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How Can I Become a Christian?


1. Understand and believe that God is the Creator of the Universe
God created us and has authority over us.
  • Colossians 1:16-17 "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
  • Hebrews 11:3 "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
We will give an answer for our lives.
  • Hebrews 9:27 "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment"
  • Hebrews 4:13 "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
2. Acknowledge and confess your sinfulness
God's Commandments are His perfect standard of Holiness.
  • Romans 3:19-20 "Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."
  • Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
  • James 2:10 “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.”
Admit that you are not good.  Turn away from you sin and turn towards Christ.
  • Psalm 32:5 “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
  • Romans 3:10-12 “None is righteous, no, not one; [11] no one understands; no one seeks for God. [12] All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
  • 1 John 1:9-10 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
3. Believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave
Realize that Salvation is by Faith (trusting in Jesus, loving and valuing Him more than anyone or anything) and not by works.
  • Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
  • Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
  • Mark 12:28-31 “And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, ‘Which commandment is the most important of all?’ [29] Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ [31] The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Affirm that Jesus is God and is the Only Way of Salvation. Salvation is not possible by obedience in Judaism, not through Mohammed's revelation of Allah (Islam), not through Buddhism or Hinduism, not by good works, and not through Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormonism.  Salvation is only available through Jesus.
  • John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
  • Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
  • 1 John 2:23 "No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also."
4. Call out to Jesus in prayer to be in charge of your life
Publicly place your trust and faith in Him.
  • Acts 16:30-31Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” [31] And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
  • Romans 10:9-10 “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
  • Romans 10:13 “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Submit and yield to His Lordship.  Let Him be in control of your life.
  • Acts 2:37-38 “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ [38] And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • Matthew 16:24-26 “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25] For whoever would save his life(1) will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [26] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?’”

Now What? If you have chosen to believe that Jesus Christ is God, died on the cross, and rose from the grave and have truly yielded control of your life to Him, you are a Christian and follower of Jesus.  Here is what to do next…
Walk with Jesus in Fellowship with Other Believers
Proclaim Christ's Lordship over your life through Baptism
  • Acts 2:38 " And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’"
See “What does the Bible say about Baptism?” on TrustworthyWord.com
Read your Bible to grow in your knowledge and love of Christ
See “How to Study the Bible?” on TrustworthyWord.com
Pray consistently and daily to relate more with Jesus
See “What Does the Bible Say God is Like?” and “What Does the Bible Say about Christian Identity?” on TrustworthyWord.com
Connect with a biblically faithful church family
  • Hebrews 10:25-26 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
See “What Does the Bible Say about Church Membership?” on TrustworthyWord.com
Speak and Demonstrate God's Love
  • Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
See “What Does the Bible Say about Love?” on TrustworthyWord.com
Listen to and Obey God's Commands
  • Hebrews 10:26-27 "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries."
  • 1 Peter 1:15-16 "but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.’"
See “What Does the Bible Say about Sin?” and “What Does the Bible Say about Sanctification?” on TrustworthyWord.com

Common Objections to the Gospel
What about people who’ve never heard about Jesus? Will they go to Hell?
What about other religions: Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and tribal religions?  A person doesn’t go to Hell for failing to hear the Gospel, they go to hell for failing to obey God’s law.  Consider if a man jumped out of a plane without a parachute.  He doesn’t die primarily because he doesn’t have a parachute.  The reason he dies is because he violates the law of gravity…which brings him to his death.  If a person dies without Christ, it is because he has transgressed the law of God…ignorance is not excuse.  If we really care about those who have not heard about Jesus, we need to first come to Christ, and take His name, the only name which offers hope of salvation….to the ends of the earth.
My god is a god of love and forgiveness who doesn’t send someone to hell.
This is an example of idolatry…a violation of the 2nd commandment.  Crafting a god of our own imagination, in our own image, or a god we are comfortable with.  We cannot separate God’s justice from God’s love.  He does judge the wicked and the immoral by their transgression of the law, and their sentence is eternal death and suffering in a very real Hell.  This same God, we learn from Romans 5:8, loved us so much, that while we were still rebels and enemies, sent His son to die for us.
Why is there so much suffering?
