Preacher's Study Notes 1994

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Remarriage—Guilty and Innocent
Party Considerations

by Jerry Cutter
Preacher’s Study Notes 1994

The title of my topic gives the general direction my discourse is to take. However, more specifically, I have been asked to address three points:

By way of introduction, we must first say a word concerning the sacredness of marriage and the sinfulness of divorce.

Marriage is a sacred institution designed by God Himself. Believing this, we must also acknowledge that God has decreed what it takes to have a sacred marriage. Both male and female were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), indicating the spiritual nature of man. The first man and women became husband and wife (Genesis 2:18-25), and Jesus when discussing the divorce issue with the Pharisees, referred them all the way back to the beginning, quoting to them from Genesis. Three things are apparent from the beginning account.

Jesus’ personal comment concerning the Genesis account was: “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6). Marriage involves a formal, legal tie that binds together a consenting man and a consenting woman, with God joining them together.

Conversely, divorce involves the destruction of the sacred institution of marriage. Divorce is ugly and always involves sin in some way. Various explanations have been given concerning Malachi 2: 14-16, but it still says that God “hateth putting away.” They had broken a covenant which God had witnessed when they put away “the wife of their youth.” From antiquity, there have been divorces, and Jesus himself spoke of “a writing of divorcement” (Matthew 5:31). A divorce involves the severing of the formal, or legal tie, and may not necessarily be a God-approved action.

Thus, a Christian marriage is more than a civil contract. In a Christian marriage two are joined to one another and at the same time to the law of God.

We hope that our brief definitions and explanations will help us understand the subject at hand.

Marriage is more than a civil contract. Two Christians are bound to each other and to the law of God. It has been rightly said: “God planned marriage, established its bounds, and bestowed the state of marriage as a right given by Him to certain individuals upon meeting certain conditions.” For instance, divorce may free one from the civil contract, but not from the law of God.

It has also been said: “The right to marry, which God bestows on the human race (Genesis 2:18-24; 1 Corinthians 7:28), is a contingent right, that is, it is dependent on certain conditions.” That is the reason why some men and women must remain unmarried, although divorced (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).

This brings us to the question of rights. Who has a scriptural right to divorce and to remarry? The one guilty of adultery does not have the right to remarry because he does not have the God-given cause that bestows that right.

For the sinner, repentance does not mean restoration. Esau sold his birthright, a right given him by reason of him being the firstborn. He acted in a way that caused him to lose his birthright, and nothing could be done to regain it (Hebrews 12:14-17). Many in Israel lost their right to enter Canaan because of their rebellion against God. In society, felons lose certain rights that can never be regained, even though they pay every debt they owe to society. We see how a felon can be both free and not free.

One cannot remarry if put away for trivial reasons. Why then should one contend one guilty of the greater sin, adultery, can remarry?

Simply stated: First, the right to put away (divorce) is not given to one guilty of adultery.
Second, the cause (fornication) for remarriage is not given to one guilty of adultery.
Third, anyone who marries one put away commits adultery.
Jesus said, “Whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matthew 19:9). You might notice that in the Greek, in Matthew 19:9, the definite article is omitted in the second clause. This means that when one marries any put away person [put away for adultery pdc] one commits adultery. Only the innocent can put away their spouse. Remember, also, one joined to a harlot becomes one body with the harlot, “For two, saith He, shall be one flesh” (1 Corinthians 6:16). Therefore, “Flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18).

One becomes guilty of harlotry when one joins oneself to a harlot. Likewise, whoever marries one divorced for adultery commits adultery.

We must never contend that one guilty of fornication, and put away for that fornication, is as free to remarry as the innocent spouse. It is rightly contended that “The ‘except for fornication’ phrase has little or no significance if the guilty party can emerge from the divorce with the same freedom to remarry that the innocent one is granted.” It makes no sense to contend one cannot remarry if put away for less than adultery, but remarry, if put away for adultery, after due repentance.

Thus, in considering the issue at hand, we must never contend that because two Christians are free from each other that they are free also to remarry. The reason: We are never free from the law of God, and whether either Christian can remarry again depends upon that law.

In conclusion: One put away for fornication is as free from the marriage as the one who put them away. But only the innocent spouse has the right to divorce and to remarry.

Rt. 1 Box 139, Crescent, Oklahoma 73028.

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Jehovah's Witnesses

by Richard Bunner
The religious groups that we are discussing in our study have been labeled today as cults, but by definition this proves to be too broad a. subject to present to you in the time allotted. A cult, according to the dictionary, is "any system of religious worship or ritual." A more narrow definition is found in the text, “These Also Believe”, by Charles Braden: By the term "cult" I mean nothing derogatory to any group so classified. A cult, as I define it, is any religious group that differs significantly in some one or more respects as to belief or practice from those religious groups that are regarded as the normative expression of religion in our modern culture

Walter Martin adds that a cult might also be defined as, a group of people gathered around a specific person or person's misinterpretation of the Bible. For example, Jehovah's Witnesses are, for the most part, followers of the interpretations of Charles T. Russell and J. F. Rutherford. The Christian Scientists of today are followers of Mary Baker Eddy and her interpretation of Scripture. And the Mormons, by their own admission, adhere to the interpretations found in the writings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.

