE)_as
a Christian. (Romans 14:21)(1
Corinthians 8 - 9) Principle
of the Weaker Brother: Voluntarily refrain from anything that may harm your
(cf. Romans 15:1-3)
2. Heartbeat - Your _(ATTITUDE)_as a Christian. (Philippians 2:1-5)
3. Hope Chest - Your _(PRIORITIES)_ as a Christian. (Matthew 22:37).
Priority 1 - Your relationship with (GOD)
Priority 2 - Your relationship with (FAMILY)
Priority 3 - Your relationship with (OTHER PEOPLE)
Your Personal Priority "Quick Check:"
Your (Calendar) (time)
Your (Cash) (money)
(15)"Three
Goals of a Grace Community Church Member:"
1. To be (GROWING) (Spiritual Growth) (1 Peter 1:14-16)
2. To be (GRACIOUS) (Socially Uplifting) (Colossians
3:12-14)
3. To be (GIVING) (Submissive to God) (1 Corinthians
16:1-4)
Grace Principles of Giving from Paul's Writings:
1. A (UNIVERSAL) practice - everyone is to be a
giver, "each one of you"
2. A (REGULAR) activity - as often as you get paid,
"on the first day..."
3. A (PLANNED) activity - plan ahead to give, "set
aside a sum..."
4. A (PROPORTIONATE) amount - "in keeping with
his income..."
5. An (UNPRESSURED) response - cf. 2 Corinthians
9:7, "...not under compulsion"
6. A (RESPONSIBLE) stewardship - make sure you give
to worthy causes Giving is a matter of the heart, not the wallet (2 Corinthians
8:8)
(16)
"What we believe:"
The
Bible:
1. The entire Bible in its original writings is inherent, verbally
inspired of God and of plenary authority. (2Timothy
3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:21).
The God Head:
2. There is ONE God eternally
existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4;
John 4:24; 10:30; Ephesians 4:6).
Jesus Christ:
3. Jesus Christ was begotten
by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, and is true God and true
man. (Luke 1:35; Philippians 2:6-9; Romans 1:13,17,18).
The Holy Spirit:
4. The Holy Spirit is a Person who convicts the world of sin and
who regenerates, baptizes, seals, and indwells upon believing.
He enlightens and empowers the saved. (John 16:8;
Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13,17,18).
Our Need:
5. All men by nature are dead
in trespasses and sins and, therefore, do nothing pleasing to God.(Ephesians
2:1-3; Romans 8:7,8).
Salvation:
6. Man is justified by grace through faith in Christ's blood.
Complete salvation is bestowed by God as a free gift apart from
man's works. (Romans 3:24-28; 5:1-9; Ephesians 2:8,9).
Security:
7. All the saved are eternally secure in Christ (Colossians
2:9; 3:1-4; Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:38-39).
The Church:
8. In the present dispensation
there is only one Bible Church which is called the Body of Christ, having
a membership composed of all the saved. (1 Corinthians
12:13; Ephesians 1:22,23; 3:6). The historical manifestation of the Body of
Christ began with the Apostle Paul before he wrote his first epistle.
(1 Thessalonians 2:14-16, cf. Acts 13:45,46; Philippians 1:5,6;
1 Corinthians 12:13,27, cf. Acts 18).
Ministry:
9. The ministry gifts for the
Body of Christ are enumerated in: Ephesians
4:7-11; Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. Some of these gifts were permanent
in nature and some were to pass away. Some were of the nature of ministers
given to the Church and some were individual enablements for spiritual
services. Since the New Testament canon was completed through the ministries
of Apostles and Prophets, we believe these two offices have been
fulfilled and no longer exist. Likewise the sign gifts, such as
tongues, miracles and healing which were addressed primarily to
the nation of Israel have fulfilled their purpose and have passed
away according to (2Corinthians
14:22) 1Corinthains 13:8-11.
Christian Living:
10. By reason of Christ's victory
over sin and of His indwelling Spirit, all of the saved may and should
experience deliverance from the power of sin by obedience to Romans 6:11
but we deny that man's nature of sin is ever eradicated during this life. (Romans
6:6-14; Galatians 5:16-25; Romans 8:37; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 10:2-5).
Communion:
11. The communion of the
Lord's Supper as revealed in 2Corinthians 11:23-26 is for members of the Body
of Christ to observe as a remembrance "until He comes."
One Baptism:
12. All saved persons have
been made members of the Body of Christ by one divine baptism:(2Corinthians
12:13). By that one baptism every member of the Body of Christ is identified
with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. In the light
of the statement concerning the one baptism in Ephesians 4:5,
the statements concerning baptism in Colossians 2:12 and Romans
6:3,4 and Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 1:17 that "Christ
sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" we conclude
that water baptism has no place in God's spiritual program for
the Body of Christ in this day of Grace.
Resurrection:
13. Jesus Christ was resurrected
bodily from the dead. He showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs.
He ascended into heaven as the Man, Christ Jesus, the one Mediator
between God and Man, and now exalted at God's right hand he represents
the believer in God's presence as Advocate, High Priest and Intercessor. Therefore,
according to 1 Corinthians 15:21, all men will have a bodily resurrection
(Acts 24:15); the saved to everlasting glory and
the unsaved to everlasting punishment(Luke 24:39-43;
John 5:29; Revelation 20:11-15).
The Future:
14. The Rapture and the Second
Coming: He will appear in the air first to receive the Church unto Himself
. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Philippians 3:20,21. The rapture) and then
come to receive and reign over His Millennial Kingdom (Zechariah 14:4,9;
Acts 1:10-11; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:4-6).
Satan:
15. Satan is a living, personal, active devil who is the prince
of the power of the air: (Ephesians 6:12).
