THEO104 Study Guide Week 1-8

THEO104 Study Guide Week 1-8 THEO104 Study Guide Week 1-8 Module/Week 1: Introduction to Theology Textbook Readings: Towns: Introduction & Ch. 1 Introduction 1. How did the term “Christian” originate? Christianity is the influence of Jesus Christ. The word Christian started in Antioch and describes the relationship between Jesus and his followers. To be considered Christian one must be “Christ Like” and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout the gospels of the bible. The term Christian is derived from the word Christ which originated from Jesus, the son of God, who was born to Mary and Joseph of Nazarene. Jesus Christ and his teachings are the heart and soul of the Christian faith (Christianity). Therefore, to be considered Christian one would have to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the son of God, in their hearts and follow his teachings until death. This presence of Christ in the hearts of Jesus’ followers is what manifested into the religion known as Christianity leading to the followers of Jesus Christ to be called Christians. When the word “Christian” orginated it was initially 2. Who was this book written for? This book was written for anyone who knows something about Christianity, but who is curious and wants to learn know more about Christianity and what it means to be a Christian. 3. Why do some have mistaken ideas about Christianity? Unfortunately, the media [and technology] has really played a role in why many have mistaken ideologies about Christianity. First and foremost, we have what I common refer to as hypocrites, those who may preach one thing, and do the opposite of what they are teaching. Then you have those evangelists who care more about trying to heal people, being rich (gaining money), etc. and they forget that Christianity is about the teachings of Christ, not about making it rich or being popular. These actions often times have those questioning the Christian faith, and as a Christian myself I can say I too have had questions due to the actions of others who claim to be Christ like or that I looked up to as a mentor in my faith and they strayed from the path of righteousness. Jesus Christ is the core to Christianity and without him we would not and do not have the Christian faith. Chapter 1 1. What year was Jesus born? Jesus, who was a Jew, was born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, a small village in southern Palestine, in the year 4 BC 2. When was Christianity made Rome’s national religion? Constantine made Christianity the national religion of Rome in AD 313. 3. What is the Incarnation? Incarnation is a term used to describe God in the flesh. Jesus [the son of God] took on human flesh and lived among us [mankind]. Jesus became the example that others were to follow after his crucifixion and resurrection (Christianity) so that [man] could obtain salvation and spend eternity in the house of the lord, [God]. This incarnation also helps us understand both the divinity and humanity of Christ. Christ was both human and divine. When God sent his son [Jesus] to the earth, he essentially sent a piece of himself [God the father, God the son & God the holy Spirit] from heaven, to be born of a virgin, and walk upon the earth as a man spreading the word about the greatness and love of his father [God]. “no man cometh to the father, but by me” is one of passages that has always resonated with me throughout my childhood. 4. Does the Bible states that Jesus was the creator of the world? Yes. (John 1:3 and Col. 1:16) We have to remember that God was the creator of the world. Jesus is the son of God and the second person of the trinity [God the father, God the son and God the holy spirit] and is considered the savior of the world. God is the father who sent his son to the earth so that mankind can come to him for salvation and the holy spirit is the last part of the trinity who exists on the earth now, that offers us comfort from God as Christians that continue to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. 5. Did Jesus claim to have supernatural origins? Yes. Jesus claimed to be the son of God and that through him mankind would be able to reach out to his father for comfort, for forgiveness, and for love. 6. Who baptized Jesus? Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist at age 30. John the Baptist [Jesus’ cousin] did not want to do the baptism, but Jesus told him it had to be done as it was the will of God, his father. 7. Did Jesus allow people to worship him? Yes, he allowed his disciples to worship him as well as anyone else who wanted to come see the face of God. He [Jesus] allowed those to come and worship [the son of God] and because he often referred to himself as “I AM” or made statements that “anyone who has seen me, has seen the father” [remember they are one in the same]. Etzel & Gutierrez: Introduction & Chs. 1–5 1. Why does the author say that everyone is a theologian? The authors say that everyone is a theologian because anyone who has ever lived has had thoughts or ideas about God and these thoughts and ideas influence the was we live out our lives. 2. What areas of our lives are influenced by the way we see God? Every aspect of our lives are influenced by the way we see God. 3. How did Jesus show that he is worthy of our faith? When Jesus sacrificed himself for the sins of {mankind] and then rose form the dead he showed that he and [the father] were worthy of our faith. This miraculous event [resurrection of Jesus Christ] solidifies the credibility of Jesus Christ as the son of God, earning him the right to have us place our faith in him. As a result, we can now go through him [Jesus] to obtain eternal salvation with the lord [our God], earning us a place in heaven for eternity. Faith in Jesus is never blind, it’s never temporary, and it’s never uncertain. 4. Do Christians need to ignore intellect and reason in order to have faith in Jesus? No. You should never have blind faith in Jesus and you should never leave behind your God given intellect to use your critical thinking skills to search for the truth. When you have blind faith you are saying that you chose to believe in Jesus and that your faith in Jesus cannot be proven to be true or false. We must engage [God’s] truth in our hearts, mind, and souls. You have proof of your faith in Jesus and if you do not believe that you possess the truth to prove your faith [in Jesus] then you are ignoring the intellect and reason that God has given all men. We use the bible to prove our faith in Jesus Christ. We [Christians] use the word of God [bible] to offer truth to those who question our faith. 5. What does Jesus teach about truth? Jesus teaches us that truth is attainable through him and that truth is the word of God, and that he [Jesus] is the truth and that the only way to reach out to God and ask for forgiveness of our sins is through him. Jesus [truth] can be described as the anchor or “point of reference” to the father [God] and that by holding onto the teachings of Jesus [truth] we will secure our bearings [walk in the way of the lord] throughout our lives and be able to appropriately navigate life’s decisions in a Christ like way. Online Excerpts: “Understanding the Faith” 1. What is more important than the sincerity of your belief? An act of faith is more important than the sincerity of our beliefs, as this is the ultimate expression of our Christianity. 