The focus of my topic is the religious group called, "Jehovah's Witnesses." If a person is in religious error, the consequences will he the same. We use different labels to identify folks in error: sectarian, digressive, denomination, cult, etc., but if a person is in any of these situations, he is in a very precarious place. It should be our desire and interest to bring people out of the situationif they are in it.

I have received a great deal of advice and comment on how I should deal with this subject. Someone commented, "I guess you will be bashing the JVV's today." Others have shared with me their method of dealing with the Watchtower Society when they approached their door. For example, one individual said that he always shares with them the plan of salvation, while another said that he merely mentioned the name "church of Christ," which sent them walking in another direction.

Each of us probably have our own way of dealing with folks who come to our house carrying a green Bible or a copy of Awake! or The Watchtower, asking us if we would like to study the Bible, or expressing their concern about the spiritual condition of our society. The normal approach to this situation is a spiritual ping-pong battle in which we will throw an argument at them and they will throw an argument at us, both sides walking away feeling that they have won the battle. This becomes a war of semantics with little real progress.

Members of the Watchtower Society are in a dilemma because of the things that they have been taught. First, they have been taught that what we believe and practice (viz., anyone outside the Watchtower Society) is something that they do not want to have any part of. Second, they have been taught that if it is written by their publishing company (i.e., if it is written in Awake!, or The Watchtower, or similar publications), then they can rely on it. Let me emphasize this from their own writings.

When a fellow human tells us, “Do not read this” or “Do nor listen to that,” we may be tempted to ignore his advice. But remember, in this case Jehovah is the One who tells us in his Word what to do. And what does he say about apostate? Avoid them!

The article then compares any religious tract that would be given to them to pornogTaphic material that should be discarded in m ed iatelv. Ths, those who think that it is a good idea to distribute tract material to Witnesses when they knock on the door, need to realize that the material will be thrown in the nearest trash can. Witnesses believe that it is spiritual forilication to read material published by any religious organization other than the Watchtower Society.

Further, the Witness organization Promote reading Watchtower material over reading the Bible.

Each treatise [of Judge Rutherford's writings] can be read in just fifteen minutes, and more genuine satisfaction and profitable pleasure derived therefrom in that length of time than can be gotten from studying the Bible by yourself in a whole year (Vindication, III, p. 383).

Again, the Witness organization claims that independent Bible study is not profitable, but that one should focus on reading the Watchtower material.

No very clear understanding of the Bible was reached during all these centuries [before the establishment of the Watchtower Society] . . . If now the Lord has blessed us with clearer views of His Word, it behooves us to remember that we did not get it because of the four hundred years of independent Bible study . . . We should seek for dependent Bible study rather than independent Bible study

The Watchtower

We find that people cannot see the Divine Plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies [a Watchtower publication] aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the Scripture Studies with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures

The Watchtower

A Simulated Study With a Witness In my remaining time, I am going to conduct a study that I would have with a Jehovah's Witness who would come to my door. Instead of trying to study with the individual(s) immediately, I say, "I am glad you came to my door. Look, I know that you probably want to get to as many doors as possible today, and besides that, I am busy at the moment. Could you come to my house on Saturday when I will have more time to sit down to listen to what you have to say." Generally, Witnesses will agree to return at a later appointed time.

When the individual returns, I invite him in and assure him repeatedly that I am glad that lie has taken the time to study with me. Further, I assure him that I am interested in what he has to teach me and what the Watchtower Society publishes. "I have been reading some back issues of Witness publications, and I have some questions that I am sure that you would be willing to help me with. In fact, I was impressed with a back issue of the Awake! that reads, 'Any organization should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism. All who criticize have the obligation to be truthful in presenting the facts, and fair and objective in assessing such. In both respects we try to live up to that obligation' (August 22, 1984). “I appreciate any organization that is willing to live by this motto. Are you willing to answer my questions and scrutiny as this publication suggests?" (Yes)

"I am interested in an issue of the Watchtower that I was reading recently. It asks the question, 'Does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come?' It then answers the question by saying, 'The prophet was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christ witnesses. Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a prophet of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way this can be done is to review the record. What does it show?' (Watchtower, April 1, 1972, p. 197). Does the Watchtower Society still regard itself as God's prophet?" (Yes).

"Well, in another issue, the Watchtower condemns a certain California preacher who prophesied that Armageddon would come in April 1957. The issue describes the man as a "false prophet" because he prophesied of an event that did not take place (cf. Deut. 18:18-22) (Watchtower, October 15, 1958, p. 613). And in an issue of Awake!, I find this statement: 'True, there have been those in times past who predicted an end to the world, even announcing a specific date. Some have gathered groups of people with them and fled to the hills or withdrawn into their houses waiting for the end. Yet, nothing happened. The end did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing? Missing from such people were God's truths and the evidence that he was guiding and using them' (October 8, 1968, P. 23). Do you agree that a would-be prophet, who prophesies of events that do not take place, is a false prophet and lacks a connection with the truths of God?" (Yes).

"Good. I am also interested in what the Watchtower Society says about inspiration. In a copy of the Good News I read the following commentary on 1 Peter 1:21: 'It was because they did not write of their own impulse, but were inspired by God. What is here meant by the word "inspired"? It means that God, the Creator of heaven and earth, moved these men by his spirit or invisible empowering force, putting into their minds what they should write down as his word or message for mankind' (1976, p. 14). I agree with this commentary. But then I read that the Watchtower Society claims to be moved by the Spirit to deliver divine messages, just as the prophets of old. The Society says, 'It is announced with confidence that the Lord uses the columns of The Watchtower to transmit to his consecrated people things that he reveals to them and provides for them to know. It is the privilege of The Watchtower to publish explanation of the prophecies, which explanation is based upon the physical facts that exactly fit the prophecy and show that the explanation is correct' (1935 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, p52) Is it true that the Watchtower Society is guided by God's inspiration, and therefore is reliable as a spiritual guide?" (Yes).

