DIE HERE SE TAFEL - (KOMMUNIE)

Afrikaans

R.S. Mills

Enige iets wat van die Here Jesus is moet ons nooit bereken as van "min belang." Ons praat van daardie dinge wat Hy gekies het as `n direk bevel as "ordinansies." Die tradisies van mense is van min belang, maar die dinge wat deur die Here gestig is, is baie belangrik, en moet nooit verwaarloos word nie. Dit maak nie regtig saak of ons 'n gebou het om in te aanbid. Dit is gerieflik, maar die gebou is nie nodig vir dien en vir die redding van mense nie. As ons aanbid op die Here se dag; as ons leer dat mense moet weder gebore word deur die water en die gees in die doop deur onderdompeling; as ons die dood, begrafinis en opstanding van die Here onthou in die gemeenskaps diens; hierdie dínge is belangrik. Dit deel met ewigheid en waar ons dit sal deurbring. Hulle is almal ordonansies van die Here Jesus Christus. Terwille van hierdie feit, dit is belangrik dat ons getrou, en korrek, onderhou, die gedagtenis wat genoem word "kommunie" of die "Here se Tafel."

‘N ORDINANSIE VAN DIE HERE JESUS CHRISTUS

Hierdie gedagtenis het nie begin deur mens. Dit het begin met die Seun van God. Met sy instelling het Hy gesê, "doen dit so dikwels as julle dit drink tot my gedagtenis: 1 Korinthiers 11:25b.

As dit van mens gewees het, sou dit van baie min belang was as ons sy onderhouing verwaarloos. Ons kan die gedagtenis hou of dit vergeet net soos wat ons kies. Maar, dit is 'n waardige gedagtenis wat van ons verwag word om dit te hou "totdat hy weer kom." Dit is aan ons gegee terwille van en om ons te onthou van Sy groot Iiefde vir ons, Dit is 'n knoop wat ons in `n volle kontak hou met Hom. Sonder dit, historie het dit geproef dat mense wegdrywe van hulle Here en is geestelik verlore. Dit is nooit moontlik om `n geheime of "vrye vrug" Christen te wees nie. Ons albei behoort aan Hom om te onthou op daardie feit, of ons behoort glad nie aan Hom nie. Ons band is verseker, en ons dryf weg net soos wat n skip los kom ven sy ankers en dryf gou weg op die rotse en is verlore!

Die Apostel Paulus sê; "Want ek het van die Here pntvang wat ek ook aan julle oorgelewer het, dat díe Here Jesus ín die nag waarín Hy verraai is, brood geneem het; en nadat Hy gedank het, het Hy dit gebreek en gese: Neem, eet; dít is my liggaam wat vir julle gebreek word; doen dit tot my gedagtenis. Net so ook die beker na die ete, met die woord Híerdie beker is die nuwe testament ín My bloed; doen dít, so dikwels as julle daaruit drink, tot my gedagtenis. Want so dikwels as julle hierdie brood eet en hierdie beker drínk, verkondig julle die dood van die Here totdat Hy kom. Wie dan op onwaarige wyse dierdie brood eet of hierdie beker van díe Here drink, sal skuldig wees aan die liggaam en bloed van die Here. Maar die mens moet homself beproef en so van die brood eet en uit die beker drink. Want wie op onwaardige wyse eet en drink, eet en drink 'n oordeel oor homself, terwyl hy die líggaam van die Here nie onderskei nie. Daarom is daar onder julle baie swakkes en sieklikes, en `n aantal het ontslaap." (1 Kor. 11:23-30)
　
DIE HERE SE TAFEL IS `N TYD VIR:

Gemeenskap - (1 Kor. 10:16-17) Die beker van danksegging wat ons met danksegging seen, is dit nie die gemeenskap met die bloed van Christus rne? Die brood wat ons breek, is dit nie die gemeenskap met die ligaam van die Christus nie? Omdat dit een brood is is ons almal een liggaam want ons het almal deel aan die een brood." Die apostel Johannes gebruik soortgelyke terme as hy se, "as julle nie die vlees van die Seun van die mens eet en sy bloed brink nie, het julle geen lewe in julleself nie. Hy wat my vlees eet en my bloed drink, het die ewige lewe, en ek sal hom opwek in die laaste dag." (Johannes 6:53-54)

