OceanSide church of Christ

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WHAT DO I SAY?

Victor M. Eskew

INTRODUCTION

A.               Peter was clear when he admonished us to be ready to give an answer to other (I Pet. 3:15).

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:  and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

1.               Sanctification.

2.               Preparation.

3.               Duration.

4.               Communication.

5.               Opposition

6.               Disposition.

B.               This is an overwhelming responsibility.  There are literally thousands of things that people can ask us.  When they ask some questions, we wonder in our mind:  “What do I say?”

C.              Some questions, however, are more common than others.  Sadly, some are not ready to answer the common questions.  I have been approached by members on numerous occasions who will ask:  “What do I say?”

D.              In this lesson, we want to look at some of the more common questions and answers and provide a reasonable Biblical response.

I.          DO YOU THINK ONLY THOSE IN THECHURCH OF CHRIST ARE GOING TO HEAVEN?

A.               Many times this question is asked by one whose only intent is to trap us.  He wants a “yes” or “no” answer with no explanation from Holy Writ.

1.               In such a case, I will answer, “Yes.”

2.               He might then say:  “You mean you think everybody else is going to hell?”  Answer:  “Yes, that’s right.”

3.               What we are hoping for is for a response from the inquirer that says:  “How could you believe such a thing?”

4.               Answer:  “If you have some time, I will sit down with you and show you more about what I believe from the Bible.”

B.               Sometimes, the question comes from an honest seeker of truth.

1.               Response:  “I only believe what the Bible has to teach about this.  Will you let me show you what the Bible has to say?”

2.               Two concepts need to be taught:  1) the singular nature of the church, and 2) the fact that salvation is in the church.

a.         Go back in time to the first century.  Question:  “Did any denominations as we know them exist?”  Answer:  “No.”  Question:  “Did a church exist to which Peter and John belonged?”  Answer:  “Yes.”  Question:  “Which church was this?”  You might be surprised by their answer.  Many will say:  “The church of Christ.”  (NOTE:  No denominations existed; and there was only one church.  Thus, we have established the singularity of the church.

b.         Does the Bible tie salvation to the church of the first century?

                                                1)         Ephesians 4:4.

There is one body…

                                                2)         The body is the church (Eph. 1:22-23).

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

                                                3)         Ephesians 5:23.

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:  and he is the saviour of the body.

a)         Jesus is the savior of the body.  The body is the church.  Therefore, Jesus is the savior of the church.

b)         Jesus does not save anyone who is not part of the church (See Acts 2:47).

c)         The only question we have to ask is:  “Does that church exist today?”  If so:  “Which church is it?”

3.         By the time we have reached this point, we are now on a new topic of study.  We’ve proved salvation is found only in the church.  Now we must begin a diligent search to determine if that church exists today.

II.         DO YOU THINK ONE WILL GO TO HELL IF HE IS NOT BAPTIZED?

A.               Again, this is usually a loaded question.  The inquirer usually wants a “yes” or “no” answer.

B.               In response, we need to ask two questions to which the questioner will answer, “Yes.”

1.               Is the blood of Christ important?

2.               Did the blood of Christ seal the New Testament?

a.         The answer is:  “Yes.”

            1)         Matthew 26:28.

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

2)         In Hebrews 10:29, Jesus’ blood is referred to as “the blood of the covenant.”

                                                3)         Hebrews 9:18-23 elaborates more fully on this point.

a)         Verse 18:  Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

b)         Verse 19:  Moses…took the blood of calves and of goats…and sprinkled both the book…

c)         Verse 23:  It was therefore necessary that the pattern of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

b.         The sealing of the covenant with the blood of Christ indicates its binding nature.  It is truth.  It cannot be broken.  It is the standard approved by the very blood of Christ.

                                                1)         Mark 16:16.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…

                                                2)         I Peter 3:21a.

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us…

C.              This response puts the precious blood of Christ upon these words.  If one rejects these passages, he troddens under his feet the precious blood of Christ.

III.        WHY DON’T YOU USE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN WORSHIP?

A.               We don’t use mechanical instruments because Jesus taught us that we can only teach that which has been commanded (Matt. 28:20).

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

B.               Only singing has been commanded in the New Testament.

1.               Ephesians 5:19.

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hear to the Lord.

2.               Colossians 3:16.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

C.        Singing has been commanded.  Can you show one verse in the New Testment that commands us to use mechanical instruments of music in worship?

1.         They will often turn to the Old Testament which will necessitate a discussion of the distinction between the covenants.

2.         They may also say:  “Well, the New Testament does not say that you cannot use instruments of music.”  This will call for us to talk about “how” the Bible authorizes.

IV.       WHAT IS YOUR PASTOR’S NAME?

A.               We have three of them.  Their names are Bill Horne, Larry Paulk, and Kevin Walker.  None of these men, however, is our preacher.

B.               The word “pastor” is found only one time in the KJV.  In this passage, the office of a pastor is clearly distinguished from that of an evangelist (Eph. 4:11).

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

C.              The word “pastor” comes from the Greek word that means “to shepherd” or “to feed.”  These responsibilities fall upon that group of men the Bible calls elders (Acts 20:17, 28; I Peter 5:1-2).