"This: brings me to a state of dilemma. The older copies of The Watchtower at my disposal prophecy of the end of the age and the beginning of paradise in the year 1914. For example, one issue reads, 'We see no reason for changing the figures—nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble' (The Watchtower, July 15, 1894, p. 226). Another issue reads, 'When, some fourteen years ago, we presented the Scriptural declaration that the Millennium of peace and blessing would be introduced by forty years of trouble, beginning slightly in 1874 and increasing until social chaos should prevail in 1914—few believed, some scoffed' (The Watchtower, October 1890, p1). Yet another issue reads, 'The date of the close of that battle is definitely marked in Scripture as October 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning date from October 1874' (The Watchtower, January 15, 1892, p22)."

"(Now, what confuses me is that as I continue to read the writings of inspired Society, I do not read of the end of trouble and the beginning of paradise in 1914 as was prophesied. Rather, I find that the Society changed the date of their prophecy to 1918! cf., The Finished Mystery, 1917, p404). Can you explain this to me?" (No).

"Well, that is o.k. Maybe there was a slight error in calculation. I can understand that, I guess (though it seems unusual that an organization inspired by God would miss the date of a prophecy). So the year is 1918 for the end of the age. I read, "In the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of Christianity' (The Finished Mystery, 1917, p485)."

"I am now looking at an issue of The Watchtower dated 1920; the end of the age has still not arrived. This bothers me, in light of the fact that these individuals are supposed to have divine guidance. First the year was 1914. Then the year was 1918. Now this issue reads, 'Surely the words of the Master are now in course of fulfillment; This gospel ["The World Has Ended—Millions Now Living Will Never Die"] shall be preached in all the world for a witness, and then shall the end come. The Master's inspiring words thrill the heart of the Christian and spur him on with greater zeal to give the witness now . . . Suppose we should be wrong in the chronology and that the kingdom will not be fully set up in 1925. Suppose that we were ten years off, and that it would be 1935 before restitution blessings began.. . Whether it be 1925 or 1935, restitution blessings must soon begin, as shown from all the evidence' (The Watchtower, Oct. 15, 1920, p. 310). Am I to understand that the date was changed to 1925, with an understanding that the end might not come until 1935?" (Yes).

"This seems to coincide with the following Watchtower publication, 'That period of time beginning in 1575 before A.D. 1, of necessity would end in the fall of the year 1925, at which time the type ends and the great antitype must begin. What, then, should we expect to take place? In the type there must be a full restoration; therefore the great, antitype must mark the beginning of the restoration Of all things. . .

There will be a resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old, and that these will the first favor, we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible, legal representatives of the new order of things on earth, right here in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will become the capital of the world, and out from this nation will flow blessings to all the nations of the earth. Because that time is at hand we can confidently say: Millions now living will never die' (Golden Age, March 16, 1921, p. 350, 381). Again, 'Lo, our King is here, and the year 1925 marks the date when all shall see His mighty power, demonstrated in the resurrection of the ancient worthies, and the time when millions now living will never die' (Golden Age, March 1, 1922, p. 350). What happened? Did the end of the age and the beginning of paradise come in 1925? In 1935? Did the King come for all to see? Did Abraham and other ancients arise from the dead and lead the spiritual revolution?" (No).

"This poses a problem for me. We read earlier an excerpt from The Watchtower that said, 'Of course, it is easy to say this group acts as a prophet of God It is another thing to prove it The only way that this can be done is to review the record What does it show2' (April 1, 1972, p 197). From what I have seen, the record does not look real good. We also noticed from Watchtower publications that false prophets can be identified when they prophesy events that do not come true. In fact, the Watchtower says that such false prophets have no connection with God's truth' (Awake', October 8, 1968) The Watchtower 'itself claims inspiration from God Yet, they have been wrong They were wrong about 1914. They were wrong about 1918. They were wrong about 1925. They were wrong about 1935. In later issues of The Watchtower,, the Society was still looking for the coming kingdom of God (cf., The Watchtower, December 1, 1941, P. 355). How man.y prophecies must fail before one is labeled a false prophet? How can I rely on an organization that prophecie....falsely? Do you have an explanation for these prophetic errors?" (No).

"Now, I am further confused when I begin reading publications from the mid-sixties. During the period, the Watchtower Society began prophesying of the beginning of paradise in the year 1975 (cf., The Watchtower, August 15, 1968, p494). So confident was the Society leadership that they encouraged the Witnesses to quit high school and college in order to pursue full-time ministry! 'Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by them. Do not let them brainwash you with the devil's propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in this world. The world has very little time left. . . Make pioneer service, the full-time ministry, with the possibility of Bethel or missionary service your goal' (The Watchtower, March 15, 1969, p171). Again, 'In view of the short time left, a decision to pursue a career in this system of things is not only unwise but extremely dangerous . . . Many young brothers and sisters were offered scholarships or employment that promised fine pay. However, they turned them down and put spiritual interests first' (Kingdom Ministry, June 1969, p. 3). When the kingdom did not come at this time, the Society published an apology for inappropriately arousing the people's expectations (The Watchtower, March 15, 1980, pp17-18).