2. What are the six types of faith that describe the believer's relationship to God? Doctrinal Faith (statement of faith): This is the bible. Doctrinal faith is living and abiding by the teachings of Jesus [son of God] found in the word of God [bible] Saving Faith (becoming a Christian): This is the faith that brings us to Christianity. We chose to confess our sins to Jesus [son of God] and put our trust and faith in his teachings by asking for forgiveness and walking in the footsteps of Jesus. This is called salvation through Jesus Christ [son of God]. Justifying Faith: The belief that we have been justified or declared righteous in our faith when we go to meet the lord [God]. This is the action where he [God] declares us [those who believe in Christ] righteous and able to enter the kingdom of heaven. Indwelling Faith (letting faith of Christ flow through us): [man] cannot overcome sin and sinful habits alone and must use faith in Jesus [son of God] to overcome these obstacles and grow in the Christian faith. We can refer to this as walking in the faith of the lord and savior [Jesus Christ] or being “Christ” like in our actions and decisions. Daily Faith (Live the Christian lifestyle): Living by Faith and being set apart to God [sanctification]. Daily sanctification requires the exercise of faith “walk by faith, not by sight” The Gift of Faith (growth in our spiritual gifts): A gift given by the holy spirit to [mankind] to serve God. “Prolegomena to Theology”—Pg. 18–24 1. What are the four tools for accurately arranging a systematic theology? Inspired Revelation: Soucre of authority or direction in our life and ministry as it is found in the scriptures making ir easier to accurately arranage a systematic theology. Faith: The total meaning of the scripture cannot be understood by the natural man, so you [mankind] must have a personal faith with God in order to understand his word and to accurately arranage a systematic theology. Language (biblical): Have a good working knowledge of the biblical language and you can attain a better understanding of God’s word and to accurately arranage a systematic theology. History: You must have a good understanding of the history of Christendom to accurately arranage a systematic theology. 2. What four questions must we ask about faith? Is the present day Christian faith in line with and based upon the continuous faith of the Chrisitans found in the New Testament? (contemporary faith) If your concept of faith is available to all people, and if so is the method to acquire it and express it predictable? (predictability of faith) Is private faith based on objective faith? (private faith) Are the symbols of your faith meaningful (must be able to describe faith)? (symbols & expressions) 3. What 5 factors can limit our theology? Human Understanding: Man doesn’t know everything about God, science, life, and historical theology, therefore he [mankind] cannot have a perfect understanding of theology. Language: God has used words to communicate to us [mankind], but because we [mankind] do not fully understanding of exactly what he was trying to say, it can cause us to have limitations in theology. We cannot fully or accurately communicate with God or understand him due to this language barrier. Ignorance of Scripture: Because we do not know everything in the scripture, we can not have a full understanding of the word of God, which limits our understanding. This limitation of theology can diminish as we overcome our ignorance of the scripture [continue to read/study], however it may never be totally eliminated. The Silence of God: God has secrets which he has not revealed and until those secrets have been revealed we will continue to have limitations to our understanding of theology. The Nature of Science: We do not know everything and all of our knowledge is not 100% accurate, making our understanding of him [God] limited by our imperfect state of our developing sciences. Spiritual Blindess: The spititual inability to perceive god’s pattern, which is hindered by sin in our lives, will cause us to have limtations in theology. “The Names of Christ” – Pg. 160–173 1. What chapter of the New Testament does the author suggest contains the most names of Jesus? The First Chapter of John has the most names of Jesus. 2. Which of God’s names do some scholars think that Jesus is claiming with his “I am” statements? It is believed that his [Jesus} “I AM” reference statements mean that Jesus was claiming to be Jehovah [name of God]. 3. What is the term “only begotten” used to describe about Jesus? The “only begotten” term is used to describe the unique relationship that exists between the father [God] and Jesus. 4. Why does the author think that the Gospel of John calls Jesus the “word”? Because it was mention over 1200 times in the old testament as a message or revalation from God. The “word” is a means of communication and man cannot communicate with God, except through Jesus [son of God] who was sent her to spread the teachings of his father [God], he then died so that we [mankind] can obtain eternal salvation and enter the kingdom of heaven when we die. Therefore, by calling Jesus the “word” we are saying that he is the way in which we can communicate with God and that God sent him to earth to teach us his word to save us from spending eternity in hell. 5. What would Jews think who heard Christ calling Himself the “Son of Man”? Jews who heard Jesus call himself the “son of man” they would immediately think the he was calling himself the Messiah, who is the son of man in David’s vision which would in turn fulfill the prophecies of the old testament. “The Deity of Christ”—Pg. 155–160 1. T/F Jesus Christ is the second member of the trinity, is equal with the father in nature and yet submissive in duty. TRUE 2. T/F Christ was a single and undivided personality. TRUE. He was both Human and Divine. He was not God and man, but God-man 3. T/F Jesus claimed to be one with the father. TRUE (1 of 8 claims of Jesus Christ to attest his deity) 4. T/F Jesus claimed to have the ability to forgive sins. TRUE (1 of 8 claims of Jesus Christ to attest his deity) 5. T/F Jesus allowed people to worship him. TRUE (1 of 8 claims of Jesus Christ to attest his deity) 6. T/F Jesus claimed to have omnipresence, omniscience and omnipotence. TRUE (1 of 8 claims of Jesus Christ to attest his deity) 7. What does the term “preexistence” mean? Preexistence means that Christ existed in the old testament. This was his claim to deity [God] as he referenced himself in the old testament. 8. What does the term “eternality” mean when referring to Christ? Eternally means that he [Jesus Christ] has no beginning and no end and therefore is not limited by time. 9. T/F The fact that Christ allowed people to worship him shows that He thought that he was divine. TRUE and others also subscribed to his [Jesus’] deity as they taught others that Jesus Christ should be worshipped. Module/Week 2: The Bible Textbook Readings: Towns: Ch. 2 1. What does dual authorship mean? Dual authorship means that both God and Man were writing the bible at the same time. God gave man the inspiration to write his word and his word is known as the bible. 2. What was the Old Testament written on? The old testament was written on leather and vellum (parchments) 3. What are the three divisions of the Old Testament? The three divisions of the pld testament are Moses, Prophets, and Psalms. 4. What did the Psalms scroll contain? The Psalms scrolls contained historical books and minor prophets. 5. What is a codex? Codex is a book with a spine…it was paper made from Papyrus reeds that were sewn together at the edges. 6. Where does the name “Bible” come from? The word bible comes from “ta biblia” which was a word written on the outside cover of the scripture books and means “the book”. “Ta Biblia” is latin and the English word “bible” was generated from this word. 7. Where does the term “Scripture” come from? Scripture comes from the word scriptus, which means the act of producing writing. This generated the word scriptures when referencing the writings of the bible. 