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:  feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof.

1.               Peter here addresses elders.

2.               They are to feed, shepherd, or pastor the flock.

3.               They have the oversight of the church.

D.              The work of an evangelist is different from that of a pastor.  In II Timothy 4, Paul discusses the work of a preacher.  He told Timothy to “preach the word” and “do the work of an evangelist.”  Timothy was not a pastor.

E.               Our pastors are Bill and Larry and Kevin.  Our evangelist is Victor Eskew.

CONCLUSION

A.               Brethren, Peter said that we must “be ready to answer.”  We do not need to skirt the question, or, act ignorant, or give some accommodative answer.

B.               Answer the questions.  Do so with meekness, fear, and love in your heart.

WHAT DO I SAY?

Victor M. Eskew

INTRODUCTION

A.               Peter was clear when he admonished us to be ready to given an answer to others (I Peter 3:15).

1.                 Sanctification:  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.

2.                 Preparation:  and be ready.

3.                 Duration:  always.

4.                 Communication:  to give an answer

5.                 Opposition:  to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.

6.                 Disposition:  with meekness and fear.

B.                This is an overwhelming responsibility. 

1.                 Some questions can be very tough to answer.  We ask:  “What do I say?”

2.                 There are some common questions that are asked, yet we still respond the same say.

C.                In this lesson we want to look at some of the common questions and provide a Biblical response.

I.             DO YOU THINK ONLY THOSE IN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST ARE GOING TO HEAVEN?

A.               Many times this question is asked by one whose only intent is to trap us.  He wants a “yes” or “no” answer.

1.                 In such cases, I will answer, “Yes.”

2.                 He might say, “You mean everyone else is going to hell?”  Answer:  “That’s right.”

3.                 The hope is that the inquirer will say, “How could you believe such a thing?”  Answer:  If you have some time I will sit down and show you why I believe this.”

B.                Sometimes the question comes from an honest seeker of truth.

1.                 Response:  I only believe what the Bible teaches about this.  Will you let me show you two Bible concepts?

2.                 The two concepts are:  the singular nature of the church and the fact that salvation is in the church.

a.            Singular Nature:  Let’s go back to the first century.  Question:  Did any denominations exist at that

time?  Answer:  No.  Question:  Did a church exist to which the apostles and others belong?  Answer:  Yes.  Question:  What church was this?  Answer:  Many will answer, the church of Christ.  (NOTE:  No denominations; only one church.  Singularity is established).

                                             b.            Salvation is in the church:

                                                            1)            Ephesians 4:4 – There is one body.

                                                            2)            Ephesians 1;22, 23 – The body is the church.

3)            Ephesians 5:23 – Jesus is the saviour of the body.  Jesus is the saviour of the body, the

               church.  Jesus does not save anyone who is not part of the body (See Acts 2:47).

                                                            4)            The only question remaining is:  “Does that church exist today?”

II.           DO YOU THINK ONE WILL GO TO HELL IS HE IS NOT BAPTIZED?

A.               Again, this is a question that is usually designed to entrap us.  The inquirer wants a “yes” or “no” answer.

B.                In response, we need to ask two questions.

1.                 Is the blood of Jesus important?  The obvious answer is, “Yes.”

2.                 Did the blood of Christ seal the New Testament?  Again, the answer is, “Yes.”

a.            Matthew 26:28.

                                             b.            In Hebrews 10:29, Jesus’ blood is referred to as “the blood of the covenant.”

                                             c.            Hebrews 9:18-23 elaborates fully on this point.

                                                            1)            v. 18 – The first testament was dedicated with blood.

                                                            2)            v. 19 – Moses…took the blood of calves and of goats…and sprinkled the book.

                                                            3)            v. 23 – It was therefore necessary that the pattern of things in the heavens should be

                                                                           purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

                                             d.            The sealing of the covenant with blood indicates its “binding” nature.

3.                 Now we can look at passages about baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:21).

III.          WHY DON’T THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST USE MECHANICAL INSTRUMENTS IN WORSHIP?

A.               Answer:  Because Jesus taught that we can only teach that which is commanded (Matt. 28:20).

B.                The only thing that has been commanded  in the New Testament is “singing” (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).

C.                Question:  Can you show me one passage where mechanical instruments are commanded in the NT?

1.                 They will often turn to the OT.

2.                 This will mean that we must discuss with them the distinction between the covenants.

IV.          WHAT IS YOUR PASTOR’S NAME?

A.               We have two of them, Bill Horne, Larry Paulk, and Kevin Walker.  These men are not our preachers, however.

B.                Answer:  The word “pastor” is only used one time in the KJV.  In the passage the office of a pastor is distinct from the office of an evangelist (Eph. 4:11).

C.                The word “pastor” comes from a Greek word that means “to shepherd” or “to feed.”  This is the duty of a group of men known as elders (Acts 20:19, 28; I Peter 5:1, 2).