"Now I have not been reading a book that someone else wrote about what you believe. I am reading your own writings and I am trying to figure out what you really believe. If you want me to believe what you believe, I have to be able to have some confidence in your literature and leaders. But how can I have confidence in leaders who claim to be inspired and yet have consistently offered false prophecies concerning the end of the age? Doesn't this make these men false prophets? (Deut. 18:18-22)

Conclusion When we study with people from the Jehovah's Witness organization, the most effective approach is to use their own literature. It is difficult to discuss passages of Scripture with them, for their training as workers includes many hours of memorizing responses to those Scriptures that seem to refute their beliefs. As a part of their continuing education, they role-play once per week. Hence, they are not open-mindedly considering the Scriptures in a study, but are parroting the things that they have been trained to say in response to objections.

Normally, this would require a large amount of research. But fortunately, there exists an organization, established by a former Jehovah's Witness, whose aim is to provide evidence of inconsistencies in the Witness Society's publications. This simulated "study" contains some information that I received from them. If you are studying, or will be studying with a Jehovah's Witness (and most of us will have the opportunity to do so), I encourage you to write to the following address:

Witness, Inc. P 0 Box 597 Clayton, CA 94517

The former "Witness" who operates this organization provides photo copies of past Witness Society publications and points out the many errors that they have embraced. Rt. 6, Box 313 B, Fairmont, West Virginia 26554.

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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

May Benevolent Work Be Done From the Treasury for Unbelievers?

by Maurice Chandler
1994 Preacher’s Study Notes

The question that I will deal with is “May benevolent work be done from the treasury for unbelievers?” I would like to make a few comments before we go into the main discussion.

We can read in Scripture that the treasury can be used to help unbelievers become believers. We can also find in Scripture that we can use the treasury to help believers who are in need. Also, individual Christians can help believers and unbelievers.

The next two observations are going to give away how I feel about the treasury and using it for unbelievers. First, the treasury cannot be used in benevolent work for unbelievers. Second, the church treasury in benevolent work, as far as I can see, is for saints only.

I see two patterns in the Word of God. One of those patterns directs the church in how to use the treasury in benevolence. The other pattern directs individual Christians.

My remarks this afternoon are going to be drawn on a conclusion. The brethren before me have already established the fact that a treasury exists and that we can draw from it to do the work of the church. Of course, benevolent work is a part of the work of the church.

There is one thing about this subject that seems to enter into the picture whenever you study with people concerning benevolent work. I have dealt with this somewhat at home. It always seems to be an emotional thing. People will see these programs with these little children, and even older folks in distress, and their hearts will go out to them, and they will want to respond in some way to help them. So emotions often come into play when you study with people on this subject. However, as far study the Word of God, there are many things that come into play as far as our emotions are concerned. This is often a very difficult thing to overcome.

This evening, what I would like to do in my lesson is to establish the difference between the work of the church and the work of individuals as it relates to unbelievers and benevolent work. This must be done before we can come to any right conclusion.

We can look at the denominational world or the liberal element of the church of Christ and become amazed at some of the things that they do. I was privy to some of these things in some work that I performed. A particular congregation was carrying on all kinds of benevolent work and other activities from the treasury that involved an abuse of the treasury. You could see people supporting orphans’ homes, missionary societies, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, even martial arts classes. We must be very careful what we allow, as far as the treasury is concerned, for it is the Lord’s money and we are responsible for how it is used. So it is important that we have the right attitude, and we must not create problems that can haunt us.

Many times when you study this lesson with someone, you find something very prominent among those that you study with, and that is their attitude toward authority. Authority plays a large role in anything that we do. Unfortunately, there are many people who will cast authority aside because of their emotional involvement in the issue.

First of all, we need to look in the Bible and see if we can find a pattern for what we should be doing. Now, we need to understand the significance of a pattern (example). Moses was told by God in Hebrews 8:5 that he must be careful to follow the pattern. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:21, that Jesus has left us an example that we should follow. There are examples and patterns in God’s Word for us to follow. We will actually find the responsibility of the church is not as great as we sometimes place upon it. I think that the responsibility of the church for benevolent work is, over all, rather restricted by the Bible.

As you read the Bible there are some particular Scriptures that stand out. When I study this with someone, I refer to these, for they tell me and the person with whom I am studying what the Bible says about benevolent work and who it is to be used for. there are nine Scripture passages that are primarily used to prove what the treasury is to be used for in benevolent work:

Acts 2:44-45 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”

Acts 4:32-34 “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold.”

Acts 6:1-6 “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’ And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.”

McGarvey on this passage makes the point that those who were needy were givers. So many times you have a dual role — those in need and those who relieve the need.

Acts 11:27-30 “And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

In this passage, before the need actually arrived brethren determined to relieve those who were in need.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

2 Corinthians 8:1-4 “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”

2 Corinthians 9:1 “For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you.”

You see how Paul refers to this benevolence as a “ministering to the saints.”

Romans 15:25-26 “But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.”

I Timothy 5:16 “If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.”

So here are nine passages, there may be others but I am not aware of them, that have a central theme; namely, a responsibility of the church to help those in need. But it is restricted to saints only.