8. *What are three ways the Bible can influence its reader? The bible can influence its reader by convincing them of their sin; by convincing them to seek Jesus as their Savior; and by converting them to Christianity through salvation nd belief in the lord [Jesus Christ] and the son of God and only way to the father [God]. Etzel & Gutierrez: Chs. 6–10 1. Who is God's revelation available to? God’s revelation is available to everyone. Paul talks about the fact that even those far from God are without excuse since God's power is clearly seen through his works (Romans 1:20) 2. Is general revelation enough to bring someone to salvation? Why? No, general revelation is not enough to bring someone to God. The bible tells us that salvation itself is only a work of God and that salvation is achieved through Jesus Christ. Salvation is not something you can buy or earn through good deeds. It is only achieved by understanding that salvation is a gift from God that is achieved by believing in Jesus Christ and accepting him as your personal savior. General revelation still provides awesome opportunities to admire the grandiose power and majesty of God (i.e., mountains, landscape, atmosphere, universe, etc.). “KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO TYPES OF REVELATION WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNOWING ABOUT GOD AND PERSONALLY KNOWING GOD” (p.34) 3. What is the significance of the fact that the words of the Bible were inspired by God? To understand that the words of the bible are not merely words written by man, but they are the very words of God himself. 4. Inspiration and Inerrancy apply to which manuscripts? It is important to remember that the modern day versions of the bible are translations from the original text that were inspired by God, to make reading and understanding the bible easier. The bible is not what you or I believe it to be, but it is the word of God, plain and simple and we must acknowledge the truth about his word. Inerrancy means the bible is without error. We are to live our lives in light of the teachings God offers through the pages of the Bible. The writers of the Bible did not speak on their own initiative. The writers of the bible were inspired by the holy spirit. 5. What is the discipline that studies the principles and theories of how texts ought to be interpreted? Hermeneutics is the discipline that studies the principles and theories of how texts ought to be interpreted, particularly sacred texts such as the Scriptures. Hermeneutics also concerns itself with understanding the unique roles and relationships between the author, the text and the original or subsequent readers. 6. What are the three basic steps to understanding the Bible? The three basic steps to understanding the Bible are (1) observation, (2) interpretation, and (3) application. By following these steps, students of the Bible can be more confident in their understanding of the Bible. The first step is observation. A simple observation of what is being said in the text itself through a basic understanding of the historical context of the passage. The second step is interpretation. This is the point where we seek to understand what exactly is being communicated about God in the passage The third step is application. It is important that you diligently study the Scripture, so that we live our lives based on the foundation of the Word of God. Online Excerpts: “Preservation: Insuring the Authenticity of the Text”—Pg. 73–78 1. What is “Textual Criticism”? Textual criticism is the study of bible text. 2. What is “lower Criticism”? Lower criticism deals with the actual text with a view of determining the orginial manuscript. 3. What is “Higher Criticism”? Higher criticism deals with the authorship, sources, dates and historical matters of the manuscript. “Inspiration: Guaranteeing the Word of Scripture”—Pg. 59–72 1. What are the four qualities of inspiration? Inspired Guidance: Inspired Personality: Inspired Word: Inspired Results: 2. T/F Inspiration incorporates the personality of the writer into the final product. TRUE 3. What does Conceptual inspiration state was inspired? Conceptual inspiration stated that the ideas were inspired. 4. What does partial inspiration state? Parital inspiration states that paerts of the scriptures we inspired, but that God did not identify which parts were inspired. 5. What does limited inspiration state? Limited inspiration states that only part of the scripture is inspired and it identifies which parts are inspired. It also stated that inspiration is limited to religious dogma. 6. According to the text, what is “Bibliolatry”? Who was accused of it? Bibliolatry is the worshipping of the bible. According to the text Inerrantists were accused of it. 7. According to the text, about what percent of the New Testament is either quotation or allusion to the Old Testament? According to the text, about 10% of the New Testament is either quotation or allusion to the Old Testament. 8. What are the 5 arguments for inspiration/inerrancy? The bible teaches it: Jesus affirms it: The Church father recognizes it: The character of God affirms it: Life-Going spirit of scripture affirms it: “Canonicity: The Standard for Including Books in Scripture”—Pg. 79–88 1. What four criteria determine that a person is a biblical prophet? A claim that the message is from God. Recognized predictabilities of the prophecies. Message must be in accord with the revealed will of God. Does the prophet lead people away from God? 2. What are the 12 main arguments against adding the Apocrypha to the canon (the Bible)? The apocryphal books are generally weak in style & organization They contain historical & geographical errors They are old testament in nature, but most were written in Greek The Apocryha is not quoted by Christ or any new testament writers The plan of salvation runs trhough the OT, but is not evident in apocryphal books There are no messianic prophecies mentioned in the Apocrypha. The Apocrypha makes no claim od divine inspiration The Apocrypha were not included in the original Hewbrew canon Phio never referred to them Jerome did not include the Apocrypha in the scripture The spiritual level is low in the Apocrypha The Apocrypha implies doctrine contrary to scripture The Apocrypha was not considered part of the canon until A.D.1546 (council of trent) “Arguments that the Bible is the Word of God”—Pg. 43–48 1. What three arguments are the basis for arguments from revelation? The Bible is consistent with itself. The Bible corresponds with reality. The Bible claims can be scientifically demonstrated. 2. What empirical evidence sets Christianity apart from other belief systems? The fulfillment of prophecy sets Christianity apart from other belief systems. 3. Name two sources that establish an early date of scripture. Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are the two sources that establish an early date of scripture. “Bibliology”—Pg. 28–42 1. What is Revelation? Revelation is the act whereby God gives us knowledge about Himself which we could not otherwise know. In relation to the bible, the doctrine of revelation relates to the unveiling of truth in the material of the Scriptures; Because humans are finite and God is infinite, if they are to know God it must come about by God's manifestation of himself. There are two basic classifications of revelation. General revelation is God's communication of himself to all persons at all times and in all places. Special revelation involves God's particular communications and manifestations of himself to particular persons at particular times, communications and manifestations that are available now only by consultation of certain sacred writings 2. What is inspiration? Inspiration is the supernatural guidance of the writers of Scripture by the Spirit of God whereby they wrote the divine Word of God, transcribed accurately and reliably. In realtion to the bible, inspiration concerns the method by which the Holy Spirit superintended the writing of Scripture; Inspiration is the guidance or influence of the Holy Spirit on the human writers of Scripture so that God controlled them in such a way that what they wrote was exactly what God wanted them to write without error. There was no error in grammar, historical locations, sociological understanding, mathematics, geology, geometry, or geography. Inspiration is a supernatural guidance executed on the sacred writers by the Spirit of God, by which their own personal writings become the divine Word of God 3. What is inerrancy? Inerrancy recognizes that what God revealed and inspired is accurate, reliable, authoritative and without error. Inerrancy means that the Bible contains no errors. 