Hierdie gedagtenis trek almal bymekaar vir een doel. As ons deel is van die liggaam, en ons kom bymekaar om die Here te onthou, dan moet ons in eenheid wees met mekaar. `n Liggaam is `n eenheid homself. Ons is een in Christus. "Ons is baie maar een brood, en een liggaam. (1 Kor. 10:16) Paulus het die Galásiërs gese, "Want julle almal wat in Christus gedoop is, het julle met Christus beklee.'' (Gal. 3:27) God het sy Seun gestuur om vir almal te sterf want Hy het almal lief. (Johannes 3: 16) Hy wil he almal moet een wees. (Johannes 17:21)

Her-inwyding - Onder die Messiaanse verbond, voordat die priester in die tabemakel kon ingaan, moes hy eers sy liggaam seremonielik bad om homself te reinig. Hy kon nie wag om voor God te kom as hy seremonie "onrein" is. Nadat hy hom gereining het, kon hy staan tussen God en die mens as middelaar. Ons ook, voordat ons paslik was om voor God te kom moes ons eers vir ons reinig van die water en die Gees. (Johannes 3:5) Hierdie onderdompeling in water vir die vergifnis van sondes, word genoem "doop" na die Griekse woord vir onderdomel, "baptizo." Terwille van daardie reiniging, het ons nou die voorreg om voor God te staan as ‘n "heilige priesterdom," gereinig. Laat ons daardie toewyding hemu elke week as ons na die Here se Tafel kom, ons moet onsself ondersoek dat ons kan hemu word.

Gedagtenis - Die doel van gedagtenis is om weer iets tot ons gedagtes te roep, paar sentraal gebeure of `n ding. Daardie sentraal feit en gebeurtenis in Christendom is Jesus Christus wat gesterf het, was begrawe, en het weer uit die dode opgestaan. Hy lei die weg vir alle mense. Watter wonderlike "Goeie Nuus!" Dit is the "Evangelie!"
As ons die Here se Tafel hou, dan kyk ons af in die grai soos die Here gelê het en ons onthou sy dood. Ons neem aan die brood en die vrug van die wynstok, en onthou dat sy liggaam was gebreek op die kruis en sy bloed het gestort as betaling vir ons sondes. En; ons kyk op soos die opgestaande Christus wat opgekom het uit die graf en opgevaar het na sy hemelse Vader huis om met sy vader God te wees. Ons is gesê om dit te doen "totdat Hy kom" en onthou dat ons Here kom terug op die wolke van die hemel `n triomfantlike Heer!

DIE HEER SE TAFE.L IS `N PARMANENTE TOEKOMS IN SY KERK

`n Gemeenskap wat nie sy hoof of vinder onthou nie , kan nis as betroubaar beskryf word nie. Jesus Christus is die hoof van die ker4c. Hy het gese, "totdat Ek kom." Ek onthou `n baie duurbare sister in die Here, wie, alhoewel sy sou sterf van kanker, solank as wat sy dit kon maak; was sy elke week by die Here se Tafel om deel te neem om gou met Hom te wees. Twee weke voor haar sterf, was sy nie meer bekwaam om die trip te maak nie so die ouderlinge het die gedagtenis na haar geneem. Minder as twee ure voordat sy geroep was om haar Here te ontmoet, was sy aan Sy Tafel met baie van haar broers en sisters in die Here op haar kant. Dit is wat Hy beteken as Hy, se, "totdat ek kom." Dit is geen wonder dat haar mans ons vertel het van haar blydskap daardie laaste Here se Dag in die more as hy haar reg maak vir die dag se dinge. Sy was gereed, betroubaar, ywerig om haar Here te ontmoet.

DIE HERE SE TAFEL IS `N ERNSTIGE SAAK:

Dït moet nie verwaarloos word nie - Die boek van Handelinge in konneksie met die aktiviteite van die kerk, sê dat hulle het volhard "standvastig in die apostels se leríng en gemeenskap, en díe breking van díe brood, en in die gebede. Die N.I.V. taal gebruik die woorde "het hulleself toegewy." Hierdie mense was betroubaar, het dit in die eerste plek in hul lewens geplaas. Daar was geen verwaarlosing van hul pligte.

Die institusie van die Here se Tafel is van so groot belang dat dit in detail geskryf is in Matthéüs, Markus, Lukas en in 1 Korinthiërs. As God se Woord iets herhaal, moet ons kennis neem van sy ernistigheid!

Hierdie was die fokus punt van die eerste kerk se aanbidding. Toe die Apostel Paulus na Troas gekom het, het hy geweet dat die Christene sou bymekaar kom vir die onderhouing van die Here se Tafel op die eerste dag van die week, so het hy `n volle week gewag om in staat te wees om hierdie gemeenskap met hulle by te woon en met die Here rond om die tafel. (Handelinge 20:7)

Nie om verag te word nie - Sommige Christene kom om die tyd van die Tafel te gebruik as maar net `n fees soos die heidene wanneer hulle hul, afgode aanbid. Hulle het selfs dronk geword en die armes uitgelaat uit hul gemeenskap: Paulus was ontevrede met hulle omdat hulle hul eie huise het om in te set, en uitnooi wie hulle kies. Hierdie is `n gedagtenis ete en nie `n heiden fees nie! Hulle het geeet en gedrink tot hul eie veroordeling.