We all go through suffering.  All of us have been hurt by the sinfulness of others, the consequences of living in a fallen world, and by our own sinfulness.  We need to have faith in God, knowing and trusting that He is in control, and that His good plan includes an eternal rescue from sin, suffering, and death.   It is good to ask these deep questions, I would recommend www.gotquestions.org to dig deeply into this and similar tough questions.  Ultimately God sent this message here today to help save you from eternal suffering.  This is God’s love.
I’m already saved.
God tells us to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith.  Have our lives changed?  Do we desire to hear God’s voice through the Bible?  Are we obedient to God’s commands?  Do we see the fruits of God’s Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) in our lives? (Galatians 5:22-24)  Or do we see the works of the flesh in our lives (sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these)? (Galatians 5:19-21)  Do we desperately seek Him in prayer?  Do we see righteousness being produced by God in our lives? Are we quick to forgive?  Do we love others?
SEE “How Can I Be Sure I Am a Christian?” on TrustworthyWord.com
When you see a doctor and you are sick, what does he do?  He assess the symptoms, shoots straight with you, and tells you about your disease and any possible cures.  The Bible clearly speaks to any symptoms of ongoing, unrepentant sin in our lives.  Matthew 7:21 “I never knew you.”  Test yourselves.
I don’t believe in God.
Just because we don’t believe something doesn’t make it disappear.  Put on a blindfold and stand in front of a large truck on a highway, saying I don’t believe the truck exists.  I know there is no such thing as an atheist.  No such thing as an atheist at 25,000 ft in crazy turbulence. Look at a painting, do you say, look what coincidentally formed by chance over a ridiculously long period of time?  No. You see a painting.  You know there is a painter.  You see a building, you know there is a builder.  You see the Creation and you know there is a Creator.
I don’t believe the Bible is God’s Word.
You are right the Bible was written by men.  When you write a letter, do you write, or does the pen?  Men are God’s instruments to write the Bible.  The Bible is the most accurate piece of literature in all of history…scientifically, historically, prophetically, archaeologically, and documentary or manuscript evidence.  Find an error.  We’ve searched.  We can’t find any.
I confess my sins and say I’m sorry all the time.
Consider civil law.  If someone is guilty of a serious crime, when they come to trial, if they just say “I’m sorry” to the judge, do you think he’ll just let her go?  That’s not fair. Only a corrupt or unrighteous judge would let a guilty person free without a penalty.   The law has been broken. Justice demands a punishment.  We can’t just say we are sorry.  We can’t be “good enough” to overcome our crimes.  We need Jesus to pay for the penalty for our sin.
I’ve lied, but that doesn’t make me a bad person.
On moral issues…it only takes one commission of a crime to be labeled a criminal.  One murder = a murderer.  One lie = liar.  One theft = a thief.  One lust = adulterer.  It is human nature to trivialize sin, but sin is serious.  God tells us in James 2:10 that anyone who is guilty of one sin is guilty of all sin.
Christianity is narrow-minded.
The Bible is clear that there is only one way.  Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” In Acts 4:12 we learn that there is only one “name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”   I you don’t have the Son, don’t have the Father.  You’re right, without Jesus, no hope for your transgression of the law.  Jesus has the power to forgive sins…He openly offers that exclusive path to salvation to all who hear…would you reject Him?  Put your faith in Him?
I don’t agree with you.
No one knows when they will face death. Did you know that 150,000 people die every 24 hours?  That is not a scare tactic, that is reality.  And after death there is guaranteed judgment.  Jesus speaks of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man who is in Hell becomes desperate to tell his family about Jesus.  Read Romans 2:4 – We plead with you to realize you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of judgment…don’t presume upon God’s patience and kindness.  Get right with the Lord.  Consider our motives…we just want you to know and love Jesus and find eternal life.  Paul in Romans 9 explains that he wishes he could sacrifice his own salvation for the salvation of someone else…but it doesn’t work that way.  You must decide.
THE BOTTOM LINE?  There is no good objection for failing to follow Christ as your Lord.  Do you have a good reason for putting Him off any longer?
Check out these resources for more answers!

Checkout TrustworthyWord.com online, on Facebook, on Instagram, or on Twitter for some great daily truths, encouragement, and resources from the Bible!

