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Questions & Answers: Bible and Church Discipline
Q1 Aren't we all children of God?
That would be true if sin weren't an issue in this
whole subject. We were created as God's children, but when Adam sinned, we ceased to carry God's nature, and took
on a nature that was much like its father Satan. We not only didn't have God's nature within us anymore, but we showed
that we were children of disobedience. We, according to the Scriptures, had become children of the darkness, and loved the
darkness better than life because our deeds were evil. Even those who tried harder to obey God were found to fall short of
God's glory, and in their own way sinned. They had rebelled against God. They had rejected God's gift of salvation
and love. We only become God's children as we are "born again" as Jesus said. We are called the children of
God after we receive Him as our Lord and Savior.
Q2 Don't all religions lead to the same
God?
Don't we all worship the same God around the world? First of all, let the religions of the world
answer part of the question. They would say that they aren't the same. Moslems are against Buddhists as well as Christians.
Then there are even differences between different groups of Moslems, Catholics, Buddhists, and Protestants. So if there are
differences, and these groups says that they aren't worshipping the same God, then the real question is how can we know
who is right?
We must look at three things primarily: (1) their founders; (2) their literature; and (3) their
fruits. First, of all the founders, Jesus claimed He was more than a prophet. He claimed He was the only savior. He claimed
that He was God. All the others encouraged people to find the truth. Jesus said He was the truth and He only. Either He was
who He said He was or He has been one of the great lunatics and liars the world has ever known. If the latter were true, then
He, his teachings, and his disciples have done the greatest amount of good and benefit to mankind of any religion. Over the
centuries, nobody has been able to substantiate an accusation against Jesus. Many people have tried, but all have failed.
They haven't been able to discredit Jesus in His words, in His actions, or in His claims. Secondly, all the literatures
of the religions try to point people to the way to God, but Jesus said that He was the only way to God. Lastly, all the other
religions are inward focused. But what Jesus taught us is outreach focused. He didn't come that we might be better than
others, but that we might be servants of all. He came that we might have the life of God.
Q3
I was in a church, but I have left because I was hurt. I don't know if I will ever get involved again in a church.
You have obviously been hurt, but you should know that Jesus predicted that these last days would be perilous
times. He said that many would be offended. James says that if we don't offend with our mouth we would be perfect. Jesus
said that offences will come, but wow to the person by which they come. We will all offend someone sometime, but the question
is whether it was deliberate or accidental. Either way, did we humble ourselves and ask forgiveness. That is the offending
person.
What about the offended person? They are to forgive, though they have been offended. This doesn't
mean that they have to stay at that church, but it does mean they have to forgive, and try to get things worked out between
them. If they have forgiven the person, they shouldn't purposely talk about them either. Finally, the days until Jesus
comes back for His Bride is soon. Hebrews 10:25 says that we shouldn't stop fellowshipping together as we see the day
approaching (His catching up of the church). We need the encouragement of other brothers and sisters for our walk. We can't
make it by ourself. Find a church where you can grow. There are no perfect churches!
Q4 I feel a call into
the ministry, but I'm not sure where to start? What should I do?
Sometimes it is good to ask yourself
a few questions. First, unfortunately, if you are a woman, you have less options than a man. There are some denominations
that don't think woman are good in ministry except for Sunday school or missionary work. Most of your Spirit filled denominations
believe woman can do more than that. Find out before you get training for that particular denomination.
You also
need to pray and know whether you would want to uproot , move to another city, get another job, and find another home to live
in. This would include finding another church. Bible schools can be from two years to four years. If you have already ministered,
but in a different denomination, they probably will want you to take several classes on their denominational traits or government.
If you attend a certain church, find out from the pastor what Bible schools He would recommend.
Some churches
now are starting their own Bible schools, and as long as you can get practical training through your church while you are
taking the courses, I would encourage you to do that. But this would probably mean that you are going to help in that particular
ministry or you will be starting a new work similar to the church you are attending now.
Another question that
you should ask yourself related to training is how much time practically do you have to equip yourself? If you are in your
50's, you should consider something short-term, or something that you can study while you are ministering. There are Bible
schools where you don't have to go full time, but can take a few three unit courses while you are ministering.
Another question is what is my pastor's vision, and where can I plug in? If you feel God's call then it is important
to equip yourself not just with book knowledge, but practical hands-on-training and learning. Volunteer for as many church
ministries as you can, letting the Pastor know that you would like to rotate every quarter to something else. This means you
can't be a leader in any particular ministry in the church, but as you help the leader, and ask to learn from them, you
will have a broad insight into the ministry. This means that if you are a man, you need to not only help in outreach, ushering,
and Home Bible studies, but also such things as nursery, Sunday school classes, or children's church.
Finally,
you should prepare and write down those things that you get from the Holy Spirit that you can later teach or preach to the
Body of Christ. Do as much studying as you can. Also it would be good to take a few classes in the area of business. Church
isn't a business, but it helps to know business for the church and its finances.
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