Dit is nie die woorde wat gespreek word by die tafel wat die onderhou heilig nie. Dit is nie die fisiese breek van die brood as iemand die woorde herhaal nie, "dit is my liggaam wat vir julle gebreek word: doen dit tot my gedagtenis." Daar is niks vergeet met die gewoonte as ons dit onthou as `n gewoonte, en nie 'n deel van die Here se bevel nie. Dit is nie of dit "die vrug van dié wynstok" is of bederf of vars, wit of rooi, alhoewel indivudue het hul verwysings. Dit gaan nie oor die gebruik van een koppie of meer. Die belangrike ding is, dat ons die doel van die gedagtenis "ONTHOU." Herroep ons in ons gedagtes weer die Here se gebreekte liggaam en gestorte bloed as ons bymekaar kom? (1 Korinthiërs 11:29)

Dit is `n saak vara die hart - As die hart van die Christen nie geraak is nie, dan word die waameming `n spot en leeg: God het Sy Seun vir ons gegee! Daardie Seun was gekruisig op `n Romeinse kruis vir ons, dat ons die vergifnis van sondes mag hê. Hierdie dinge moet ons onthou en erken.

As ons feil om gierdie dinge te onthou, ons maak maar net ‘n spot van die gedagtenis en die veroordeling is dood en siekte as ons aanhou. Wie dan op onwaardige wyse eet en drink, eet en drink ‘n oordeel oor homself, terwyl he die liggaam van die Here nie onderskei nie. Daarom is daar onder julle baie sieklikes en swakkes, en ‘n aantal het ontstaap.

Dit is dieselfde as om van die geloof te gaan en verlaat die byeenkoms soos sommige mense doen. (Heb. 10:25) Dit is vir lewens dat ons getrou deel neem aan die Here se Tafel. Jesus Christus het beveel dat ons dit doen, en dat ons dit op ‘n waardige manier doen, onrhou Sy dood tot Hy weer terug keer vir ons. Is u hart reg? Dit kan nie wees as u die Here se Tafel laat verwaarloos of dit nie onthou as ‘n gedagtenis vir Hom.

Hierdie dood is meer ernstiger as ‘n dood as gevolg van ‘n groot siekte. Groot siekte effek net hierdie lewe; geestelike dood sluit ewigheid in! Ons mag versoek word deur te sê dat God is baie kwaai met ons. Nee, dit is nie so nie.

As ons spot met die dood van die Here Jesus, dan is ons slegter as dardie wat op Golgota bymekaar gekom het en geskree het, "Kruisig Hom!" Hulle het Hom nie as verlosser geken nie. Ons weet. Selfs as ons Hom ken en selfs sy kruisiging vir ons verwerp. Baie van daardie wat teenwoordig was op Golgota het bekeer van hulle sondes en het Christene geword. Ons word gesê toe Apostel Petrus gepreek het op Pinkster, baie van die wat hom gehoor het, "Toe hulle dit hoor, is hulle diep in die harte hetref en het vir Petrus en die ander apostels gesê: Wat moet ons doen, broeders?" (Handelinge 2:37)

"En Petrus se vir hulle: Bekeer julle, en laat elkeen van julle gedoop word in die naam van Jesus Christus tot vergewing van sondes, en julle sal die gawe van die Heilige Gees ontvang," . . . "Die wat toe sy woord met blydskap aangeneem het, is gedoop; en daar is op daardie dag omtrent drieduiswnd siele toegebring." (Handelinge 2:38,41)

Baie van hulle het bekeer en was gered. Baie Christene sal nie bekeer nie en sal aanhou om die Here Jesus te spot in die veragting van Sy gedagtenis. Hy het gesê dat hulle siek sal word en sterf terwille van hierdie sonde. Om die Here te ken en afdraai na die pad van sonde, is soos ‘n verk wat terug draai na die vuil modder-poel waar hy terug gaan mon te grawe vir voedsel in die modder en veiligheid!

WAT MOET ONS DOEN?