4. What is the Canon? The Canon is the standard by which the sixty-six books in the Bible and their content were determined and the basis upon which they were included in Scripture. Canon means measuring rod or standard. In regard to the Bible, it is the church's standard of faith and practice, and second, in regard to its contents as the correct collection and list of inspired books. 5. What is hermeneutics? Hermeneutics is the science of biblical interpretation. Hermeneutics is the discipline that studies the principles and theories of how texts ought to be interpreted, particularly sacred texts such as the Scriptures. Hermeneutics also concerns itself with understanding the unique roles and relationships between the author, the text and the original or subsequent readers. 6. What is illumination? Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit in helping the believer understand and apply the spiritual meaning of the Scriptures. In relation to the Bible, illumination refers to the ministry of the Spirit by which the meaning of Scripture is made clear to the believer. 7. What does Hebrews 1:1–2 teach about divine revelation? Divine revelation is also progressive. God spoke both "in time past unto the fathers by the prophets" and "hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" (Heb. 1:1-2). Revelation was progressive not in the sense that prior facts (i.e., Old Testament) were false, but rather that they were incomplete. 8. What are the two areas of revelation? There are two main categories of God's revelation. These two categories can be summarized as God's general revelation and God's special revelation. General revelation: God's communication of himself to all persons at all times and in all places. General revelation can only make someone "familiar" with the actions and power of God Special Revelation: involves God's particular communications and manifestations of himself to particular persons at particular times, communications and manifestations that are available now only by consultation of certain sacred writings. Special revelation is what is able to bring about true life—change to a human being. It is God's Word that we are instructed to know more and more each day. 9. What is natural revelation? Natural revelation is the self-revelation of God through His Creation and through the makeup of man. 10. What is special revelation? Special revelation is the self-revelation of God through the Scriptures and finalized in Jesus Christ and relates to God’s plan of salvation for man. 11. What is reason? Reason is the intellectual and moral faculties of man as exercised in the pursuit of truth apart from supernatural aid. 12. What does the Cosmological argument state? The cosmological argument is based upon the fact of causation, or that God is the First Cause. Because something (nature) cannot come from nothing, and something (Creation) does exist by itself, therefore there must have been a force more powerful than nature to create the world. Hence the existence of Creation implies a Creator. 13. What 3 things is the Cosmological argument dependent upon? The cosmological argument depends upon the validity of three contributing truths: (a) that every effect must have a cause; (b) that the effect is dependent upon its cause for its existence; and (c) that nature cannot produce itself. (a) The present world reflects an interrelated existence that is described as a cause-and-effect relationship. (b) Everything begun traces its existence back to an independent and all-powerful First Cause that had a prior existence. (c) Therefore, the world must be the result of an omnipotent and eternal First Cause that exercises free will. 14. What does the Teleological argument state? The teleological argument implies a Creator because of the design that is apparent in the world. This argument implies that the design in the universe leads to a designer. As with the cosmological argument, the teleological argument does not prove certainty, but only probability. 15. What does the Anthropological argument state? The anthropological argument is also called the moral or psychological argument. It states that Man is a free and intelligent being; Because matter does not have the properties of freedom and intelligence, it is not an adequate explanation for man; Therefore, man’s freedom and intelligence are explained by God who is a person characterized by intellect and freedom. 16. What does the Anthropological argument reason? It reasons that the higher parts of human nature could never have come from non-intelligent matter 17. What does the ontological argument state? This is an argument to prove the existence of God from man’s idea of a perfect being. This argument does not reason from effect to cause as do the other arguments to prove God’s existence. Whereas the others are inductive in nature, this is deductive, and as such does not lead to probability or certainty, but to logical certitude only if the premise is unchallenged. But the phenomenology of perception is greatly influenced by subjective desire, subconscious motives, and sociological conditioning. 18. What does congruity mean? Congruity” means agreement, harmony or correspondence. This is not a separate argument for the existence of God, nor does it add any content to the general self-revelation of God. The existence of God is in harmony (congruity) with all facts, whether those facts be connected with man’s innate knowledge of God, the revelation of God in nature, or the knowledge of God that man can have through or as a result of his rational process. This argument states that since there is a lack of conflicting evidence that God does not exist, the rational mind can only accept the existence of God as revealed through general revelation. 19. What does the existence of laws imply? The existence of laws implies a “fixed standard,” which is another way to say “law.” Some feel that the existence of laws in society or the existence of a moral law within the individual is evidence of God’s self-revelation. 20. What does law in society give evidence of? Law is an extension of the nature of God, the presence of laws in society are our evidence that God has made man a social creature and placed within man a desire for law and order. Obviously they do not say civil law is meritorious, but that its existence reveals God the lawgiver. Also, they imply that man’s inborn impulse to judge others who break the law is evidence of that law. Module/Week 3: Mankind and Sin Textbook Readings: Towns: Chs. 8 & 10 Chapter 8 1. What point does the author illustrate with an elephant and 4 blind men? Today, people have many different, often conflicting ways to describe life and the world 2. Do Moslem leaders claim that Christianity and Islam are alike in that Allah was “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ?” No 3. What are the 4 questions that Darwinians have not been able to answer? 1) Where is the missing link?
 2) How can man evolve to be the apex of living beings if all the facts suggest the process of evolution goes the opposite way, that is, it devolves?
 3) Where did life originate?
