Church Honor

Missionary Activities - Bible Studies

Requirements

1. Know who established the Christian Church and what its only foundation is. (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:19-20)

   Answer: Jesus Christ established the Church (Mt 16:18). Its only foundation is Christ (1 Co 3:11). Eph 2:19-20: apostles and prophets complement, but Christ is the cornerstone. The Church was not founded by Peter nor by men; it is a divine work centered exclusively on Christ. — Adventist ecclesiology. Matthew 16:18: the context is Caesarea Philippi, Peter's confession recognizing Jesus as the Messiah; 'this rock' refers to the confessed Christ, not to Peter personally (rock-petros). 1 Co 3:11: Paul refutes division by leaders; no apostle is the foundation. Eph 2:20: ecclesial structure — apostles/prophets as blocks, Christ as the cornerstone (akrogoniaios) that sustains the whole building. Adventist position: rejects papal primacy (not Peter as the foundation). The Church is universal, spiritual, with Christ at the center. There are no human founders or valid alternative doctrines.

2. Recognize to whom the Church belongs. (Acts 20:28)

   Answer: The Church belongs to God (Acts 20:28): 'feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood'. The blood refers to Christ. The Church is divine property through the sacrifice on the cross. Pastors and members are servants, never owners. Submission to divine direction is a fundamental principle. — Adventist ecclesiology. Acts 20:28: Paul's address to the elders of Ephesus (his farewell at Miletus). 'Church of God' (ekklesia tou Theou): a possessive genitive construction, God owns it. 'His own blood' (idiou haimatos): Christ is divine, the blood shed on the cross is the purchase price. Implications: 1) It is not the church of men, an organization or a denomination. 2) Universal priesthood — all belong directly to God. 3) Pastors are 'episkopoi' (overseers), not owners. 4) Members are not clients but adopted children. 5) Decisions should seek the will of God. Adventist critique: churches centered on men (the papacy, denominationalism).

3. Understand why it is important for the Church to preserve and teach the truths about God. (1 Timothy 3:15; Matthew 28:19-20; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 4:2-4)

   Answer: 1 Tm 3:15: the Church is 'the pillar and ground of the truth'. Mt 28:19-20: the mission to 'make disciples by teaching'. Jn 17:17: 'thy word is truth'. 2 Tm 4:2-4: faithful preaching prevents apostasies. Without solid teaching, members fall into heresies. The Church is the guardian of the biblical doctrines, transmitting them faithfully across generations to preserve the true faith until the return of Christ. — Ecclesiological doxology. 1 Tm 3:15: 'the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth' — an architectural metaphor, the Church sustains truth in the world. Mt 28:19-20 (the Great Commission): an evangelistic mandate that includes 'teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you'. Jn 17:17: Christ's prayer, the word as a sanctifying agent. 2 Tm 4:2-4: Paul warns Timothy about times when men 'will not endure sound doctrine' — the need for continuous teaching. Implications: catechesis, Sabbath school, seminaries, ministerial training. Adventism emphasizes systematic biblical teaching.

4. Explain why the Church is presented in the Bible as the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27; Romans 12:4-5; Colossians 1:18)

   Answer: 1 Co 12:12,27: 'ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular'. Rm 12:4-5: 'we are one body, though many members'. Col 1:18: 'Christ is the head of the body'. The metaphor teaches: organic unity among members, each with a specific function, mutual dependence, Christ directing. The Church is not a human organization but a living organism directed by the Savior. — Pauline ecclesiology. An organic vs. institutional metaphor. 1 Co 12: the Corinthian context with divisions; Paul shows different gifts forming a single body. Rm 12:4-5: 'each member has its own function' — diversity in unity. Col 1:18: Christ is the 'kefale' (head) — authority, direction, source of life. Implications: 1) Members complement each other (the hand needs the eye). 2) The suffering of one affects all (1 Co 12:26). 3) Without Christ as head, the body dies. 4) There are no disposable members. 5) Spiritual growth comes from the head. Adventists value: a plurality of gifts, doctrinal unity, neo-presbyterian governance.

5. Define the meaning of Jesus' words about the importance of unity among the members of the Church. (Matthew 18:19-20; John 17:20-21)

   Answer: Mt 18:19-20: 'where two or three are gathered together in my name'. Jn 17:20-21: 'that they all may be one'. Unity is not uniformity, but deep fellowship. A united Church witnesses divine love to the world. Divisions weaken the gospel. Collective worship attracts the presence of Christ. — The doctrine of unity. Mt 18:19-20: the context is church discipline; Christ is present where there is agreement. Jn 17:20-21 (the high-priestly prayer): unity among believers reflecting the trinitarian unity — the mystery of koinonia. Implications: 1) Diversity is preserved (1 Co 12, different gifts). 2) Unity in essentials (doctrine, mission). 3) Tolerance in adjustments (cultural preferences). 4) Witness to the world: 'that the world may believe'. Schism is anti-witness. Adventists value: the global unity of the denomination, the commission of the General Conference, common doctrines, a single mission. Conflicts are resolved through biblical principles (Mt 18).

6. Memorize and recite Hebrews 10:25.

   Answer: You must memorize and recite the verse from Hebrews 10:25, which speaks about not forsaking the assembling of ourselves, that is, gathering with other Christians. The verse encourages us to exhort one another, especially as we await the return of Jesus. — The requirement asks for the exact memorization of Hebrews 10:25. This verse is fundamental for life in community in the Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and mutual support among believers.

7. Share with a friend why it is important to attend services and get involved in the Church's ministries. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

   Answer: Hb 10:24-25: 'consider one another... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together'. Services strengthen faith, fellowship and worship. Ministries develop spiritual gifts. Without active participation, faith weakens. The Church is a spiritual family: presence is essential for mutual support in the final times. — Practical ecclesiology. Hb 10:24-25: 'provoking unto love and to good works... as ye see the day approaching'. Reasons to gather: 1) Worship — God is worthy (Ps 100). 2) Edification — preaching feeds faith (Rm 10:17). 3) Fellowship — koinonia among the saints (Acts 2:42). 4) Ministry — using gifts (1 Pe 4:10). 5) Witness — light in the world (Mt 5:14). 6) Hope — gatherings bring the second coming closer. Adventist activities: Sabbath worship, Sabbath school, youth, Pathfinders, pastoral gatherings, evangelistic series. Share with a friend: a personal testimony of blessings received in fellowship with the church.

8. Interview the pastor or elder of your church and present in writing to your instructor the following answers:
   • How are the leaders of the local church appointed?
   • What ministries does your church have?
   • What is the church board?
   • How does the church board work?

   Answer: Leaders are appointed in an administrative assembly via a vote of the members. Typical ministries: Music, Pathfinders, Adventurers, Youth, Deaconry, Communication, ASA. The Church Board: the executive body (pastor, elders, deacons, leaders) that decides administration and mission. — Local Adventist structure. Appointments: a biennial cycle, a nominating committee presents names voted on in assembly. Offices: elder, deacon, secretary, treasurer, departmental leaders. Typical ministries of the Adventist Church: Sabbath School (Bible study), Youth (youth ministry), Pathfinders/Adventurers (ages 10-15 / 6-9), Women, Men, Music, Communication, Community Services (ASA), Health, Education. The Church Board: the pastor presides, meets monthly, responsible for: approving baptisms, transfers, discipline, projects, budget, decisions. The Adventist Church Manual regulates everything.