Church's function in Christians' lives, and counseling | ACBC Exam Question #20

                       What role does the church play in the believer’s life and the counseling process?

            Like home and family life is where children are raised to maturity; the church is to function in the life of a believer in their faith.  The church is to, “…proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28)  The local church ought to be sought out by every believer; “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25).  We were designed for community, the people we choose to do life with will influence us, so we ought to seek out others with like faith to learn, be encouraged, and have accountability (2 Corinthians 6:14).

             The Bible is clear that the church is to be involved in believers lives through; using the Scriptures to present the gospel, teach doctrine, guide believers in righteousness and good works (2 Timothy 3:15-17),  building each other up in Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22), confronting sin (Matthew 18:15-20), mutual accountability (Acts 20:28), developing and serving with spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12), providing each other support in trials, and rejoicing in good times (1 Corinthians 12:25-26), maturing believers in faith, perfecting them for ministry, giving guidance against false doctrine, (Ephesians 4:11-15), an environment of unity and love in which the Word is used to admonish, give wisdom, and where songs of thanksgiving are sung to God (Colossians 3:14-16). 

             The local church is God’s design for the believer to grow, learn, and change.  Naturally counseling should take place within it; casually and formally.  Many of the ways the church is to function in the life of a believer listed happen in healthy churches as believers attend Sunday School, worship services, bible studies, through friendships, etc.  But when a Christian is struggling and in need guidance and Scriptural help these things need to happen in a confidential, concentrated way through counseling for a time until there is confidence they are dealing biblically with circumstances and are able to function using the Word of God to respond and live biblically in their situation.  Jay Adams challenges the church; “Let the church, then, assume her counseling duty, and let Christians of all sorts encourage her to do so.  Let no one stand in her way, lest he be found opposing her Head and King Himself!”¹   May we counsel in our churches so we can say; “…to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21)

¹“A Theology of Christian Counseling”, Jay Adams, page 280

Church | ACBC Exam Question #19

  What is the church?

             The dictionary defines church as; “ a/ a building for public Christian worship b/ the whole body of Christian believers; Christendom c/ any division of this body professing the same creed and acknowledging the same ecclesiastical authority; a Christian denomination: the Methodist Church.”¹

             My husband and I are members at South End Fellowship Baptist Church, in Owen Sound, Ontario.  It’s a great place to learn the Word of God, corporately worship, serve, and fellowship.  We are real life struggling sinners growing and changing, all at different places and paces in the process.  There are saved as well as unsaved people there; the unsaved are searching, hearing the Gospel and hopefully coming to a place of personal decision to accept Christ.  Our church is a building, but more than that, it is people; seekers, worshippers, servers, family in Christ supporting and helping one another become more like our Saviour.  There are local churches like ours all over North America, throughout the world.  There are churches based on the truth of Scripture, and there are false teaching “churches” leading people away from the Gospel, presenting many varying doctrines.  They all consider themselves “a church”.

     So then what is the church?  In Scripture we read that Jesus said, “…I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18)  Surely He wasn't talking about cathedrals, mosques, or road side chapels.  No, the church of God is not a building, but people who have a personal faith relationship with Christ.   

   “The importance of the church can scarcely be overstated.  It is that which God purchased with the blood of His own Son (Acts 20:28).  It is that which Christ loves, nourishes, and cherishes (Eph. 5: 25, 29), and which He shall present to Himself blameless in all her glory one day (v. 27).  Building His church constitutes Christ’s principle work in the world today (Matt 16:18) through His giving of spiritual gifts (Eph. 4:12).  Thus the exercise of those gifts by believers aligns us with what Christ is doing today.”²

             The church began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37-47) under the headship of our risen Saviour Jesus Christ who is seated in heaven since the ascension (Ephesians 1:20).  There are three aspects to this church.  The first being the universal church including all believers throughout time both in heaven and on earth.  The second is the visible church which includes all Gospel believing churches on planet earth.  Thirdly, is each localized assembly.  Each true believer of Christ becomes part of the universal church at conversion, and should be a member of the visible and local church also.   All three of these terms churches can be referred to as “the church of God” (1 Corinthians 10:32). 

¹ www.dictionary.com     ² “Basic Theology”, Charles Ryrie, page 393

Holy Spirit's Guiding in the life of Christians | ACBC Exam Question #18

 Does the Holy Spirit guide Christians? If so, what means and methods does He use?

             Yes, the Holy Spirit is our guide as believers in Jesus Christ.  “This ministry of the Spirit is one of the most assuring ones for the Christian.  The child of God never needs to walk in the dark; he is always free to ask and receive directions from the Spirit Himself.”¹  Jesus described the coming Holy Spirit as a guide before Pentecost; “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth...” (John 16:13).  God guiding us through the Holy Spirit is a confirmation of our salvation, and that we are members of God’s family, because children of God are led by Him. “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).  