Ons most die Here se Tafel nader met 'n gees van self ondersoeking. "Maar die mens moet homself beproef en so van die brood eet en uit die beker drink. Want wie op onwaardige wyse eet en drink, eet en drink `n oordeel oorhom self, terwyl hy die liggaam van die Here nie onderskei nie. Daarom is daar onder julle baie swakkes en sieklikies, en `n aantal het ontslaap." (I Kor. 11:28-30) Dit is waarlik 'n eenvoudige saak om onsself te ondersoek en ons gedagtes plaas op die doel van die gedagtenis. Die skrifte sê, "Want as ons onsself beoordeel het, sou ons nie geoordeel word nie. Maar as ons geoordeel word, word ons deur die Here getugtig, sodat ons nie saam met die wêreld geoordeel word nie." (I Kor. 11:31-32)

Broeders, laat ons onsself dissiplineer by die Here se Tafel dat ons waarlik die liggaam Van die Here mag sien daar en ontvlug die dissipiliene van die Here wat die ongehoorsame kinders verdien.

Ons het `n weeklikse afspraak met die Koning: 'n uitnodiging van die Here Jesus. Niks anders kan so belanrik wees vir ons. Maar, laat ons self vir ons dissiplineer om daardie weeklikse afspraak te onderhou in 'n waardige manier sodat ons versterk kan word liewer as om te verswak

THE LORD'S SUPPER

(Communion)

R. S. Mills

We must never consider to be of "little importance" anything that is of the Lord Jesus. We speak of those things on which He chose to give a direct command as being "ordinances". The traditions of men are of little importance, but those things which are ordained of the Lord are very important, and never to be neglected. It does not really matter is we have a building in which to worship. It is a convenience, but a building is not necessary to worship and to the salvation of men. If we worship on the Lord’s Day; if we teach that men are to be born of and of the Spirit in baptism by immersion; if we remember the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord in the Communion service; these things are important. They deal with eternity and where we shall spend it. They are all ordinances of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of this fact, it is important that we observe faithfully, and correctly, the memorial called "Communion" or the "Lord’s Table."

An Ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ

This memorial did not begin with man. It began with the Son of God. With its institution He said, "This do ye: as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:25b.

If it were of man, it would be of comparatively small importance if we were to neglect its observance. We could keep the memorial or we could forget it as we chose. But it is a valued memorial which we are expected to observe "until he comes again." It is given because of and to remind us of His great love for us. It is to keep us in constant contact with Him. Without it, history has proven that men drift away from their Lord and become spiritually lost. It is never possible to be a secret "free spirit" Christian. We either belong to Him and gather on the first day of the week to be reminded of that fact, or do not belong to Him at all. Our tie is severed, and we drift away just as a ship which comes loose from its anchor soon drifts upon the rocks and is lost!

The apostle Paul says, "I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. And after the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." (1 Corinthians 11:23-30).

The Lord’s Table is a time for:

Fellowship — (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread." The apostle John uses similar terms when he says, "Except ye eat of the flesh of the Son of man, and drink of his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:53-54).

This memorial draws all of mankind together for one commpoupose. If we are a part of the body, and we come together to remember the Lord, then we have to be in union with one another as well. A body is a unity to itself. We are one in Christ, regardless of language or nation. "We being many are one bread, and one body." (1 Corinthians 10:16). Paul told the Galatians, "As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27). God sent His Son to die for all men because He loved all men. (John 3:16). He wanted all men to be one in Christ. (John 17:21).

Re-dedication — Under the Mosaic covenant, before the priest could enter into the tabernacle, he had to bathe his body ceremonially cleansing himself. He dared not come before God ceremonially "unclean". After he had been cleansed, he could stand before God and man as an intermediate. We too, before we were fit to come before the God had to be cleansed of water and the Spirit. (John 3:5). This immersion in water for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Spirit, is called "baptism" from the Greek word for immerse, "baptiso". Because of that cleansing, we are now privileged to stand before God as a "holy priesthood", cleansed of sin. Let us renew that dedication weekly as we come to the Lord’s Table, examining ourselves that we may be renewed.

Memorial — The purpose of a memorial is to recall to our memories, some event or thing. That central fact in Christianity is Jesus Christ the Son of God who died for our sins, was buried, and arose from the grave. He leads the way to God for all mankind. What wonderful "good news" we have for all! This is the "Gospel!"

When we participate in the communion service, we physically look down, as into the grave remembering our Lord’s death for our sins. We partake of the "bread" and of the "fruit of the vine", remembering as we do so that his body was broken on the cross of Calvary, and that his blood was shed as a sacrifice for our sins. And, we look up remembering that he arose from the grave and ascended to his heavenly home to be with his father God. There, he is preparing an eternal home for each of us. We are told to continue to do this "until he comes again." He will return, as he went, in the clouds a triumphant Lord of all!