How to Study the Bible


10 Reasons to Read and Study the Bible
  1. Encounter God - The Bible is where we meet God and hear His voice and truth!
  2. Know God - We don’t just seek to know about God, but to relate to and grow in love for Him.
  3. Glorify God - We desire to grow in holiness and imitation of Christ in order to honor God. 
  4. Experience God’s Past Work - We learn from God’s revealed historical work among humanity.
  5. Understand God’s Present Work - We hear how God desires to work in & through us today.
  6. Look Forward to God’s Future Work - We trust in His promised future return and work.
  7. Protect from Satan’s Attacks - We remember our real enemy in Satan, his demons, the world, and our flesh and are reminded that His truth is a spiritual weapon of offense and defense.
  8. Share True Hope with Others - We evangelistically speak God’s hope, love, and Gospel truth.
  9. Live Life According to God’s Wisdom - We submit to our Father’s loving instruction for life
  10. Obedience - God has commanded us to listen and obey His voice through the Bible.
10 Ways to Read the Bible
As you seek to read the Bible, ensure to prioritize time to take the Bible for study and meditation: understanding, absorbing, internalizing, memorizing, and applying the Scriptures.
1. Through the Bible - Read the whole Bible from beginning to end or in some other order!
2. New Testament - If you read a chapter per weekday, you can read the whole Bible in a year
3. Proverbs - There are 31 Proverbs, so seek to read the one corresponding to the calendar day (i.e. read Proverbs 17 on the 17th day of the month, Proverbs 18 on 18th day of the month, etc.).
4. Psalms - There are 150 Psalms, so choose a Psalm each day to help guide your prayers (i.e. on the 17th day of the month select either Psalm 17, 47, 77, 107, or 137 to read and instruct you in prayer).
5. Read slowly through Romans - Go deeper and digest and study theology.
6. Pick a single Bible book to read - John: learn the basics of Jesus’ life and death. James: know and apply God’s wisdom. 1 John: ensure you are a believer.
7. Subscribe to a faithful devotional aid to compliment your Bible reading
8. Study a character. Search and read wherever their name appears.
9. Study a place.  Search and read wherever that place is mentioned.
10. Study a topic.  Search and learn about what God teaches about key issues.

Where did the Bible come from? What is the Bible?  The Bible was spoken and revealed from God into the hearts of men that the Scriptures might be written and shared among God's children.  Some of these writings are historical descriptions, prophetic writings, poetry and songs, wisdom, and letters.  Although written by the hands of men, these writings were not written by the will of man, but were inspired and given by the power and will of God's Spirit.  The Bible is the specific revelation by God about Himself, His work, and His plan for all of humanity so that we may love, trust, and obey Him.  The whole Bible is breathed out by God, to make His people wise for salvation and to equip His people to lovingly teach, train, correct, and confront with God's truths (2 Timothy 3:10-17)
"And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:19-21
"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2 Peter 1:16
"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." Deuteronomy 29:29
Can we expect more books to be discovered or added to the Bible?  No.  God has clearly spoken in the Scriptures and across early church history such that the current collection of recognized biblical books (canon) is complete.  This process of recognizing the words of God comes through the recognition of the authorship as a biblical prophets or apostle, the self-attestation of the book within the Scriptures themselves, and their continuity with other books of the Bible.
Does the Bible have errors?  The original writings (autographs) have no errors at all.  The ancient copies (manuscripts) we possess have small differences between them. These differences have primarily arisen from those who were copying and translating them.  These differences have been recognized, described and corrected via a modern day comparison of the thousands of manuscripts to produce reliable Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) compilations that have been reliably translated into many languages.  None of the manuscript differences affect or speak to major theological issues but are most commonly mere grammatical issues.  Comprehensive resources are available to explain the process of translation and decisions made concerning the compilation of manuscripts.
Is the Bible trustworthy? Yes.  The Bible shows its own trustworthiness through its self attestation in the lives of believers and its internal consistency over thousands of years at the hands of many writers.  The Bible is clearly seen to be the most accurate book in all of human history through archaeological, historical, scientific, and documentary evidence.  The biblical content clearly reveals that its author is God Himself.  The Bible has the most and best manuscript evidence, seen in its thousands of copies that were written soon after its original writing and discovered ina multiplicity of geographic locations.  No literary work in all of human history is comparable to the trustworthiness of the Bible.