 4) What about intelligent design? 4. What question did the old Presbyterian catechism address first? What is the chief end of man? Answer: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. 5. What do Christians believe the source of suffering to be? Conditions in this world not from God. (Sin) 6. What two reasons does the author suggest that we can know that Christianity actually explains life as we know it? Christianity is a consistent belief system. Christianity is a belief system that provides satisfying life system for those who follow Jesus Christ, whether they are men or women, rich or poor, old or young, and it works perfectly in all cultures around the world. 7. What is the relationship to works and salvation? Faith is prompted by God’s love to do good works. Chapter 10 1. What is the relationship to works and salvation? Faith is prompted by God's love to do good works 2. Why do Christians do good works? The love of God, gratitude, commanded from the Bible, pragmatism Etzel & Gutierrez: Chs. 11–15 1. Does the image of God refer to something a human is or something a human does? Something a human is…. 2. Being created in the image of God should help to point one another to whom? Their Creator 3. Is the image of God mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament? Yes 4. What ideas are included in the six different Greek words in the New Testament that talk about sin? Missing the mark, trespassing against someone else, doing something that is wicked, failing to perform an obligation 5. What does the heart represent in the Bible? Attitude; the inner being of the man, the man himself 6. What are the three aspects of the human personality? The intellect, the emotion, and the will Online Excerpts: “The Fall of Man” 1. Satan began his temptation of Eve by placing doubt in her mind concerning what? (Known as the “Fall of Man) He placed doubt in her mind about the word of God and then bringing her to the point of outright disobedience. 2. T/F: Prior to the Fall recorded in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve were all-knowing. False. Only God is all knowing. 3. How much time did Adam and Even spend in Eden before they sinned? Scripture does not tell us how long Adam and Eve enjoyed the bliss of Eden. Perhaps it was
only a brief period of time, possibly only several days. Support for a brief period comes from the command to Adam and Eve to replenish the earth. 4. What did Adam and Even do when God began to question them concerning their sin? They passed
off the responsibility to someone else. 5. When Satan tempted Even in the garden, he appealed to what three avenues of temptation? The lust of the flesh-good for food, the lust of the eyes-pleasant to the eyes, the pride of life-desired to make one wise “Origin of Humanity”—Pg. 556–560 1. What are 4 reasons to question evolution? 1. Because it is still a theory and an unverified hypothesis, 2. Here is no conclusive link between man and animal/primates 3. Man shows increased complexity rather than the accepted evolutionary state that mutations occur first. 4. There is no answer to where life began. 2. What is the difference between an open and closed system? Open- It is the presence of man upon earth to external factors
Closed- Man descended generally from the lower primates through natural processes, controlled entirely by inherent forces. 3. What is Fiat Creationism? Fiat Creationism. Typically conservative orthodoxy has tended to support this view. Basically, fiat creationism holds that God, by direct acts, brought into being virtually everything that exists. No previously
existing material or biological mechanism has ever or
will ever be employed byGod to create matter. Virtually everything that exists, was created ex-nihilo
(out of nothing) 4. What is Deistic Evolution? This view basically claims that God began the process of evolution within the context of created matter. Though God programmed the system, simple life forms were allowed to evolve into more complex life structures. During this entire process, God withdrew Himself from His creation, and
allowed the ordained natural laws to guide the creative process. As Creator emeritus, He is free of any direct creation since His initial act. 5. What is Theistic Evolution? Similiar in certain respects to deism, theistic evolution teaches that God began the creative process by bringing the first organism to life. He then discontinued His supernatural works, though He intervened to modify the process, and to insure the successful evolutionary trends. Unlike the deistic evolutionists who limit God's involvement to the initial life-giving force, the theistic evolutionists teach that God, as a necessary factor 6. What is Progressive Creationism? This view combines the view of specific de novo (fresh or from nothing) creative acts with in-moment or processive operations of life. As outlined in Scripture, God at several times created de novo. Progressive creation also allows for limited degrees of evolution within a specific species. 7. Which two possibilities of Creationism does the author say are closest to scripture? From these four possibilities, the first (fiat creation) and the last (progressive creation) are in closer in harmony with the testimony of Scripture. “Creation in the Image of God” 1. T/F: All of creation is created in the image of God. False. First, the image of God is not synonymous with man's immaterial nature. Animals, angels, and man (as forms of life)
share certain immaterial characteristics, yet only man is fashioned in God's image. 2. T/F: The image of God in man solely refers to his immaterial nature. True. According to the Genesis account of the image of God, it is restricted to the immaterial nature of man. 3. T/F: Only Christians maintain the image of God. False 4. T/F: The image of God in man was lost as a result of the fall of man. True. This image has been lost, in the fall, and regained, in redemption. 5. What four primary aspects are included in the image of God? 1. The image of God includes a rational aspect, though not limited to rationality 2. The image of God in man includes a moral aspect, though not exclusively. 3.The unperverted image of God within Adam also endowed him with the ability to properly discern between right and wrong. The ability to discern moral judgments is distinctly given to man. 4. The image of God has a spiritual aspect, though not exclusively. Inherent with the spiritual aspect are two separate issues: knowledge of right and wrong and without the disposition for evil. “Essential Elements of Sin” 1. What are the two types of sin that exist? 1. Actual Sin: the act of man who conscientiously chooses to violate a known law of God.