The Lord’s Table is a Permanent Feature of His Church.

A fellowship which forgets its founder and head can not be described as being faithful. Jesus Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23). He said, "till I come." I am reminded of a very dear sister in the Lord, who, though she was dying of cancer, as long as she was able to make it, was at the Lord’s Table every week in anticipation of soon being with Him. Two weeks before she died, she was no longer able to be present so the elders took this memorial to her. Less than two hours before she died she remembered this memorial of Christ with many of her brothers and sisters in the Lord by her side. This is what he meant, when he said, "till I come." It is no wonder that her husband told us of her joy that last Lord’s Day morning as she was preparing for the day’s events. She was ready, faithful, and eager to meet her Lord.

The Lord’s Table is a Serious Memorial Meal:

Not to be Neglected — The book of Acts, in relating the activities of the early church, te;;ls us that they continued "steadfastly" in the apostle’s doctrine and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. The NIV version uses the word "devoted themselves". They were faithful, giving this memorial first place in their worship. They did not neglect their duty to "remember."

The institution of the Lord’s Table is of such importance that it is recorded in detail by the writers of Matthew, Mark, and 1 Corinthians. (Matthew, Mark, and Paul) Matthew wrote for the Jews, Mark for the Romans, and Paul for all the Gentile nations. When God repeats a thing in His Word with such emphasis, we must give it our very serious attention!

This memorial service was the focal point of worship in the early church. When the apostle Paul came to Troas, he knew that the Christians would be gathering together for the purpose of remembering the Lord’s Table on the first day of the week, so he waited an entire week in order to be able to attend this service and fellowship with them. (Acts 20:7).

Not to be Abused — Some of the Christians at Corinth had come to use this time when they came together also as a time for a feast just like the heathen did in their idol worship. They were even getting drunk and abusing the poor and excluding them from their group. Paul was angry with them, pointing out that they had their own homes where they could feast and invite whom they chose. Because they were abusing the observance of the Lord’s Table, they were eating and drinking to their own condemnation.

It is not the words which are spoken at the table which sanctify the observance. It is not the physical breaking of the bread as you say, "This is my body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." There is nothing wrong with this custom so long as we do not make it an absolute required ritual. It is not whether the "fruit of the vine" (Matthew 26:29; Mark Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18) is fermented or fress, though individuals probably have their personal choices. It is not whether one or more cups are used. What is most important is that we "remember," the Lord’s body broken and his blood shed for us. (1 Corinthians 11:29).

This is a Matter of Heart — If the heart of the Christian is not touched, then the observance becomes empty and a mockery. We are remembering that God gave His Son for our sins! Christ was crucified on a Roman cross, not for himself, but for us that we might be able to have the forgiveness of our sins. (John 3:16,17).

If we fail to remember these facts, we are only making a mockery of the memorial. The result is sickness and even death. "He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." (1 Corinthians 11:29,30).

This is the same end result as to depart from the faith forsaking the assembling together as some do.(Hebrews 10:25). It is vital that we be faithful in partaking of the Lord’s Table. Jesus Christ has commanded that we do this, and that we do it in a worthy manner, remembering His death till He returns for us. Is your heart right? It can not be if you neglect the Lord’s Table or do not remember it as a memorial to Him.

This death is more serious than death as a result of a fatal illness. A fatal illness effects only this life; spiritual death involves eternity. We might be tempted to say that God is being very severe with us. No, He is not.

If we make a mockery of the Lord Jesus, we are worse than those who gathered at Calvary and shouted, "Let Him be crucified!" They did not know Him as saviour. We have. Even having known Him, we are rejecting His crucifixion for us. Many of those who were present ay Calvary repented of their sin and became Christians, We are told that when the apostle Peter preached at Pentecost, many of those who heard him, "when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" ... "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:38,41).

Many of them repented and were saved. Many Christians will not repent and will continue to mock the Lord Jesus in abusing His memorial. He has said they they will grow sickly and die because of sin. To have known the Lord and to return to the way of sin, is likened to a pig which goes back to the old filthy mud-puddle where it returns to rooting for food in the mud and manure!

What Must We Do?

We must approach the Lord’s Table in a spirit of self examination. "A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup, for anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgement upon himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 11:28,29). It is really a simple matter to examine ourselves and to set our minds on the purpose of the memorial. The scripture says, "If we judge ourselves, we will not come under judgement. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world." (1 Corinthians 11:30,31).

Brethren, let us discipline ourselves at the Lord’s Table that we may truly see the body of the Lord there and escape the discipline of the Lord reserved for disobedient children.