             The way the Holy Spirit guides is not mystical or emotionally based.  We cannot simply “follow our heart” believing that because the Spirit lives in us we will therefore live righteously.  “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick…” (Jeremiah 17:9). “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:17)  Even within Christians, we still battle the old sin nature, and cannot trust our own judgement/motives.  Rather we need to; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)  How do we go about “acknowledging Him in all our ways”?  What source does the Spirit use to direct us if it’s not feelings?  He uses the Bible, the Word of God; our source for God’s truth.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) 

             We need to be consulting the Word of God for His directions for how to live our lives.  The Holy Spirit will never ask you to do something contrary to the Word of God, because the Holy Spirit is God, and would not contradict Himself.  It is only through the Spirit that we have any ability to know God through salvation (1 Corinthians 12:3), and to live for Him rather than self (Galatians 5:16).  He convicts us of wrong, prompts us to obey God’s Word, and enables righteous living. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19).  In areas the Bible does not give clear direction we ought to be praying for wisdom (James 1:5).  The Holy Spirit will prompt us, give peace, and help us make decisions.           

¹ “Basic Theology”, Charles Ryrie, page 381                                               

Holy Spirit's Role | ACBC Exam Question #17

What role does this Spirit play in the believer’s life and the counseling process?

             

             The Holy Spirit has an important, vital role in our lives as believers.   He is participatory in our coming to Christ, giving us the understanding, and ability to receive salvation by faith; “…no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3) We are indwelt by the Spirit at the time of salvation.  This is only true of believers in the church age, and began on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.  This sensational expression of the Spirit including speaking in tongues, and the flames above the heads of believers was a one-time event marking the Spirit’s coming to indwell Christians as never before.  Now, this indwelling occurs immediately for all who by faith personally receive Christ as Saviour, without requiring fanfare or physical evidence (Romans 5:5, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 2 Corinthians 5:5).  Baptism of the Holy Spirit is also a post-Pentecost Age experience of every believer at salvation (Acts 1:5, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:5, Colossians 2:12).    The Holy Spirit also acts a seal on our salvation, which is proof of the authenticity of our salvation, and also demonstrates the permanency of our salvation (2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30).             

         While indwelling, baptism, and sealing of the Spirit all take place for every believer at the moment of salvation and are permanent, there is one temporary presence of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Scripture, called “filling”.  Spirit filling involves two aspects, the first being; “a sovereign act of God whereby He possesses someone for special activity”.²   Examples of people who experienced this type of “filling” would be; John the Baptist (Luke 1:15), Elizabeth (Luke 1:41), Zacharias (Luke 1:67), believers present on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), Peter (Acts 4:8), and Paul (Acts 9:17, 13:9). 

             There is a second, life-long type of “filling” mentioned in the Bible which; “may be described as the extreme influence and control of the Spirit in a believers life.”³   Scriptural examples of this type of filling include; Christ (Luke 4:1), Stephen (Acts 7:55), Barnabas (Acts 11:24), and the disciples (Acts 13:52).  All believers are instructed to be filled by the Spirit in Ephesians 5:18.  “This facet of the Spirit’s filling is the finest character reference one could have.  It seems to be something every believer can experience but not something every believer does experience (Acts 6:3).”⁴                

           The Holy Spirit indwelling every believer provides us with so many benefits and blessings.  Personally the hope He alone can give is a tremendous gift; “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)  The Holy Spirit is also; the giver of spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ, and glorify God (1 Peter 4:10, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4:11-13), teacher of spiritual truth (John 16:12-15), guide to all of God’s children (Romans 8:14), and our assurance of eternal life (Romans 8:16).  He prays for us (Romans 8:26), and provides enablement to live righteously rather than in sin (Romans 8:13, Galatians 5:16,17).     

             In the counseling process the Holy Spirit enables an unsaved counselee to see their need for Christ, and come to faith (1 Corinthians 12:3).  He also enlightens spiritual truth, giving us understanding (John 16:12-15).  He is the source of hope in all Biblical counsel (Romans 15:13), and a guide to both the counselor and the counselee as His children (Romans 8:14) in the process of becoming more like Christ (Romans 8:13).  

Holy Spirit | ACBC Exam Question #16

Who or what is the Holy Spirit?    

             The Holy Spirit is a Person.  This is shown in Scripture in that He has the characteristics and actions of a person; intellect (Romans 8:27, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11), the ability to teach (1 Corinthians 2:13), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), He has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11), and He guides believers by speaking, hearing and demonstrating as we read in John 16:13; “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”  His person-hood is also alluded to in the language used in reference to Him; He is to be obeyed (Acts 10:19-21), He can be lied to (Acts 5:3), He can be insulted (Hebrews 10:29). “…Scriptural evidence leads to the conclusion that the Holy Spirit, even though spirit being, is as real a Person as the Father, or the Son, or as we are.”¹    

             The Holy Spirit is a member of the Trinity, He is God.  In John 14:16 Jesus said; “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever”.  This helper, the Holy Spirit was another of the same kind as Jesus and God Himself, demonstrated by the word choice Jesus used.  Also, The Holy Spirit has attributes and performed acts that only God can do; He is omniscient (1 Corinthians 2:12), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7), and omnipotent (Psalm 104:30-His work in Creation demonstrates His power).  The Holy Spirit has done things only God could have done; He caused the virgin birth of Christ (Luke 1:35), He inspired the writing of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21), He was involved in creating the world (Genesis 1:2).    Scripture gives evidence the Holy Spirit is an equal member of the Godhead.  “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14-my own emphasis added)  In Matthew 28:19, the Great Commission passage believers are commissioned to make disciples and baptize them in the name (singular) of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  This text is the strongest proof that the Spirit is Deity, and equal member of the Trinity.