"He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." Titus 1:9
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:12-13
"The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces." Psalm 119:72
Is the KJV the best translation? The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is a good translation of the Bible.  When it was written only a few manuscripts had been discovered, which limited the scope and accuracy of its translation.  Since its translation hundreds of years ago, many additional archaeological discoveries have been made which provided thousands of more trustworthy manuscripts in the twentieth century.  Many modern day translations have been written since the KJV translation, providing plenty of accurate biblical translations.  Many people prefer the KJV because of their personal familiarity with it.  Many others struggle with the KJV since it uses Old English, a language that is antiquated, no longer spoken, and difficult for many modern day English speakers to understand.  
Many teachers give the false impression that the KJV is the only accurate Bible to be used.  This is a touchy issue, one which must be handled with great care and humility.  Such teachers may have genuine motives in preventing any corruption of the Biblical translations, but such opinions are often rooted in human pride and personal ignorance of the translation process and manuscript evidence.  Those who prefer the KJV have the joy of continuing in their freedom of this preference but must humbly encourage and accept the fact than many prefer translations based on a more comprehensive collection of biblical manuscripts and translated into the common languages of the day.
Why are there so many translations?  When translating the Bible, the translators must make decisions to translate either literally with a word for word approach (formal) or with a thought for thought approach (dynamic equivalence).  These two approaches are both accurate and helpful.  Some writings are written with more simple wording to recognize the differences in literary capabilities of different people and communities.  
There are also other translations based upon a paraphrase approach.  The paraphrase approach is when the Biblical text is not translated but is instead summarized and restated.  Although such an approach may be helpful for children's Bibles and chronological Bible storying, it is not a good approach for maturing and literate Christians.
The English language is blessed to have many translations, but some languages possess only one translation.   Many languages have yet to have the Bible translated.  Although the multiple translations are extremely beneficial, we must recognize and be aware that there are translations that make unhelpful and heretical changes to the meaning of the biblical text.  There are modern translations that have removed gender specific language (NIV), removed references to Christ's deity (Jehovah's Witnesses' New World Translation), added books to the Bible (Catholics), or subjugated the Bible to other books (Mormons).
"Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." 2 John 1:9
Which translation is the best? Assuming the translation is faithful to the biblical text, the best translation is the one that you can easily read and understand.  As some grow in their reading and comprehension abilities, they may find that more formal translations are most helpful to them in the process of study.
Are devotional guides and books ok? Devotional guides and books can be helpful for Christians as an aid and tool to enhancing their personal study of God's Word.  Devotional guides and books can also be a dangerous impediment to spiritual growth if Christians never grow in their own abilities to study Scripture.  True Christians seek to mature and should never be content with solely a second hand experience with God as related through others.  The Bible is clearly understood (perspicuity of the Bible), which means that it is intelligible through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.  If you struggle with your own personal and direct study of God's Word, pray to God and seek help from others in order to enhance and increase your ability to hear God's voice through the study of His Word.
How can I go about reading more of the Bible? Make a plan.  Make time.  Be intentional.  The reading of God's Word is essential for spiritual growth.  The best plan is the one in which you will be able to follow.  It could be as simple as picking a Bible book and reading through it one day at a time.  It could involve a goal like reading through the entire New Testament in a year by reading one chapter per weekday.  Many books, Bibles, and apps have a a plan for reading through the entire Bible in a year.  We tend to prioritize that which we find valuable.  Prioritize and make time for the reading of God's Word, it is of infinite value.
"the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.  10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb." Psalm 19:9-10
Is the New Testament more important than the Old Testament?  What is their relationship? All of Scripture is valuable and trustworthy.  The Bible is one big story, not two separate sections (Hebrews 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:14-17). God speaks not only through his prophets, but also through the life of Christ.  The expression that "the New is in the Old concealed and the the Old is in the New revealed" helps us to understand this relationship.  We need to give equal attention to the study of both the Old Testament and New Testament for "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17
"Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.  Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way." Psalm 119:127-128
How can I understand the meaning of the Bible? The best way to understand the Bible is to spend time in it.  Study Bibles, commentaries, and online resources (GotQuestions.org , BibleStudyTools.com , and BibleHub.com ).  Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself, and seek answers to, as you discover the meaning of the Scriptures: 
  • Who is writing this?
  • Who is it being written to?
  • What type of writing is this?
  • What does the Scripture mean?
  • What do we learn about God?
  • What do we learn about God's work?