We have a weekly appointment with the King; an invitation from the Lord Jesus. Nothing else can be so important to us. But, let us discipline ourselves that we keep this appointment in a worthy way so that we may be strengthened rather than weakened.

NGINGAKWAZI KANJANI?

Zulu - South Africa


Izenzo 8:26-40

26. Kepha ingelosi yeNkosi yakhuluma kuFiliphu, yathi: "Suka uye ngaseningizimu endleleni ephuma eJerusalema ehlela eGaza; yona iyihlane."
27. Wayesesuka wahamba. Bheka, nansi indoda yase-Etiyopiya, umthenwa, isikhulu sikaKhandakhe inkosikazi yase-Etiyopia, ebiphezu kwengcebo yayo yonke, ebifikile eJerusalema izakukhuleka;
28. Ibisibuya, ihlezi enqoleni yayo, ifunda umprofethi u-Isaya.
29. Umoya wathi kuFiliphu: "Sondela, unamathele kuleyo nqola."
30. Ufiliphu wayesegijimela kuyo, wayizwa ifundaumprofethi u-Isaya, wathi: "Uyakuqonda kambe lokhuokufundayo na?"
31. Yona yathi: "Ngingakwazi kanjani, uma kungekho ongiholayo na?" Yamnxusa uFiliphu ukuba akhwele ahlale nayo.
32. Kepha isahlukwana sombhalo ebisifunda yilesi esithi: "Wayiswa ekuhlatshweni njengemvu; njengewundlu elithule phambi komgundi walo kanjalo kawuvulanga umlomo wakhe.
33. Ekuthobeleni kwakhe ukwahlulelwa kwakhe kwasuswa. Ngubani ongalanga ngesizukulwane sakhe na? Ngokuba ukuphila kwakhe kuyasuswa embhlabeni."
34. Kepha umthenwa wathatha wathi kuFiliphu: "Ngiyacela, umprofethi ukhuluma lokho ngobani na? Uzisho yena noma omunye na?"
35. Ufiliphu wavula umlomo wakhe, eqala kulowo mbhalo washumayela ivangeli ngoJesu.
36. Kwathi besahamba endleleni, bafika emanzini. Umthenwa wathi: "Bheka, nanka amanzi; kwalani ukuba ngibhapathizwe na?"
37. Ufiliphu wathi kuye: "Uma ukholwa ngenhliziyo yonke, kungenziwa." Waphendula wathi: "Ngiyakholwa ukuthi uJesu Kristu uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu."
38. Wayala ukuba inqola ime. Behlela emanzini bobabili, uFiliphu nomthenwa; wambhapathiza.
39. Kwathi sebekhuphukile emanzini, uMoya weNkosi wamhlwitha uFiliphu, umthenwa akabe esambona, kodwa wahamba ngendlela yakhe ethokoza.
40. Kepha uFiliphu wafunyanwa e-Azotu, wahamba eshumayela ivangeli kuyo yonke imizi, waze wafika eKesariya.

ITHE KE YONA?

Xhosa

Izenzo 8:26-40

26. Ke kaloku kwathetha isithunywa seNkosi kuFilipu, sisithi, Suka usinge ezantsi, ngendlela ehla ivela eYerusalem, eya eGaza, yona iyintlango. Usukile ke waya. Kwavela indoda engumTiyopiya, ithenwa, isikhulu sikaKandase, ukumkanikazi wamaTiyopiya, ebiphethe bonke ubutyebi bakhe, eyayize kunqula uThixo eYerusalem.
28. Yayibuya, ihleli enqwelweni yayo, ilesa incwadi yomprofeti uIsaya.
29. Uthe ke uMoya kuFilipu, Yiya ukhwele kule nqwelo,
30. Wabaleka ke uFilipu, waya kuyo, wayiva ilesa incwadi yomprofeti uIsaya: wathi, Uyaziqonda na kodwa izinto ozilesayo?
31. Ithe ke yona, Ndingaba nako ngani na, kungekho undikhokelayo nje? Kanjalo yambongoza uFilipu ukuba akhwele ahlale nayo.
32. Ke kaloku indawo yesibhalo eyayilesa yona ibiyile ithi, Njengemvu esiwa ekuxhelweni, Njengemvana esisimumu phambi komchebi wayo, Wenjenjalo yena ukungawuvuli umlomo wakhe.
33. Ekuthobekeni kwakhe umgwebo wakhe wasuswa; Ngubani na ke owosicacisa ukusixela isizukulwana sakhe? Ngokuba buyasuswa ubomi bakhe emhlabeni.
34. Laphendula ke ithenwa lathi kuFilipu, ndiyakukhunga, umprofeti lo uyithetha ngabani na le nto; uzithetha yena na, uthetha mntu wumbi, kusini na?
35. Wawuvula ke uFilipu umlomo wakhe, waqalela kweso sibhalo, walishumayeza iindaba ezilungileyo zika Yesu.
36. Ke kaloku, xa bahambayo ngendlela, bafika manzini athile; lathi ithenwa, Nanga amanzi; kwala ntoni na ukuba ndingabhaptizwa?
37. Uthe ke uFilipu, Ukuba uyakholwa ngentliziyo yakho iphela, kuvumelekile. Laphendula ke lathi, Ndiyakholwa ukuba uYesu Kristu unguNyana kaThixo.
38. Lathi mayime inqwelo; behla bobabini, baya emanzini, uFilipu kwanethenwa; walibhaptiza.
39. Xeshikweni ke babenyukile, baphuma emanzini, uMoya weNkosi wamthi xwi uFilipu; alaba sambona ithenwa, kuba lalihamba ngeyalo indlela livuya.
40. Ufilipu ke wafunyanwa eAzoto; watyhutyha ilizwe, eyishumayeza imizi yonke iindaba ezilungileyo, wada weza eKesareya.