1.                 Peter addressed the elders.

2.                 They are to feed, pastor, shepherd the flock.

3.                 They have the oversight of the local church.

D.               The work of a preacher is different than their work (II Tim. 4:2, 5).

CONCLUSION

A.               Peter said we must be ready with an answer.  We do not need to skirt the questions, or act ignorant, or try to give some accommodative answer.

B.                Answer their question, but do so with meekness, fear, and love in your heart (Eph. 4:15).

WHAT DO I SAY?

Victor M. Eskew

INTRODUCTION

A.           Peter was clear when he admonished us to be ready to given an _______________ to others (I Peter 3:15).

1.                 Sanctification:  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.

2.                 _____________________:  and be ready.

3.                 Duration:  always.

4.                 ______________________:  to give an answer

5.                 Opposition:  to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.

6.                 _____________________:  with meekness and fear.

B.            This is an overwhelming responsibility. 

1.                 Some questions can be very _________________ to answer.  We ask:  “What do I say?”

2.                 There are some ______________________ questions that are asked, yet we still respond the same say.

C.            In this lesson we want to look at some of the common questions and provide a Biblical response.

I.             DO YOU THINK ONLY THOSE IN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST ARE GOING TO HEAVEN?

A.           Many times this question is asked by one whose only intent is to ___________ us.  He wants a “yes” or “no” answer.

                              1.            In such cases, I will answer, “_________________.”

2.            He might say, “You mean everyone else is going to hell?”  Answer:  “That’s right.”

3.                 The hope is that the inquirer will say, “How could you believe such a thing?”  Answer:  If you have some time I will sit down and show you why I believe this.”

B.            Sometimes the question comes from an _____________________ seeker of truth.

1.            Response:  I only believe what the Bible teaches about this.  Will you let me show you ____ Bible concepts?

2.            The two concepts are:  the ______________ nature of the church and the fact that salvation is in the church.

a.            Singular Nature:  Let’s go back to the first century.  Question:  Did any denominations exist at that time?  Answer:  No.  Question:  Did a church exist to which the apostles and others belong?  Answer:  Yes.  Question:  What church was this?  Answer:  Many will answer, the church of Christ.  (NOTE:  No denominations; only one church.  Singularity is established).

                                             b.            Salvation is in the church:

                                                            1)            Ephesians 4:4 – There is _____________ body.

                                                            2)            Ephesians 1;22, 23 – The body is the _________________.

3)            Ephesians 5:23 – Jesus is the ___________ of the body.  Jesus is the saviour of the body, the church.  Jesus does not save anyone who is not part of the body (See Acts 2:47).

                                                            4)            The only question remaining is:  “Does that church exist today?”

II.           DO YOU THINK ONE WILL GO TO HELL IF HE IS NOT BAPTIZED?

A.           Again, this is a question that is usually designed to entrap us.  The inquirer wants a “yes” or “no” answer.

B.            In response, we need to ask two questions.

1.            Is the __________________ of Jesus important?  The obvious answer is, “Yes.”

                              2.            Did the blood of Christ _______________ the New Testament?  Again, the answer is, “Yes.”

                                             a.            Matthew 26:28.

                                             b.            In Hebrews 10:29, Jesus’ blood is referred to as “the ____________ of the ____________.”

                                             c.            Hebrews 9:18-23 elaborates fully on this point.

                                                            1)            v. 18 – The _______________ testament was dedicated with blood.

                                                            2)            v. 19 – Moses…took the blood of calves and of goats…and sprinkled the book.

                                                            3)            v. 23 – It was therefore necessary that the pattern of things in the heavens should be

                                                                           purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

                                             d.            The sealing of the covenant with blood indicates its “_______________” nature.

3.            Now we can look at passages about baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:21).

III.          WHY DON’T THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST USE MECHANICAL INSTRUMENTS IN WORSHIP?

A.           Answer:  Because Jesus taught that we can only teach that which is ____________________ (Matt. 28:20).

B.            The only thing that has been commanded in the New Testament is “________________” (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).

C.            Question:  Can you show me one passage where mechanical instruments are commanded in the NT?

1.            They will often turn to the OT.

2.            This will mean that we must discuss with them the distinction between the covenants.

IV.          WHAT IS YOUR ______________________ NAME?

A.           We have three of them, Bill Horne, Larry Paulk, and Kevin Walker.  These men are not our preachers, however.

B.            Answer:  The word “pastor” is only used __________ time in the KJV.  In the passage the office of a pastor is __________________ from the office of an evangelist (Eph. 4:11).

C.                The word “pastor” comes from a Greek word that means “to ___________” or “to ____________.”  This is the duty of a group of men known as elders (Acts 20:19, 28; I Peter 5:1, 2).

1.            Peter addressed the elders.

                              2.            They are to feed, pastor, shepherd the flock.

                              3.            They have the _________________________ of the local church.

D.               The work of a preacher is different than their work (II Tim. 4:2, 5).

CONCLUSION

A.           Peter said we must be ready with an answer.  We do not need to skirt the questions, or act ignorant, or try to give some accommodative answer.

B.            Answer their question, but do so with ___________________, fear, and ____________ in your heart (Eph. 4:15).