  • What do we learn about ourselves?
  • Why does this passage matter?
  • How do I need to respond to and apply these truths to my life?   (Is there a sin to avoid, a command to obey, an example to follow, a prayer to offer, a truth to remember, an attitude to change, or a teaching to share?)
What does it mean to meditate on God's Word?  Meditation on God's Word is the filling up of one's heart and mind with the truths of God.  As these truths are internalized, we areto spend more time in mental contemplation and processing over His truth in order to grow in our faith and to share our faith with others.  Meditation happens when we read, listen to, pray over, learn, think, speak, write, and share about God's truths.
"Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:7-8
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
How can I share and speak God's truths lovingly to others? Memorizing the Scripture is the best way to prepare to share God's truths.  We should pray to God for opportunities and courage to witness.  When we pray according to His will we know he hears and answers us (1 John 5:14-15), and we know it is His will that we be His witnesses (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).  The more we meditate, study, and memorize God's Word, the more our hearts and lips will naturally and courageously bear witness to the glory and goodness of God.
We must remember that we have a responsibility to warn others of God's coming judgment (Ezekiel 3:17-19 & 33:7-9).  When we share the Gospel we ought to communicate the truths concerning God as Creator (Colossians 1:16-17, Hebrews 4:13, 9:27), mankind's sinful rebellion (Romans 3:23), Christ's sacrifice and gift (Romans 6:23), and our need to respond to God as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9).  The Gospel must be clearly spoken from our lips but also must be faithfully lived out in our lives, marriages, families, and workplaces (Ephesians 5 & 6).
Here are three great online resources to learn how to share your faith:
Many people fear the questions that may arise when witnessing, but it is ok to answer that "I do not know, but will find out."  A great resource for discovering God's answers to difficult questions is www.gotquestions.org .  Finally we must always remember that our calling is not simply to make converts, but to make disciples, connecting believers into church fellowships where they can grow in their love and knowledge of God.
How can I recognize false teachers and false prophets?  The best way to recognize false teachers is to listen to their teachings and watch their lives (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:15-22, Matthew 12:33-37, Galatians 1:8-9, 2 Peter 2, Jude 1:1-10, 2 John 1:9, James 3:1).  If their teachings and lives do not line up with Scriptural truths, they may be false teachers, false prophets, or immature believers who do not need to be teaching or leading.
"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction." 2 Peter 2:1
"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8-9
Steps to Studying the Bible
  1. Pray before Studying the Bible - ask God to open your mind and heart to His truths
  2. Read the Bible - follow a plan, be disciplined, seek accountability, use an audio bible such as found from faithcomesbyhearing.com (“Bible.is” as an app)
  3. Listen to Faithful Teachings - commit to regularly listen to your pastor’s and others’ teachings while diligently checking the Scripture to ensure what they say is true (Acts 17:11).
  4. Study the Bible - slowly and intentionally dig deep into the Scriptures
  5. Meditate on the Bible - remove distractions and seek the work of the Spirit for your understanding and application of these truths in your life
  6. Pray through the Bible - use the Scriptures to guide your prayer.  The Psalms are the best for this, but you can pray as the Lord leads for conviction and turning from sin as well as for the increased maturity in Christ
  7. Memorize the Bible - write, speak out loud, draw, usegames, acronyms, songs, and repetition,  recite portions of verses and progress to the whole verse, keep accountability to your memorization goals
  8. Teach the Bible - find someone to mentor and teach, learning how to study the Bible,  in teaching you will learn and grow most rapidly
  9. Evangelize with the Bible - the Bible is meant to be shared, focus on Gospel presentation passages to use in witnessing
  10. Pray for God to remind and deepen you into the truths of God, asking Him to help you to obey His Word
Passages Emphasizing the Importance of the Study of the Bible
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.  - Isaiah 55:10-11
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. - John 5:39-40
Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?" - Mark 12:24
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra - which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. - 1 Timothy 4:11-16
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. - James 1:21-25
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, - Ephesians 6:17
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. - Revelation 22:18-19
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. - Hebrews 4:12-13
If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. - 1 Timothy 6:3-5
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. - Hebrews 1:1-2
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What Does the Bible Say About Church Discipline?