AATAKWE MUNTU UUNDITONDEZYA?

Tonga


26. Pele angelo wa-Mwami wakaambila Filipo kuti, Nyamuka uye kumusanza, kunzila lizwa ku-Jerusakemu iiya ku-Gaza, njenkanda.
27. Mpoonya wakanyamuka wainka. Eno mwaalumi waku-Etiopiya, muzibe wabwami bupati bwa-Kandake, mwami mukaintu waba-Etiopiya, ngowakali mulangi walubono lwakwe loonse, wakainkide ku-Jerusalemu kuyookomba.
28. Enokukuoiluka, wakalikede munkalaki yakwe, uza bubala kuli-Isaya musinsimi.
29. Nkabela Muuya wakaambila Filipo kuti, Swena afwaafwi unjile munkalaki eyo.
30. Ndilyonya Filipo wakamuzuzaanina, wamumvwa ulabal kuli-Isaya musinsimi. Wati, Sena ulacimvwisya eco ncobala?
31. Wakavuwa kuti, Inondilakonzya buti, aatakwe muntu uunditondezya? Mpoonya awo wakakumbila Filipo kuti atante, akale awe.
32. Eno caandaano neaali kubala nceeci:
Wakeenzegwa mbuli kabelele kaya kukujayigwa, Ambuli kabelele kaumuna kumbele lyauugela, Mbubinya awalo takajulide ,ulomo wakwe.
33. Kukulyeetezya kwakwe takabetekedwe kabotu, Nguni uyooamba izyalani lyakwe? Nkaambo buumi bwakwe bwagwisigwa ansi.
34. Nkabela muzibe wakamuvuwa Filipo wakati, Ndakubuzya, ino nguni ngwaamba musinsimi kumakani aya? Sa ylyaamba lwakwe mwini, na uamba umbi?
35. Filipo wakajula mulomo wakwe, wasaanguna kulugwalo olu ndulonya kumwaambila aa-Jesu.
36. Nobakali kweenda munzila, bakasika kwakali maanzi. Muzibe wakati, Ngaaya maanzi, ncinzi uno icindikasya kubapatizaigwa?
37. Filipo wateeti, Na wasyoma amoya wako woonse ulakonzya. Wavuwa wati, Ndasyoma kuti Jesu Kristo ngu-Mwana a-Leza.
38. Nkabela wakalalila kuti inkalaki iime, bakaselukila mumaanzi boonse bobile, Filipo amuzibe, wamubapatizya.
39. Nobakazwa mumaanzi Muuya wa-Mwami wakakwempa Filipo. Muzibe taakacili kumubona limbi, nkaambo wakatola munzila yakwe uya bubotelwa.
40. Pele Filipo wakajanwa ku-Azotu, waandulula minzi yoonse uya bukambauka Makani Mabotu, mane wasika ku-Kaisareya.

NKA UTLWISISI JWANG HA E MONG A SA NKENYE TSELENG?