Well, what about unbelievers? When we open our Bibles and go to the Scriptures that teach we should be responding to the needs of unbelievers, we find none. We find no Scripture that places upon church or the church treasury the responsibility of helping needy unbelievers.

When I talk to people about this they become emotional and upset, because they think that you should just go to the treasury and draw it out for every situation. But we must understand what the mission of the church is in this world. It is a very important one. Lots of people do not really understand the mission of the church. The church’s mission, according to Jesus, is to seek and save the lost (Matthew 28:19-20). That was His mission (Luke 19:10). Also, you can understand from Ephesians 3:9-11, that the eternal purpose of God was that people would be saved through the church. So the church has a great responsibility to help unbelievers. It seems to me that if the mission of the Head is to save the lost (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16), then it must be our mission to save the lost.

I believe the apostles let us know that benevolent work was not the primary mission of the church, but that it was a secondary thing. It is taught in a way that we can understand. Remember how Peter said it in Acts 6:1-2, “It is not reason that we shouldleave the word of God and serve tables” Peter was just emphasizing that we must not leave the primary mission of the church and serve a secondary one. Of course, the primary mission of the church is the saving of souls and not reaching out to help people with temporal needs.

Another point that is very important relative to benevolent work being done for unbelievers—the world has a responsibility for it believe that God has ordained governments. He set in order governments to take care of their people. According to Romans 13:1-13 and 1 Peter 2:13-15, God does rule in the kingdoms of men, and that through that “kingdom” the needs and the wants of the world should be supplied. There are all kind of governmental agencies that can respond to these needs and these wants. The church, even if it wanted to, could not embark upon such a mission. It would be impossible for the church to fulfill such an awesome responsibility of caring for all the world’s people. We couldn’t even begin. I think that the agencies of the world have God’s approval for caring for their own.

Often, the work of individuals must come into consideration this study. Individuals may want to leave out their responsibility, but there are many Scriptures that cover our responsibility to help others. Even the Sermon on the Mount — “Let you light so shine before men” so that God can be glorified --- emphasizes this individual responsibility. Sometimes brethren ignore the individual responsibility and want to put the burden on the church.

I know there are brethren that do this. I have encountered it. One brother said, “You know, Jesus said that unless we become like little children, we have no part in Him.” He made this point: since little children are like Jesus they are saved, therefore, he concluded, the church has a responsibility to help them, via orphan homes, etc. It seems like it is way out in left field, but there are many people who think that the church should take upon itself all these burdens, but it is not and cannot be our responsibility. So some things belong in the area of personal and individual responsibility.

1 Timothy 6:17-18 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Hebrews 13:16 “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

I John 3:17-18 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

When you look on a brother and see he is needy and do not respond, you are not doing what you should be doing. So you have a responsibility as brethren to help others. I do not think that we are only limited to helping individuals who are Christians. I believe we can go beyond that as an individual. You can use your resources for whatever you want to as long as they are honorable. Jesus proved the principle in Matthew 25:31-46 — “I was hungry and ye fed me” Do you remember that Scripture? They were amazed— “When have we done this?” “As oft as ye have done unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” We do have individual responsibilities.

Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

This passage is sometimes misused. People interpret “As we therefore have opportunity. . . “ as admonition to the church to do for all men. However, in Galatians 6:3-10, we find the personal pronouns (him, himself, we, us, his) used twenty-three times. From that I draw the conclusion that Paul is talking about an individual responsibility. So we have many individual responsibilities.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Evangelism and The Work
of An Evangelist

by Art Lynch
I. What Is An Evangelist? What Does This Person Do?

A. Definitions: Euaggelistes

to announce good news

well

messenger

to lead; bring; drive; go; induce

B. Smith’s Bible Dictionary says:

1) “( Publisher of glad tidings)

A public instructor of the Gospel

One who serves another; the term to distinguish from master; Solomon’s servants and ministers. ‘Moses rose up and his minister Joshua.

Ministers of Christ

Christ came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.”

of the circumcision

2. PHILLIP THE EVANGELIST.

3. TIMOTHY.

Acts 16:1

C. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

1. EUANGELISTES

a messenger of good

well

angelos

a messenger

Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11

2 Timothy 4:5

2. EUANGELIZO,

to proclaim glad tidings

good news, gospel

D. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon—”A bringer of good tidings, an evangelist . . . This name is given in the N.T. to those heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles: Acts 21:8; Ephesians. 4:11;
2 Tim. 4:5.”

E. Young’s Concordance— “One who announces good tidings”, Acts 21:8, Ephesians 4:11,2 Tim. 4:5.”

F. What Are the Biblical Qualifications of An Evangelist, If Any?

2 Timothy 4:1

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and His kingdom

Paul starts off by charging Timothy; giving him his responsibilities. The Greek word is diamarturomai, “to attest or protest earnestly.” This was a direct responsibility of Timothy to carry out, not the duty of others. It comes from a Greek word which means “to be a witness, testify” (martureo). Thus, Paul highlights that being an evangelist means that God is attesting to and witnessing the work that you are about to undertake. He uses the term “therefore,” which simply means “certainly.” Certainly what? “Before” (enopion, “in the face of”) God! He is conveying that the charge to become one who does the work of an evangelist is accepted while standing in the face of God—looking God in the face with God looking back! What a sobering thought! God is watching to see how we carry out the work! But it is not just in the face of God, but also someone else—The Lord Jesus Christ. I hope that the picture of responsibility is becoming clear! It is a charge before the Witness that has created all things. it is a charge before the One who died for all mankind. It is a awesome responsibility! The two mentioned know how desperately this old world needs the gospel preached to it. They know how many or few years this world has left to turn. And they want to be witnesses to the Gospel preached by us as Evangelists. How do we view the charges from God and Christ?