What is church discipline?  Church discipline is a process clearly described by Matthew 18:15-20 that describes a progression from personal/private confrontation/rebuke to a small group confrontation/rebuke to a level of church awareness of the unrepentant state of huge church member.  The process ends either with repentance or the eventual expulsion of the unrepentant individual outside of the church.
What are the goals of church discipline? The goals of church discipline are: 
1) Restore the relationship between a Christian in sin and Christ (Galatians 6:1).
2) Restore the relationship between a Christian in sin with other believers and their church in a spirit of love (2 Corinthians 2:5-11).
3) Rebuke and expel an unrepentant church member for the sake of their salvation (1 Corinthians 5:3-5).
4) Rebuke and expel an unrepentant church member for the protection of the flock (1 Corinthians 5:2, Matthew 18:17, 1 Corinthians 5:6). 
5) Rebuke and expel an unrepentant church member as a warning for church members (1 Timothy 5:20).
Why is church discipline so important? Church discipline is so important because Satan is constantly attacking the love, forgiveness, and unity of the church (2 Corinthians 2:11).  Satan also uniquely attacks and seeks to divide and misdirect the church through false teachers (2 Peter 2, 3:17-18).  Public punishment and discipline is difficult, but necessary for obedience to the Lord in His plan for the shepherding of His children (2 Corinthians 2:6).  When repentance occurs, loving forgiveness and restoration is a beautiful picture of God's mercy and grace.  Churches are warned of the danger of not confronting sin and unrepentant believers within their churches (Revelation 2:20-25).
How is church discipline to be done? Church discipline is designed to be done with truth-filled conviction but also grace-filled gentleness (Galatians 6:1).  In that process Christians are also reminded to be watching their own attitudes and thoughts to prevent themselves from also falling into temptation (Galatians 6:1).
What do these stages of discipline look like today?  The stages should always be done one on one first, secondarily through the inclusion of a pastor or church leader, thirdly through the church leadership as a whole before the issue being carried in front of the church in a godly and orderly manner.  In the case of a charge against a pastor, the charges must be verified by two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19).
What is an example of a mutual decision to "part ways"?  Paul and Barnabas and Mark in Acts 15:36-41 are an example of a mutual decision to “part ways.”  Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement over using Mark (Barnabas' cousin, Colossians 4:10) in ministry.  Paul's concern was over Mark's faithfulness after Mark had previously abandoned them on a mission trip to Pamphylia and had proved unfaithful to do the work he was called to do (Acts 15:38).  Paul replaced Barnabas and Mark with Silas whose faithfulness was attested to by other Christian brothers.
Were Paul and Barnabas and Mark ever restored? Although that we do not see a restoration between Paul and Barnabas, we do see a restoration between Paul and Mark in 2 Timothy 4:11 Paul states "Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry."  Time in faithful ministry evidenced Mark's restoration to Gospel service alongside Paul and his instruction to the church at Colossae to welcome Mark (Colossians 4:10).
WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF BIBLICAL DISCIPLINE?
How is Matthew 18:15-20 to be conducted?  Biblical discipline continues until either true repentance or expulsion from the church results.  The spirit to which it is done is a spirit of love and gentleness, with an emphasis on prayer towards God granting repentance (2 Timothy 2:8, 24-26).   The intent is not to embarrass or humiliate the offender with a self-righteous attitude.  The goal is forgiveness and restoration of unity within the church (2 Timothy 2:10).   The church must diligently follow Matthew 18:15-20 to completion with the awareness that Satan seeks to destroy and divide churches (2 Timothy 2:11).  A little tolerated sin within the church threatens to spread and corrupt the entire church (1 Corinthians 5:7, Revelation 2:20, Romans 6:17-20).
What sins are to be dealt with according to Matthew 18:15-20?  Although no specific list of sins is given, it appears that public sins against the holiness of God, the unity and leadership of the church, and the teachings of the Scriptures are the areas of sins most commonly dealt with by church discipline.
When has true repentance happened?  True repentance ends the process of discipline within Matthew 18:15-20 and is the optimal goal.  True repentance is not made merely in the fear of consequences, but is clearly heartfelt, sincere, and lasting.   True repentance shows an understanding of the particular sins committed, confessing them completely and specifically to those to whom they have been against.  True repentance does not make excuses for one’s sin, verbally apologizes without qualification, asks for forgiveness, and demonstrates repentance through a changed life (Acts 26:20).
