Category: Teacher

What is the church? And how did God organize and equip it to do His will in the world?

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We know that the church belongs to Christ, created for us that we might serve Him as He desires. He established His church, accomplishing it by dying on the cross for those who He chose through the gospel. Jesus gifted to us our salvation, as He Himself paved the way to heaven through His own resurrection from the dead. Consider Paul’s words, “‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. (Now this, ‘He ascended’ – what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)’” (Ephesians 4:9-10).

The Holy Spirit used the word church (ekklesia), referencing God’s people, in two basic ways in scripture. The first is referred to as the universal use of the word church.  It is that to which Jesus refers when He promised in Matthew 16:18, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” In this sense it refers to the relationship that each saved person has with Christ when He comes to Him in faith. “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them … And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:41,47). Simply put: every person who has been saved in the past, is saved now in the present, or will be saved before the Lord comes again, — he or she is added to His church. This references our relationship with its privileges. There is no passage of scripture than activates this universal church in any way. Continue reading “What Christ Gave the Church” →

Jesus taught as “one having authority” in contrast to the teaching of the scribes. The scribes taught the people from the law, making their appeal based upon Moses or the prophets.  However, Jesus’ teaching was different. Consider His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). Again and again He made clear, “You have heard… but I say unto you…” Such authoritative statements amazed His audience.

The demons recognized the authority of Jesus. “I know who You are—the Holy One of God” (24). It is amazing how Jesus was rejected by so many in His day. While the demons recognized Him as God’s Son, often men did not.

However, early in His ministry He certainly had an impact upon those who heard Him. When Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, the authority with which He spoke led to the exorcism of the demon. This was new, and made clear the authoritative way in which Jesus spoke was legitimate. As such, “they were all amazed” (27).

It also gave Jesus notoriety. His words, together with His works made Him famous in the area. Such fame was a two edged sword. The people eagerly came to Him. The leaders felt threatened by Him.

The Greek word didaktikos is found twice in scripture. The first mention of the term is in the list of qualifications for elders, located in 1 Timothy 3:1. The second mention is also penned by Paul in 2 Timothy 2:24. In both places the term is translated “able to teach” in the NKJV.

Thayer defines the term, “apt and skillful in teaching.” Vine agrees “skilled in teaching.”

Paul’s instructions to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 are personal. He wanted Timothy to be skilled in teaching as a “servant of the Lord.” He also explains why. In this way, Timothy would be able to correct “those who are opposition” so that “they may know the truth” and that they may “come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil.” (vs. 25-26).

The same need is present among elders. As they are given the responsibility to feed the flock (as pastors), they are in need of an ability to teach. Also, Titus wrote that an elder must be able “by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).

All should strive to be “able to teach.” It is obvious that this attribute is a relative one. Ability varies, and one may be apt, or able to teach though not as capable or as talented as another. Too, ability increases with study and the acquiring of knowledge (cf. Hebrews 5:12-14).

Obviously, an elder must be a competent teacher. It is part of his ministry, and he can’t do his job without it.

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Speaker: Armando Vera

Armando shared with the congregation scriptures and experience to help us better teach one another as Christians.

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The lesson begins with a discussion of how the use of Bible classes by a local congregation is authorized by God, and ends with an exhortation for members to prepare to teach, and for members to understand the importance of attendance to such efforts.

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Powerpoint Slides

The 25th Psalm introduces the lesson. Three major points are made:

• Show me your ways (Jesus did!)
• Teach me your paths (Jesus does)
• Lead me in your truth (Jesus does)

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Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

The talk is an exposition of 1 Timothy 4:1-11, with an appeal to faithfulness in doctrine.

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As we begin a new quarter in our Bible classes, and I look at the bulletin boards and classrooms, I am moved to thank all of the teachers for the time and effort they put in to teaching our children the precious word of God.

The work of the teacher is an important work. (This is doubly so, as they are instilling the principles of God and His word into their students). It is a work of great value and responsibility. James said, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). His words are not intended to discourage any man from teaching, but to get him to recognize the grave responsibility that is his.

Please take the time to thank you or your child’s teacher for the great and important work he or she is doing!