Why is it significant that we look at the individuals that are bringing forth the charges? Because they shall judge! The word “judge” means “to try, distinguish, to condemn.” Thus we realize that we shall receive a greater condemnation. Who will be judged? The living and the dead when He comes back. Do not ever forget that He is coming back! The evangelist must work like the Lord is coming back! Is that how you have been carrying out the vocation you are a part of? (1 Corinthians 16:22; Ephesians 4:1) What will we say when Jesus appears? The evangelist must be the kind of person that looks for Christ to appear!

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine

preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct rebuke and encourage --- with great patience and careful instruction

The evangelist must be able to “preach” (kerusso, “to herald”). What is the preaching comprised of? The Word of God! “Word” is from logos, “something said, including the thought.” (Note: There are a lot of people that can preach, hut only a few who will preach the Word.) How can you preach the Word if you have not learned it or what it says? You cannot! (Cf. 2 Timothy 2:15).

Next, Paul says that one must be “instant” (ephistemi, “to stand upon, be present”). We would say it today as “Stand up and be counted!” Jude says, “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3). What are we to stand up for? The Word and the preaching of it! When is it appropriate to stand up for the Word and the preaching of it? When it is in season, or as the Greek conveys, when it is well timed, when folks want to hear what you have to say! Sometimes we run into the people who actually want to know what the truth is! But there are other situations where people just do not want to hear the truth, but they need to!

Paul says “out of season” preaching is required by the evangelist also. What does he mean?

Out of season

akairos

inopportunely

akaireomai

to be inopportune; to fail of a proper occasion

Reprove

to confute; admonish (correct

Rebuke

to tax upon; censure; admonish

Exhort

to call near

to incite by word

I really like the way that the Lord set this up for the evangelist. Preaching the gospel is to call folks closer or near to God! It is to excite them using the words of the gospel! How can we get folks excited about serving the Lord? Preach the Word! What happens when evangelists do not incite by word? You get a group of folks that have more important things to do than listen to the gospel. Something else incites them. We must realize that as evangelists.

What is the goal of this preaching? To give instructions in righteousness with patience.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings

“The time will come”— Paul starts to give the reasons why preaching the Word is so important to Christianity. There is an occasion coming when, from a human standpoint, it is never proper to teach the gospel! The occasion exists when people will not endure (anechomai, “to hold oneself up against; put up with”) sound doctrine. The thought here is that they will refuse to be measured by the standard of God, the gospel. They will not put up with the truth!

Sound

to have sound health

healthy

to grow; enlarge

Doctrine

instruction

Own

pertaining to self

Lusts

a longing

Heap

to accumulate further

Itching ears

to scratch

2 Timothy 4:4 “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

The evangelist must be keenly aware that not only will some people not want to hear the truth, but they will want to hear something! The evangelist must realize that usually the people that we preach to will be in one of two categories:

(1)

Tell me the truth and nothing else

(2)

Tell me lies, fables, stories, and nothing else

“Turn away their. . .“ (apostrepho, “to turn away or back”). This phrase is used twice in this verse and comes from one word in the Greek. The first usage indicates that they would depart from the truth and turn again to the fables!

Fables (muthos, “a tale”). These have extreme popularity in our society these days. Look at the impact TV has had in our culture today. Millions of folks around the world want to hear about the “myths” that are portrayed on things like the soap operas, science fiction, and other melodramatic shows. Why what do you think would happen if one day they replaced the soaps with preaching of the truth? Ratings would plummet, sponsors would protest, and viewers would scamper to turn off their TVs! Today, for far too many folks, the rule is no fable no interest! Evangelists must realize what the competition is!

2 Timothy 4:5 “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry

As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

“Watch” in the Greek conveys “clear thought.” Clear mindedness is required for one to function as an evangelist. The Greek shows that the partaking of wine distorts that clarity (nepho, “to abstain from wine”).[This would, by necessary inference, include anything (alcohol or drugs) that would make our mind not capable of “clear thought.”]

Next we are told that the evangelist must “endure afflictions.” This is one that you won’t hear taught on frequently, but none the less, it is a requirement! I’m not talking about where someone just made you mad. I am talking about doing as the Greek conveys—kakopatheo, “to undergo hardship” (from kakos, “worthless” + pathos, “suffering, passion”). The evangelist must put himself in a position to undergo hardship, suffering, and the passion of pain. How would Paul rate us as evangelists today?

The next term used by Paul is “toil” (ergon). This is representative of the migrant workers or a group that works in the field from sunrise to sunset—not the 9-5 work ethic that is followed today!

The key word in the verse is euaggelistes (“a preacher of the gospel”). It has a root word which helps us understand what is meant by the term “preacher”— euaggelizo, “to announce good news.”

How was the preaching to be done? What is the responsibility that Paul tells Timothy to take on? Timothy is to plerophoreo, “to carry out fully,” the duties and obligations laid upon him as a preacher of the gospel. The last part of this word is from phoreo, “to have a burden.” Is being an evangelist going to be the life of prestige and esteem from mankind? Not according to Paul!