Mission:
16. The mission and commission of the Church is to follow the
revelation of Truth given to the apostle
Paul by the risen Christ
for us. (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6;
Romans 11:13; 15:16; Ephesians 3:1; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2Timothy 1:11;
2:2). That Gospel which Paul calls "my gospel" is God's message
for today: (Romans 2:16; 16:25; 2Timothy 2:8; Galatians 1:6-9, 11; 2:2,
5-7). We, as Paul, should strive to preach the Gospel in the regions
beyond where Christ is not yet named:
(Romans 15:20; 2 Corinthians
10:16).
(17)
"Some Have Asked"
"What makes Grace Community Church different? "'What does "Dispensational" mean?"
The Bible uses the term "dispensation" to describe how
God has been dealing with humankind throughout the course of human
history. In: (Ephesians 3:2 and 3:9), the New International Version translates
with the word "administration" to identify God's relationship
with humankind as being somehow different than in the past. The
word "administration" makes sense to us today because
we understand changes from one political administration to the
next.
Many things continue the same and many other things can
change radically in the requirements laid down in law and special
directives. We consider it essential to distinguish at least three
dispensations in the Bible: Law (past); Grace (present); Kingdom
(future); though some would suggest there are more. The importance
has to do with what we apply or not apply to ourselves today.
What? You don't baptize:?
When the subject of baptism is mentioned, most people think only
of a religious ceremony involving the use of water. The Bible
refers to at least twelve different kinds of baptism, the majority
of which have nothing to do with water. Christ referred to His
death as a baptism (Luke 12:50). John spoke of a baptism with
the Holy Spirit and a baptism of fire which Christ would accomplish
(Matthew 3:11). Paul states that the nation of Israel was baptized
unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea when they came out of Egypt;
however, they went through the sea on dry land (2Corinthians 10:2).
Paul also states
that by one Spirit all believers in this dispensation are baptized into
the Body of Christ (2Corinthians 12:13). Martyrdom seems to be called a
baptism in (2Corinthians 15:29). Man may perform ritual baptism ceremonies; only the Holy Spirit
can produce real baptism. Ritual baptisms were very prominent
under the Mosaic law. (Hebrews 9:10) states that the Law had its
standing only in certain meat and drink ordinances and in various
baptisms, all of them carnal or fleshly ordinances. None of these
ceremonies, including animal sacrifices could actually take away
sin. Only the blood of Christ can do that.
There are actually twelve different baptisms in all of scripture,
most not involving water. Paul states that in this dispensation
there is but ONE BAPTISM (Ephesians 4:5). Is that one baptism
ritual or real; is it water or is it Spirit? Paul places great
emphasis on the believer being baptized by the Spirit into Christ,
but in the only place in his letters he mentions water baptism,
he states: "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach
the gospel" (2Corinthians 1:17).
Because it is clear that none of the twelve apostles could have
said this, we conclude that something changed in the significance
of baptism. A well known Reformed theologian has stated that millions
have received water baptism without ever having received the grace
of God, and other millions have received the grace of God entirely
apart from ceremonial baptism. Water can cleanse only the outward
flesh; only the Spirit can cleanse the inward person.
(18)"Six
Habits Of A Healthy Church:"
1. Communicate the (WORD) rightly
divided. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God
may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (1Timothy 3:16-17) Since God's
Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept
the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question is, "What does
the Bible say?" Too many people
are biblically illiterate today.
2. Create an atmosphere of (CARING) for each other.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love
one another. (John 13:35) The degree to which we are effective in communicating
love is the degree to which we will see people grow in Christ. The place
where people truly love one another is a place of acceptance,
encouragement and dramatic spiritual growth. Helping one another
put love in action is essential if the body is to be healthy.
3. Build (INTENTIONAL) relationships. We loved you so much that we
were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives
as well. (1 Thessalonians 2:8) Positive spiritual change comes through relationships.
You can only impact people up close. The closer the personal relationship,
the greater the potential for impact.
4. Motivate people by (GRACE) not (GUILT) . Therefore, I urge
you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God . . .(Romans 12:1). Proper motivation to serve
and minister stems from a proper understanding of the grace of Jesus Christ.
When we preach and teach we do not emphasize what we must do for God but what
God has done for us so that we serve Him for the proper reasons.
5. Nurture a healthy (MINISTRY) image. May the God of hope fill
you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) The image of a church
in the community and among its members directly affects our commitment to
the church's cause, the degree to which we learn, and the amount of effort
we place on bringing others. We parade the blessings and potential, not the
problems.
6. Mobilize a strong (PRAYER) base. Pray in the Spirit on all
occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. . .be alert and always keep
on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:17) Every area of ministry must
be saturated with prayer. God's work is not defined by our clever programs,
curriculum, video libraries, creative clip-art or any other ministry tool
but by God's power. We must come to grips with our need to pray if we are
going to see the fruit of changed lives.
(19) "The
Grace Community (open book) Quiz:"
1. We want to produce: (a).Reproducing
disciples of Jesus Christ:(b). Caring: (c).Outreach: (d).Fellowship: (e).Decipleship:
2. Six key habits for the church as a whole are: (a). Communicate
the word.(b). Create an atmosphere of love. (c).
Build intentional relationships. (d). Motivate people by grace not guilt.(e).
Nurture a healthy image. (f).
Mobilize a strong prayer base.
3. Can you name the four target groups we are trying to reach? (a). Community:
(b). Congregational: (c). Crowd: (d). Committed:
4. The People are the (Ministers): the (Pastor): is (Coach):
5. Three types of programs:(Winning);_(Building); (Equipping):__
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