 2. Conditional Sin: Man being born into sin. 2. Does God tempt man to sin? No, by our own desires. 3. Is it a sin to be tempted? Yes he has a sinful nature and is in the condition of sin. 4. What are the four kinds of sin discussed in the article? 1. (Pre)Sin of Commission 2. (Pre)Sin Of Omission 3. (Ign)Sin of Commission 4. (IGN)Sin of Omission 5. What are the spiritual consequences for sin? 1. loss of original righteousness 2. Original guilt 3. Sinful nature 4. Image of God Altered 5. spiritual death “The Material and Immaterial Aspects of Man” 1. What terms are usually used to describe the various aspects of the immaterial nature of man? Soul, spirit, heart, mind, conscience, old man 2. The extensive use of which word places it in a position of supreme importance in Biblical psychology? The heart, the heart is also important of its bearing upon the spiritual life of the child of God. 3. T/F: The use of the term “heart” is best understood by simply saying “me.” True. 4. What is the conscience? Is the consciousness to man, as such of the law in his heart; the religious-moral determination of his self-consciousness dwelling in the human spirit, and effecting itself even against the will in all the forms of life man, the ethical side of the general sense of truth 5. What helps to develop the conscience in man? The conscience is developed by right doing 6. Why is man described as essentially evil? Man is described as essential evil because his heart is evil. While man can do many good deeds and have positive beautiful thoughts and creative moments he also can be motivated by evil desires that harm others and himself. As well as rebel against God 7. T/F: The heart of both the saved and unsaved is capable of being deceived by sin. True. The heart of both the saved and the unsaved are capable of being deceived by sin. 8. T/F: The heart can be “hardened” because of sin. True. The true heart is said to become hardened. This can happen in both the saved and unsaved. 9. What does it mean to say that the soul-spirit is “amoral”? Essentially the soul-spirit is amoral, that is it is neither good or bad, or has neither positive, or negative motivations. The heart is the motivation of the soul-spirit and is the driving force to evil or to belief. Module/Week 4: Jesus Christ Textbook Readings: Towns: Chs. 4 & 6 Chapter 4 1. List the eleven proofs of Christ’s resurrection. 1) The empty tomb 2) The sudden transformation of the frightened Disciples 3) The rapid emergence of the Church 4) The testimony of the various individuals and groups of people that claimed they talked with and fellowship with the resurrected Christ. 5) The physical resurrections is proved by the transformation of Paul 6) By the testimony of Believers in whom Christ dwelt. 7) By the New testament which completely and historically explains the doctrine of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 8) By the inability of the jewish leaders to disprove that Jesus arose from the dead, in the very citywhere He died and was buried. 9) Is proved by the change in the day of worship from saturday to Sunday. 10) By the conversion of James, the half brother of Christ. 11) By the testimony of Ignatius of Antioch, who was born in AD 10, when Jesus was raised from the dead. 2. T/F: Jesus predicted His death and resurrection. TRUE Chapter 6 1. What does the Greek word proseuchamai mean? Prayer 2. T/F: The Lord’s Prayer embryonically contains everything a Christian must know and every way that a Christian must pray. True 3. *Since a Christian has the righteousness of Christ, what should he do daily? Confrom his daily, earthly life to heavenly standards as taught in the word of God (Bible) Etzel & Gutierrez: Chs. 16–20 1. “The making of enemies into friends by averting the punishment that their sin would otherwise incur” defines what word? Atonement 2. What was the Day of Atonement? The day the high priest of the nation of Israel would enter into the most holy place in the temple and offer a sacrifice (covering) for his sins and for the sins of the Nation of Israel. 3. T/F: One difference between the sacrifices of the Old Testament and the sacrifice of Jesus is that Jesus' sacrificial offering for sin was permanent. True 4. Understand the significance of the various Greek words used in the New Testament for “redemption.” Agorazo- 1 Cor 6:20 talks about God buying us with a great price, as at a marketplace. Exaforazo- Gal 3:13 The idea of rescuing. Not only did Jesus pay the price for us, He rescued us from our situation Lytroo- Tit 2:14 Speaks of being released or freed 5. It has been said that the story of the Bible could be summarized with what word? Redemption 6. Does the Bible affirm that Jesus is both 100 percent God and 100 percent man? Yes 7. T/F: The Bible records the virgin birth as a fact? True 8. What is the central claim of Christianity? The resurrection of Christ from the death he paid on the cross Online Excerpts: “New Life in Christ”—Pg. 298–307 1. What is the term that describes why we have a legal standing by which we are declared righteous before God, and, on the basis of this judicial act, the Christian enjoys the life and peace of God? Justification 2. Who is the first person in the Bible described as having been justified by faith? Abraham 3. According to the excerpt, which two words are linked in Scripture, in that both come from the same word “dikaios?” Righteous and Justified 4. When does Justification occur? When we express saving faith in God. 5. What four words does Paul use in Romans 6 to aid us in applying this truth to our Christian life? Explain. 1. Know: the key truth Paul wanted the Romans to know was their identity in Christ 2. Reckon: to be counting on or be relying on 3. Yield: to surrender our lives on this earth to the design of heaven (as taught in Bible) 4. Obey: obedience is the nautral implication of recognizing the Lordship of Chrsit in our lives. 6. What is Sanctification? To set apart to/for God; set apart by God as Holy. It’s a three fold process 1. The believers were to sanctified (forgiven and set apart to God in salvation) 2. the believer is constantly being set apart from sin as He utilizes the means of grace in His life. 3. He will be completely sanctifited when he meets the Lord either in the rapture, or at the death. At that time he will be without sin 7. How do some wrongly define sanctification? Some say it means to eradicate the sin nature or to gain a position where it is no longer possible to sin. 8. What is Positional sanctification? The relationship with God which we enter by Faith in Jesus Christ 9. What is Progressive sanctification? Experimental or practical santification. It invovleds the struggle of the victor and the defeat of the Christian in this present life. 10. What is Prospective sanctification? Consummational Santification, for God will not complete the process until we arrive in Heaven “The Virgin Birth of Christ”—Pg. 184–191 1. What Old Testament Authors spoke about Christ’s future birth? Moses, Isaiah and Jeremiah 2. Why is it essential that Christ have been born of a virgin? So he would be born free of sin. If Jesus had a human father, he would have inherited a sin nature and would be unable to save himself, let alone be the sinless substitute that we would need in this world so that we could achieve salvation. With human parents, it would have been impossible for Jesus to be the Son of God. 3. What are the two meanings for the word ‘almah?’ Virgin and Young Maid. 4. What does the author believe is the best translation for the word ‘almah’ in Isaiah 7:14? Virgin “The Nature of Resurrection”—Pg. 238–245 1. What is the biblical definition of death? The separation of a person’s body and spirit. 2. What did the Roman soldiers do (and not do) that showed that Jesus was dead? They pierce his side with their sword. The blood and water were already separating. They did not break his legs. 3. After Jesus’ resurrection, what became his new responsibilities? He became out intercessor before the Father & our advocate with the Father. The Lamb who is glorified in Heaven and who serves as our High Priest in mediating our cause 4. What were five things that Jesus accomplished through His resurrection? 