What was Timothy to try to attain? He was to establish the trust and confidence so that the Word of God could be effective and have the necessary credibility! What about us today? Paul uses the word plerophoria, “entire confidence.” It is derived from the Greek word that we just looked at, plerophoreo, “to carry out fully.” How do we become effective as evangelists? By fully completing our mission to preach the gospel.

Here the evangelist is said to have a ministry, not just any ministry but “thy” (personal) “ministry” (diakonia, “attendance as a servant; aid; service”). You have a personal service that must be rendered. You must therefore have a personal commitment to serve and aid those in need of the gospel! You must “prove” (plerophoria, “entire confidence”) that you are a servant or aid to the Lord! Brethren, what does your personal commitment and service prove to the Lord?

Acts 21:8 “And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.”

Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven

On the morrow we departed and came to Caesarea; and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him

As an evangelist, Phillip shows the importance of being hospitable. He must have recognized that there may be angels in his midst (cf. Hebrews 13:2) and so he took the company of folks into his dwelling. Here the word “evangelist” is euaggelistes (“a preacher of the gospel”). Thus we learn that he was a preacher of the gospel, but also that he was one of the Seven. In Acts, we read the following concerning this:

Acts 6:5 “And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch.”

This was not a new practice for the people of God to use in putting forth leadership candidates for the work of the Lord. Listen to the writings aforetime (cf. Romans 15:4):

Deuteronomy 1:13

Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you

1 Timothy 3:7

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil

The qualifications for being a leader were similar to the ones used in the New Testament. Let’s look at them for just a moment:

Old Testament (Deuteronomy 1:13)

A. Take you wise men

B. Take you understanding men

C. Take you men known among your tribes

New Testament (Acts 6:3, 1 Timothy 3:1A. Look ye out from among you:

1. Select men of honest report

2. Select men full of the Holy Ghost

3. Select men full of wisdom

4. Select men of good report

III. Ordination: Is It Necessary? If So How Is It To Be Performed?

A. ORDAIN

To order, constitute, appoint, found, or establish, as priest deacon over a church

1. Hebrew

founded

1 Chronicles 9:22

to establish

to set or to number

to give

to raise up

to set in order

work

to confirm

to appoint

to set

to make

2. Greek

to arrange

to place

to prepare fully

to separate

to judge

to bound

to make

predetermine

to set in order

to lay

to stretch

to begin to be

to write before

to appoint

Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

(NIV) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

The command is to “Go!” For the apostles, this is a responsibility that none was exempted from! “Go ye” is from poreuomai, “to traverse,” which is from peira, “a rest.”

The preaching of the gospel was a test or work that they had to constantly apply themselves towards to accomplish. The next thing said is “therefore” (oun, “certainly”)—it must be done! What must certainly get done? Teaching (matheteuo, “to become a pupil; to disciple”). Get done the work of making pupils and disciples! Make folks learners of what the gospel contains! What folks need to learn the gospel? All nations! Every one on this old earth! The Greek word for “nations” is ethnos (“a race; tribe”). This shows that no special group of folks are selected—all must submit to the gospel call!

The evangelist must practice baptism to be scripturally honoring his work responsibilities! Baptize is from baptizo (“to make fully wet,” from bapto, “to whelm; cover wholly with a fluid; to stain as with a dye”). Thus, he is not afraid of the saving power of water (1 Peter 3:21).

Evangelism is only sanctioned by the Lord if it is in His name, therefore, it is easy to see that the Lord will accept nothing less in the requirements that He has set for baptizing the learners of the gospel!

Matthew 28:20 “Teaching them to observe all things whatsover I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Luke 24:46-47 “And he said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Repentance

compunction; reversal

Remission

freedom, pardon

Preach

to herald

The evangelist must preach the proper subject matter prescribed by Christ! What does this consist of?

1. Preaching repentance

2. Preaching remission of sin

3. Preaching to all of the world!

Luke 24:47-48 “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”

John 4:35 “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest.”

(NIV) “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? 1 tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

The evangelist must have the ability to look at the fields and recognize a mature crop. The evangelist must know when to look at the fields. The evangelist must want to harvest the fruit. The evangelist must learn there is more fruit to harvest than there are harvesters!

Luke 10:2 “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Matthew 9:37 “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”

John 4:36 “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.”

(NIV) “Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.”

(RSV) “He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.”

The KJV indicates here that one who reaps or harvests a crop gets pay for services. He then says in addition that the one who gets paid also does something else, what is it? He “gathereth fruit!” The Greek here means “to lead together.” Thus one that gets paid to work, works in leading along with others of the faith. The evangelist that works knows that his labor is not in vain in the Lord! By carrying out the duty of gathering fruit for eternal life, the evangelist can bring joy to himself and to the sower also. Both may rejoice in eternity!

1 Corinthians 3:8 “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.”

2 John 1:8 “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”

James 5:20 "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”

John 4:37 “And herein is that saying true, ‘One soweth, and another reaps ’is true."
(NIV) "Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true."

(RSV) “For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’

The evangelist must understand that if he continues to sow the seed of the kingdom he will see the benefits. This does not mean that he will be the one who does the reaping. Two examples: I had some studies with two men who seemed to understand the gospel. On a Sunday morning, one man and his wife came forward to be baptized after a lesson by another brother. I was overjoyed that they obeyed the gospel. In the other situation, I studied and studied with certain persons with no results. Finally, I moved out of the city, and the first Sunday that I was gone they obeyed the gospel. I greatly rejoiced at the news!