             So we gather from Scripture that the Holy Spirit is a Person, He is God, and an equal member of the Trinity.  He is also very much involved in a person coming to faith and growing in their relationship with God.  See question #2 in the Pneumatology section below where this is explained.

                                                                                                               

¹ “Basic Theology”, Charles Ryrie, page 344 

Perseverance | ACBC Exam Question #15

 Do Christians persevere? What relationship does this have to counseling?

             To persevere means; “to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.”¹   Yes, all true Christians persevere.  “We are able to persevere only because God works within us, within our free wills. And because God is at work in us, we are certain to persevere. The decrees of God concerning election are immutable. They do not change, because He does not change. All whom He justifies He glorifies. None of the elect has ever been lost.”²

             The concept of “perseverance of the saints” also known as “eternal security” is an extremely important foundation of the Christian faith.  “Eternal security is the work of God which guarantees that the gift of salvation, once received, is forever and cannot be lost.  The concept of eternal security emphasizes God’s activity in guaranteeing the eternal possession of the gift of eternal life.”³             

            Throughout Scripture the definitive position of a believer is clear (underlining added for emphasis).  “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24) “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38, 39) “…and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:28, 29)

            We would all agree that salvation is a free gift (Romans 6:23).  It cannot be earned by works (Ephesians 2:8, 9) and since we are saved 100% by grace, we are also kept by that grace.  God cannot renege this gift, and refuse His own character.  “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13) 

            Many references in Scripture challenge believers to continue on in their faith.  “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16)  “…we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” Romans 5:3,4 “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

         This doctrine of perseverance of believers has a huge effect in Biblical counseling.  It is so important that every believer understands that if they are a true believer that standing before God will never come into question.  It is final.  It is forever.  They ought to demonstrate their gratitude to God for this salvation by a life dedicated to Him, persevering in their faith, no matter what comes.  Throughout Scripture believers are commanded to continue in the faith, not to give up a lifestyle of obedience.  It is evidence that our faith is genuine.  Yes, believers will falter, and struggle, face doubts, and even disobey at times.  But, a genuine believer possessing the Holy Spirit can be assured that God “… will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:8,9)         

¹ www.dictionary.com           ² “Chosen by God”, R.C Sproul, page 177

³ “Basic Theology”, Charles Ryrie, page 328 

Sanctification | ACBC Exam Question #14

 Sanctification is said to be past, present, and future.  Discuss, including the idea of “union with Christ”.

             Sanctification is the process of a believer becoming more and more set apart from sin, becoming increasingly pure in life and morals, growing in holiness, and consecration to God and righteousness. 

“The focus of sanctification is the healing of the dysfunctionality of sin. Since all spiritual blessings, justification and sanctification included, are the Christian's the moment he or she is "in Christ" (Eph 1:3), sanctification is total and final in one sense (Acts 20:32 ; 26:18 ; 1 Cor 6:11). Yet, unlike justification, sanctification also continues until it will be consummated when Jesus Christ returns. For then we will be like him (1 John 3:2) perfect and complete. Sanctification, therefore, has an initial, progressive, and final phase. A believer's present preoccupation is with progressive sanctification (2 Cor 3:18, note the present continuous tense, "are being transformed"), by which the child of God lives out the implications of initial sanctification with an eye to the goal of final sanctification. The sanctified life is victorious (Rom 8:37), though it is lived out in the context of temptation and suffering.”¹

            Before a relationship with Christ we can’t help but grow in sinfulness.  Once we make a personal decision to place our faith in Christ we are forgiven for all sin-past, present and future, are united with Christ, given new life, and are put on a path of righteous living; “For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.” (Romans 6:19b) 

             The process of sanctification is not humanly accomplished apart from Christ.  There is no possibility of sanctification in the life of an unbeliever, and a professing Christian cannot manufacture sanctified living on their own; it is a work of God in the lives of believers.  “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24)  It’s God’s work, but that does not mean that we don’t have any responsibility in the process.  We see this paralleled in Philippians 2:12-14; “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  We need to actively pursue righteous living by studying the Bible to know His standards, obey what it says, pray for enablement, relying on Him as we put His truth in motion in our lives. And we can say with the Apostle Paul; “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. “(Philippians 1:6)

¹ http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/sanctification.html