General Ministry

WHAT ONE OUGHT TO KNOW

FOUNDATION

FOR FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS

By Robert DeWitt, 1/05

The writer believes the basic truths here would be expected to be held in a scriptural assembly, for they have been carefully studied and ministered through the years to be in conformity to the Word of God. Some may not be understood by some saints of God, but they should not be opposed. They all are important to know.

One may be gathered with a scriptural assembly and yet not understand

all of these things. One might want to discuss these with other serious students of the Holy Bible for clarity.

REDEMPTION WAY

* Gospel message. This is showing forth the way to salvation and

heaven by confessing and receiving Christ in the heart (Rom.10), rather than only trying to follow His teachings.

* Eternal security. Salvation of the soul is forever---a spiritual birth and sealing of life everlasting, which is accomplished only by the Spirit of God in true believers in Christ (John 3; I John 5:11-12).

* The trinity of God & the virgin birth. The Bible is clear that God is a triune God---Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the Lord Jesus could only come as a Savior in form as a man, and as "begotten" by God through a woman. He is both Son of God and Son of man.

* Kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God. This speaks of profession of Christ and possession of Christ today as two related but different truths.

* The dispensations. The various administrations of God through the ages are referred to as His dispensations. God has tried man under various conditions with opportunities, and man has failed, judgment was brought in, and then God began a new dispensation and trial. There have been five of them, and we are now living in the sixth near to the end. It will also end in judgment, then the seventh and final period will be the kingdom age as Christ reigns.

* Translation (rapture) of the saints. The Bible teaches that saints of God will be removed from the earth before judgment falls on the world and lost sinners---often called "pre-tribulation rapture".

* Day of Christ and day of the Lord. These speak of Christ coming secretly FOR His saints, then His coming later WITH His saints to judge the world and reign supreme. The Day of God will follow when Jehovah begins the eternal state.

* Destiny. One will either be with Christ in heaven or with Satan in hell forever when they die, and one ought to know their own standing now before their Creator and then act in faith.

* Coming judgment for lost sinners, the world, & saints of God. There are different kinds of judgment, and one ought to understand also the application of prophecy to them.

CHURCH TRUTH

* Baptism. The ordinance of baptism is a confession of faith, a symbol, and honor to the Lord, but not salvation of the soul and entitlement to heaven. By this, in sincerity of Christian walk, God will bless one.

* God's testimony in the world. This speaks of the gospel message to all, and also the gathering, our stand, and the walk of saints collectively and individually, which must be only according to the Word and not religious ideas.

* Christian unity & the "one body". The mind of God is always that the saints should be as one and not divided. There is no such thing as "the church (or assembly) of your choice", as some say. There is only one universal church, which is nameless--the "one body in Christ". Faithful saints need to express this locally and universally by the Word and not be sectarian.

* Being of "one accord". Departing from God's Word, the love of God and His saints, and a carnal spirit leads to offenses, dishonor to God, and divisions of believers into separate and unscriptural gatherings to satisfy the preferences of some men. Saints of God ought to avoid this self-exalted and independent path, exclusive view, and seek "unity of the faith".

* Church history & conditions. One ought to understand the history of God's testimony in the world, and how sects get started.

* Scriptural assembly. There should be no allowance for innovations, rituals, creeds, and religious ideas in Christian gatherings---assemblies (churches). The Word of God must be our only authority.

* Reception to assembly fellowship. There is a Godly order to be followed in reception for holiness and to honor the Lord.

* The Lord's table & supper. One ought to see the distinction between them and understand the relationship.

* God's government in the assembly. There is local government in the assembly, which is the responsibility of all the gathered saints there. One needs to understand God's order locally and responsibilities worldwide.

* Ministry & ministers. The brothers in Christ gathered into fellowship may exercise their priesthood to minister the Word at appropriate times, pray audibly, give out hymns, and read Scripture. The local assemblies do not have designated ministers; however, some experienced brothers are gifted and called of God and commended by their home assembly, to go forth among various assemblies and remote places to be helpers as fulltime servants.

* The priesthood. This speaks of responsibilities and privilege (I Pet.2) for all the saints, with special roles for sisters and brothers. The calling of teachers, pastors (shepherds), evangelists--always in the plural, are gifts to the church to be exercised by the brothers, not special positions or titles. Elders are given by God for the oversight, and deacons are appointed for special work. As a part of the holy and royal priesthood sisters should worship, pray, join in collective songs of praise, witness to individuals, and encourage all; but they must remain silent in the collective gathering of saints---the church (except for singing); and they need to cover their head in prayer, and regard their appearance to fulfill the type and special role they are given. One needs to value the gifts and service afforded each one.

* Service. The Godly work one feels led to do is an individual exercise. Others may be helpers in this work, as appropriate. The assembly is not an organization and does not provide services. It is the collective testimony of saints, the gathering place for worship, study, and ministry, and the depository of truth.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

* Holiness. The nature of God is holiness--purity and in separation from sin, and we are made holy in Christ by the Spirit in our standing. We are, therefore, exhorted to holiness in our walk or state and life for the Lord.

* Worship. The adoration of God has a collective and a personal aspect, which speaks of the church and our own heart.

* Trouble & Suffering. In this world there will always be trouble because of the ruin of sin, and we suffer trials to accomplish a work in our soul, or a work through us for others, or for God's overall purposes.

* Wiles of Satan. In Ephesians 6 God speaks of the wiles or deceit of Satan which is ever against us to defeat us. That is why one must keep his mind stayed on the Lord. The children of God are no match for Satan in our own strength.

* Charity. The greatest force is divine love, and God wants us to appropriate it for our lives and a witness.

* Forgiving. As we are forgiven, God wants us to forgive, and not hold judgment against one for something. We need to remember we are all only sinners saved by grace.

* God's will. One should always remember the words of our Lord Jesus: "nevertheless, not My will, but Thy will be done". We should not be asserting ourselves before God.

* Dependence. One should have no confidence in the flesh, for it is carnal and always opposes God. The natural man prides himself on independence, but that should not be the Christian life.

* Spiritual growth and maturity. God does not want us to remain as "babes in Christ". He calls us to grow and mature in the Lord and eat "strong meat" (Heb.5:12-14). We need to think God's thoughts always and this comes from communion and His Word. - RLD