Who does the apology need to be directed towards?  The scope of the apology needs to be as wide as the scope of the offense.  In simple terms, the offender needs to apologize to as many people as they sinned against.  If they sinned against the whole church, the apology should be to the gathered congregation in an orderly and appropriate manner.
What is biblical discipline?  Discipline is a form of punishment designed to correct the offender back to a right practice that demonstrates true repentance.  Biblical discipline may be implemented “by the majority” (2 Corinthians 2:7) in “the presence of all” (1 Timothy 5:20) and seems to almost always to involve an expulsion from church membership (1 Corinthians 5:1-10).
What if the offending individual is in church leadership?  If the offender is in church leadership, but repents, they should be restored but wisdom should be used in regard to the roles of leadership they are within.  Even though they may remain within the membership of the church it may be wise for them to take a voluntary or enforced sabbatical from leadership until they demonstrate trustworthiness and “obedience in everything” (2 Timothy 2:9).  If the offender is unrepentant, than the process should continue to follow Matthew 18:15-20 towards a public rebuke and expulsion.
What if the individual is ordained as a deacon or pastor?  In the case of a charge against a pastor, the charges must be verified by two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19).  Pastors and Deacons should be reevaluated to see if they continue to meet their biblical qualifications for their position (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 6:1-6).  If they do not meet these qualifications they do not need to be serving in such a role and should be removed from active service.  Furthermore, if they were licensed or ordained as a church affirmation, such an affirmation may need to be suspended or revoked.  If the offender is unrepentant, than the process should continue to follow Matthew 18:15-20 towards a public rebuke and expulsion.
When and how does expulsion occur?  When an individual demonstrates a persistence in sin (1 Timothy 5:20) they are to be treated as a non-believer (“Gentile and a tax collector,” Matthew 18:17).  This punishment and expulsion is also referred to as:
  • “rebuke them in the presence of all” (1 Timothy 5:20)
  • “removed from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:2)
  • “deliver to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 5:5)
  • “cleanse out the old leaven” (1 Corinthians 5:7)
  • “not to associate with” (1 Corinthians 5:11)
  • “purge the evil person from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:13)
  • “must be silenced” (Titus 1:11)
  • “rebuke them sharply” (Titus 1:13)
  • “handed over to Satan” (1 Timothy 1:20)
What happens after an individual is cast out of a church?  Part of treating an individual like a “Gentile and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:17) is the understanding that by their unrepentance they have demonstrated their spiritual deadness and lostness.  The primary efforts and focus of prayers should be towards the salvation of the individual (Acts 26:18).  Their impact and influence of their sinful teachings or practices must be minimized.
What if an individual leaves the church instead of repenting or facing church discipline?  Running away from accountability is helpful to neither the individuals involved, the current congregation, or any future congregations involved.  Avoiding accountability is a form of unrepentance that should be brought to the attention of the church.  It may also be necessary and helpful to warn a future church of the unrepentant church member’s aggrieved condition upon their departure.  This warning may occur through the form a formal church letter or a pastor to pastor warning (2 Timothy 4:14-15).
What is an example of a church constitution and by-laws that includes church discipline?  Here is an excerpt from our church.  A more comprehensive version of church discipline procedures and comments can be found at: peacemaker.net & alliancedefendingfreedom.org.
(1) In cases of differences between members or broken fellowship with the church, reconciliation rather than punishment shall be the objective, which governs the attitude of one toward another. It is our purpose to pursue every reasonable measure to assist any troubled member. The pastor, staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance.
(2) Should any unhappy difference arise between members, the aggrieved member shall follow in a tender spirit the rules of Christ given in Matthew 18:15-22, in an effort to settle the  difficulty.
(3) Should a member repeatedly become an offense to the church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, public scandal, persistent breach of our Church Covenant, or undermine the mission of the church, the deacons with the counsel of the pastor, following the Matthew 18:15-22, shall attempt to correct the offense; and if such an effort fails, they shall report the case to the church.
(4) In case of grave difficulty, the church may request the advice of an acceptable council of brethren from churches of like faith and order.
(5) In such cases the church may withdraw church membership by a three-fourths (3/4) majority ballot vote of those members present and voting, but only after notice and hearing and faithful efforts have been made to bring such member to repentance and reconciliation.

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