1) Giving eternal life 2) Imparting power 3) Manifesting justification 4) Providing our future resurrection 5) Union with Christ “The Death of Christ”—Pg. 213–224 1. What is “vicarious suffering”? Suffering endured by one person in the place of another. 2. What is a “vicar”? A substitute, a person who takes the place of another and acts in his stead. 3. What does the word “redemption” mean? Comes from a word which means "to buy back" Christ gave His blood as a ransom for sin, hence redeeming the lost. To buy back, to return to the original state of affairs 4. What does the word “propitiation” mean? Properly signifies the turning away of wrath by an offering. The price of sanctification was the blood of Christ, & the act of satisfaction is propitiation 5. What does “reconciliation” mean? Kaphar - to cover, to wash away, to pacify, to obliterate. In the act of reconciliation, man is reunited with God 6. What is a “sin nature?” The tendency to do evil. It is transmitted through the father to the child. We are all born with sin nature. 7. What is “imputed sin?” Has to do with the man’s standing in heaven. Adam sinned, therefore death came. Imputed sin is transmitted through Adam sirectly to me (Federal headship) or passed through my ancestors (Seminole headship) 8. T/F The law is a unit; to break one is to break all. True 9. How is every person a sinner on three counts? 1) Every person is guilty of personal sin 2) A person is a sinner because of imputed sin 3) A person is a sinner because of his sin nature 10. What is the difference between judicial guilt and personal guilt? judicial guilt: is the non-experiential condition of the sinner stands guilty before God. personal guilt: is experiential in nature and becomes a means by which a sinner is convicted 11. T/F Man is not reconciled to God through the blood of Christ; rather, the moral and noble life of Christ should compel man to seek after God. False Module/Week 5: Salvation Textbook Readings: Towns: Chs. 3 & 5 Chapter 3 1. According to the author, Christ’s death was ________. Was not a disappointing death (Victorious). the only way to salvation and points to His declaration of "I am the way, the truth, and the life." 2. Where was Jesus crucified? Golgotha, "the place of a skull., outside of Jerusaalem 3. What day does the author believe Jesus was crucified? The author believes it was early Friday before the Jewish Passover “in the morning” 4. What were the two accusations made against Jesus? Treason and Blasphemy 5. What two men asked to bury Jesus’ body? Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus 6. What did the blood and water that Jesus shed show? That he was indeed dead. Medical authorities have said that at the point of death, blood and water in the heart sac separate so that when the body is pierced, the two liquids come out separately. 7. What is a substitutionary death? That Jesus dies as a subsittue for us (all of our sins) so that we could attain salvation through him and spend eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven. 8. What is a redemptive death? Jesus bought back his people to the Father (God). The death od Christ satisfied the law against us. 9. What does propitiation mean? To pay a penalty; to satisfy. Chapter 5 1. According to the Bible, what is conversion? A voluntary change of mind, emotions, and will by the sinner, as the person turns from sin to accept Christ as their Savior. 2. What are the three parts of a conversion experience? 1) Intellect (Must Know) 2) Emotions (Must Remorse) 3) The Decision (Must Turn) 3. T/F: One can be saved by a choice alone. False 4. T/F: Feeling remorse over your sin is enough to save you. False 5. T/F: The terms “regeneration” and “born again” have the same meaning. True 6. T/F: Conversion is what God does in a sinner’s life. False..this is what a sinner does when they accept Christ as their Savior (this is a choice) Regeneration is what God does. Etzel & Gutierrez: Chs. 21–25 1. Where in the Bible can the idea of regeneration be found? Ezekiel 36 deal with the broader area of salvation and new life of regeneration. Can be found throughout the bible. 2. What two components could be viewed as salvation from the perspective of the individual? Repentance and faith. 3. What does it mean to be justified? To be declared righteousness. "an act of God's free grace wherein He pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in His sight" 4. How does Grudem define Justification? An instantaneous legal act of God in which he (1) Thinks of our sins as forgiven and Christ's righteousness as belonging to us, and (2) declares us to be righteous in his sight. 5. Understand the three aspect of sanctification. 1) at salvation the individual is set apart, 2) after salvation, sanctification is an ongoing process (the present sanctification) 3) when we go to heaven, we will be entirely set apart to God. 6. Why is mankind in opposition to God? Because of Sin (since the fall in Genesis 3) 7. T/F: Repentance and feeling sorry are basically the same thing. False 8. God provides us with the faith to do what? God provides us with the faith to believe Online Excerpts: “Election and Salvation”—Pg. 426–434 1. What are the five points of Calvinism? TULIP 1. T otal Depravity 2. U nconditional Election 3. L imited Atonement 4. I rresistible Grace 5. P erseverance of the Saints 2. What does “total depravity” mean? Completely Rebellious. We cannot desire, understand, choose, or gain merit from God. As such, those who hold this position believe that man is totally depraved, that he cannot even respond to God. Most Calvinists interpret total depravity to mean that any man in his natural state is incapable or unable to do anything to please or gain merit before God. 3. What is “Unconditional election?” The elect cannot resist the grace of God, nor lose their salvation once elected. Obtains salvation because God began the process by choosing him without any outside influence. 4. What is “Limited atonement?” Jesus died only for the elect. teach that if man is totally depraved so that he cannot respond, and God is sovereign in His unconditional choice, then when Jesus died, He died for those that were chosen by God. To keep their system intact, they must deny that Christ died for anyone else, for if He had, then they must also be saved. Since they are not, atonement is limited. 5. What is “irresistible grace?” Man cannot resist the will of God unto Salvation. The grace od God is immutable as the power of God so that man cannot resist it. 6. What does the author give as an alternative to perseverance of the saints? Doctrine of Preservation or Eternal Security “What is Conversion”—Pg. 287–298 1. What is Regeneration? The work of God through the Holy Spirit of placing in one who has been given the gift of Faith a new nature which is capable of doing the will of God. 2. What are the results of Regeneration? It makes possible our sanctification. Result of that experience which is called being born again 3. The term anothen, translated “born again,” can also be translated as what? Regeneration 4. T/F Adam died physically within days of eating the fruit in the Garden. False 5. T/F As a result of Adam’s sin, everyone is born into the world spiritually dead because of trespasses and sins. True 6. T/F When a person receives Jesus Christ, he becomes a new creation, and the sin nature is eliminated. False 7. What are the three steps that the “Roman’s Road” teaches one must know to be save? Explain. 1) To know your need 2) Know the penalty 3) Know the provision No one is righteous ; "All have sinned.."The wages of sin is death"; “Christ died for us" “...confess...believe...be saved." (Rom 10:9). 8. How is sin like a marathon runner who misses beating a record by three seconds? Even if we were almost perfect we still fall short of God's holy standard of perfection. When trying to set an Olympic record, it makes no difference if you miss by 3 seconds of 3 hours. 