John 4:38 “I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”

(NW) “I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

(RSV) “I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

As an evangelist, you do not have to create the efforts from scratch; we have the one who has laboured already, Jesus Christ the Righteous. He has done the hard work (kopiao, “to feel fatigue”)! The evangelist is only reaping the benefits of Christ’s labour! For example, think of how nice it would be if someone offered you a job stacking heavy objects all day long and they agreed to pay you $25 per hour. When you came to work you found all of the objects stacked already, arid the supervisor said, “I already stacked them up for you. All you have to do is straighten them up and I will still pay you $25 per hour.” You would be thrilled, and if that happened every day you would think about how good you really have it! But that’s just what Jesus has done for the evangelist! This thing was not done in a corner! Jesus was not kept secret! Most folks have heard of Him! He has done the hard work for us! We have it So good!

John 15:27 “And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.”

John 4:39 (NIV) “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’”

(RSV) “Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’”

Here, the substantial religious awakening was caused by a woman with an evangelistic attitude, that we evangelists sometimes lack or let grow dim. How often do we let slide by us the opportunities to tell someone that “He told me all that ever I did.” How was her evangelistic attitude manifest to others? By word (logos, “something said, including the thought”). We must speak tip as a witness for Christ for a religious awakening to result!

The evangelist must have the following qualifications:

1. He must be sound in the faith! (1 Timothy 1:19).

2. He must be apt to teach (2 Timothy 2:24).

3. He must be sound in doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 2:1).

4. He must be an example of good works (1 Timothy 4:12).

5. He must show zeal in using gifts possessed (1 Timothy 4:14;
2 Timothy 1:6).

6. He must have courage to rebuke sin (1 Timothy 5:20).

7. He must be willing to endure persecution (2 Timothy 2:3).

8. He must strive to fulfill all of the responsibilities of the work
(2 Timothy 2:15-22).

The following verses highlight other responsibilities and examples that we should consider when we are examining the vast responsibilities of the work of an evangelist!

Acts 5:20

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life

Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said “and tell the people the full message of this new life

Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life

Acts 10:42

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead

This verse clearly teaches that the preaching was left as a responsibility to us since Christ was “ordained” (horizo, “to mark out or bound”) by God to be the judge — not the evangelist—of the quick and the dead! Thus, the evangelist must set in order without the harsh judgment of the living. Things can be set in order using love!

Acts 22:15

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard

Acts 26:16

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.

Romans 1:15

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also

I Corinthians 9:1 6-17

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me

2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake

2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead

2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God

Ephesians 3:8-9

me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers

2 Timothy 4:5

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry

Ephesians 6:20

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak

1 Thessalonians 2:4

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

2 Timothy 2:2

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also

2 Timothy 4:1-2

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine

2 Timothy 4:5

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy min

2 Peter 1:16

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty

In conclusion, there are numerous duties that we haven’t even touched on but I hope that we will always remember that indeed the harvest is plenteous but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore . . . And do the work of an evangelist!

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Glendale, Arizona 85304.

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Sunday, January 20, 2008

Table of Contents 1994 PSN

1994 Preacher Study Notes
*** PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU SEE AN ARTICLE LISTED THAT IS NOT POSTED YET THAT YOU WOULD LIKE POSTED, OR HAVE A COMMENT , SUGGESTION OR QUESTION --- PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL DO SO ASAP, Dennis at BibleTruths@hotmail.com ***
Foreword

Higher Criticism, Carl Johnson

Freemasonry, Wm Mark Bailey

The Way, Terry Baze

Jehovah’s Witnesses, Richard Bunner

Baware of False Teachers, Allen Bailey

The Baptismal Formula, Johnny Elmore

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Bill Davis

Evangelism and the Work of the Evangelist* Art Lynch

Is There a Command for collection and Treasury? Mike Whitworth

May We Give Financial Support to Elders? Dan Wissinger

May Benevolent Work Be Done From the Treasury for the Unbeliever? Maurice Chandler

Preaching in Russia: The Message of the Gospel in View of Russian History and Culture, Raymoud fox

Remarriage ---Guilty and Innocent Party Considerations, Jerry Cutter

The Prophecy of Daniel, Doug Edwards

Counseling Families in Crisis, Billy Orten

Chrisitan Liberties --- Romans 14, Edwin Morris

The Observance of Holidays, Ronny Wade

Read more!

Preacher's Study Notes 1994

Blog Archive

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Remarriage—Guilty and Innocent
Party Considerations

Jehovah's Witnesses

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

May Benevolent Work Be Done From the Treasury for Unbelievers?

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Evangelism and The Work
of An Evangelist

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Table of Contents 1994 PSN

Other Christian's Expositor Articles

About Me

Preacher's Study Notes 1994

Blog Archive

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Remarriage—Guilty and Innocent Party Considerations

Jehovah's Witnesses

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

May Benevolent Work Be Done From the Treasury for Unbelievers?

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Evangelism and The Work of An Evangelist

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Table of Contents 1994 PSN

Other Christian's Expositor Articles

About Me

Remarriage—Guilty and Innocent
Party Considerations

Evangelism and The Work
of An Evangelist