9. What part does baptism play in the salvation process? This is a symbol of redemptive and regenerative. Baptism is a two fold outward symbol of faith. “The Weakness of Arminianism”—Pg. 434–440 1. Who originated the theological system of Arminianism? Jacob Arminius 2. Describe the major tenants of the Arminian view. MOPPS TSL M oral Union - with Christ O riginal Sin - none P erfection - Possible to attain P erdition - Faithful who sin fall into perdition. S alvation - requires works. T ransgression - voluntary sin S ecurity - none eternal L ove - Possible to lose God's love 3. What does Arminianism tend to limit its definition of sin to? Deny all sin except "voluntary transgression." 4. Do Arminians believe in Eternal Security as Baptists do? No “Hell's Best Kept Secret” (audio clip) 1. What percentage of converts did the lecturer say he found were falling away from the faith? 80-90% 2. What was the lecturer’s point with his illustration about the 2 men on a plane? 1st man- vest will make fight more enjoyable, mocked/teased (persecution)=humiliated and disillusioned 2nd- told he will jump 25Kft., grateful-wants to escape harm-- illustrates the modern gospel of health, wealth, prosperity with man 1. real gospel- righteousness not happiness The horrific consequences of disobeying Gods law. Have the right motive The horrific consequences of disobeying Gods law. Have the right motive 3. What was the lecturer’s point concerning Groaninzin’s disease? The idea of selling house to get money for cure of Groaninzins disease. Giving as a free gift but won't mean anything if we don't know what the disease is. if We know what it is we can appreciate sacrifice and gift. We preach the Gospel of grace without the sacrifice. They are not convinced of the disease so they can appreciate the cure 4. Why does the lecturer suggest that when sharing our faith, we should start with the natural and then go to the spiritual? Because natural man cannot understand the things of the spirit. start with what people can comprehend first, pattern of Jesus Because the natural Man will not receive the spiritual things of God 5. According to the lecture, what did John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, John Wesley and Charles Spurgeon have in common in the gospel message? They have so much conviction 6. What does the lecturer suggest NOT to preach in the gospel message? To make for fear filled converts instead of tear filled converts. Also not to preach zeal with out knowledge; righteousness. Module/Week 6: The Church Textbook Readings: Towns: Chs. 9 & 11 Chapter 9 1. What did Jesus say was the Greatest Commandment? Love the Lord with all your heat, soul, mind. 2. What did Jesus say was the second greatest commandment? You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 3. Does the Bible refer to a church as a building or a denomination? No 4. Does the Bible refer to the church as a community of believers? Yes 5. What are two benefits of mentoring? First, it's challenging new believers to enter into community experience. Second, it's always supporting its members, no matter where they are in the spiritual pilgrimage of Faith. 6. List and explain the seven pictures the New Testament uses to describe the church. 1) The Apostle Paul describes the Church as a Body.(every part to be involved) 2) Is of a Building (foundation of which it is built on) 3) Is a Marriage (between Christ and the church) 4) The relationship between a shepherd and a sheep (flock that follows Jesus) 5) A Garden that grows plants, vines, or trees. (unbreakable bond between believers and Him) 6) A Family, where believers are called Children or Sons of God.(social institution of society) 7) A Priesthood (working together in the service of God) 7. What is it about local churches that so many misunderstand Christianity? People misunderstand Christianity because of the attitude of Christians toward their local Church and the way its members act. Chapter 11 1. When did Christianity become Rome’s national religion? AD 313, Constantine 2. What was the Ulster revival? When many unbelievers got saved after a prayer meeting in Ireland 3. What did European missionaries do wrong in their approach? Rather than allowing the Gospel to transform the culture it touched, they often imposed a European culture on a People struggling with the implications of the Gospel in their own life. 4. What is “trickle down” influence? When a native chieftain of a tribe is converted and he decrees that everyone become a Christian 5. What is “bubble up” influence? Begins in the heart of individuals when they are converted. Salvation transforms their values and attitudes. 6. Which is more effective, the “trickle down” influence or “bubble up” influence? Why? The bubble up influence because it doesn't need laws passed to change people or society. 7. When is a nation considered to be “Christianized”? When Society assumes Christian values and attitudes. 8. T/F Oikos conversion in the New Testament is the promise that the presence of one Christian in a family guarantees the eventual conversion of all other family members of his family. False 9. What term do foreign missionaries use to describe oikos conversion? A People Movement 10. What is a “people movement”? Where many People make an individual decision to believe in Jesus Christ, but they make the same decision with others, simultaneously, and all become Christians. 11. How did the term “the Protestant work ethic” come about? Family values changed in many homes touched by Protestantism, and a major change was the attitude toward work and leisure. Protestant ministers taught people their primary goal is to give God the Glory 12. What does “Redemption and Lift” refer to? As a secondary impact of that work ethic. Those who work the hardest are rewarded financially Etzel & Gutierrez: Chs. 26–30 1. What is the meaning of the Greek word baptisma? Immersion 2. Do the followers of Jesus in the New Testament get baptized before or after they profess their faith in the risen Jesus? After. This is an outward showing of an inward change (acceptance of Christ as your Savior) 3. The Last Supper was a part of what Jewish celebration? Passover 4. T/F: Participating in Communion is a step of obedience to Christ's command. True 5. T/F: The Bible describes the local church as a building where people meet together. False. The loca church building is described as an assembly. 6. What does the author mean by the phrase, “We are not corporately more than what we are individually”? We cannot expect those in leadership (often seen as "the church") to do something that we are not willing to do as individuals (those of us who make up the majority of "the church"). 7. Who is the “head” of the church? Jesus. Jesus 8. What are the different kinds of “church government” described by the author? Episcopal - affirm that the authority within the church rests within a single individual. Presbyterian - claim that after the authority of Jesus, the authority within local congregations rests in a group of leaders (often called elders). Congregational - reject the idea of both a single person (bishop) or group of leaders (elders) hold authority within the church. It is based on the understanding of the priesthood of all believers. 9. What is the mission of the church? To equip the saints to proclaim the gospel to the world 10. T/F: It is important to be a member of a church because it is an indication of your commitment level to that local congregation. True 11. T/F: Church discipline can only be effectively administered if, and when, individuals are committed to and connected with a local congregation. True Online Excerpts: “Organization of the Church”—Pg. 672–675 1. How is the church both an organism and organization? Organism: A reflection of Christ Organization: Result of assembling believers while carrying out the Great Commission. 2. List 13 ways the New Testament Church was organized? 1) The church had definite stated meeting (Acts 20:7) 2) There are at least three elections which point toward an elementary organization. 3) The Church in Philippi had a designation of officers (bishops and deacons, Phil 1:1) 4) The Church had designations and rules for its leaders (job descriptions) 5) Authority is given to the Leaders (1 Tim 5:17) 6) A Church has authority to correct church members in discipline (1 Cor 5:4-5, 13) 7) There was organization that resulted in the collection of money. 8) Organization is revealed by letters of commendation being sent out from one church to another (Acts 18:2