Sotho (Halalelang)


Diketso 8:26-40

26. Yaba lengeloi la Morena le bolella Filippi, la re: Tloha, o ye nqa borwa, tseleng e tswang Jerusalema, e yang le Gasa, e leng e sa tsamauweng.
27. Yaba o tloha kapele, a ya teng. Mme a bona monna wa Ethiopia, letona le leholo la Kandase, mofumahadi wa Ethiopia, le moalosi wa marumo a hae kaofela, ya neng a tlile Jerusalema ho rapela;
28. O ne a kgutlela ha habo, mme o ne a dutse koloing ya hae, a ntse a bala buka ya moporofeta Esaia.
29. Yaba Moya o re ho Filipi: Eya, o atamele koloi eo.
30. Filipi a matha, mme eitse ha a mo utlwa a bala buka ya moporofeta Esaia, a mmotsa, a re: Na o utlwisisa seo o se balang na?
31. Eo a re: Nka utlwisisa jwang ha e mong a sa nkenye tseleng? Mme a rapela Filipi hore a hlwe, a dule le yena.
32. Karolo ya lengolo leo a neng a le bala e ne e le yona ena: O huletswe hlabong jwaloka nku, hape o ne a le jwaloka konyana e semumu pela mokuti wa yona, mme ha a ka a shlamisa molomo wa hae,
33. Kahlolo ya hae e phethilwe boikoklobetsong ba hae; mme ke mang ya ka bolelang leloko la hae? Hobane bophelo ba hae bo tloswa ;efatsheng.
34. Letona la botsa Filipi, la re: Ke a o rapela, ke re, na moporofeta o bolela taba eo bakeng sa mang? Na o a ipolela, kapa o bolela e mong na?
35. Yaba Filipi o ahlamisa molomo wa hae, a qala ka lengololeo ho mmolella tsa Jesu.
36. Ba re ba sa tsamaya tseleng, ba fihla moo metsi e leng teng; letona la re: Bona, metsi ke ana; ho ka hana eng hore ke se ke ka kolobetswa na?
37. Filipi a re: Ha o dumela ka pelo yohle ya hao, ho ka etswa. La araba, la re: Ke a dumela hore Jesu Kreste ke Mora wa Modimo.
38. Yare hoba a laele hore kolo e eme, ba theohela metsing hammoho, Filipi le letona, mme Filipi a le kolobetsa.
39. Eitse ha ba tloha metsing, Moya wa Morena wa tlosa Filipi, mme letona ha le a ka la hlola le sa mmona; la mpa la tswele pele tseleng ya lona le thabile.
40. Haele Filipi, a tshoha a se a le Asote, mme ha a ntse a tsamaya, a bolela Evangeli metseng yohle, a ba a fihla Sesarea.

NGINGEVA KANJANI KUTE LONGICHAZELAKO NJE?

Siswati

Imisebenti 8:26-40

26. Ingilosi yeNkhosi yakhuluma kuFiliphu yatsi: "Tilungiselele kuya endleleeni leseNingizimu lesuka eJerusalema yehlele eGaza." (Lendlela ilihlane).
27. Wasukuma, wahamba. Bheka, wabona um Topiya labengumtsenwa, asiphatsimandla saKhandase, indlovukazi yaseTopiya, abebalulekile futsi angumgcinisikhwama sendlovukazi; abephuma eJerusalema kuyakudvumisa Nkhulunkulu,
28. Asabuyela ekhaya agibele inkalishi abefundza encwadzini yempholofethi Isaya.
29. Moya loNgcwele watsi kuFiliphu: "Sondzela kulenkalishi uhambe eceleni kwayo!"
30. Nangempele Filiphu wagiphu wagijima masondzela, weva um Topiya afundza incwadzi yempholofethi Isaya, wase uyabuta Filiphu utsi: "Uyakuva yim loku lokufundzako?"
31. Waphendvula watsi: "Ngingeva kanjani kute longichazelako nje?" Wase ucela yena Filiphu kutsi agibela ahlale eceleni kwakhe.
32. Abefundza indzawana emBhalweni lapho kutsi: "Njengemvu ilandzelwe kuyakuhlatjwa, nome lizinyane lemvu embikwemhhuli walo lithulile, akazange awuvule umlomo wakhe.
33. Wedzelelwa, wehlulelwa ngalokungemtsetfo. Ngubani longachaa imphandze yakhe? Akashiyanga namliba, ngobe imphilo yakhe yesuswa emhlabeni."
34. Siphatsimandla satsi kuFiliphu: "Ngiyakubuta ngitsi: Abekhuluma ngabani lompholofethi la, abetisho yena yini, nome abekhuluma ngalomunye umuntfu?"
35. Filiphu wakhuluma nalesiphatsimandla, wacala ngalendzawana emBhalweni asitjela liVangeli ngaJesu.
36. Basachubeka nendlela yabo befika lapho kunemanti khona siphatsimandla satsi: "Ingani nankha emanti, kwalani kutsi ngibhajatiswe?"
37. Filiphu watsi kuso: "Nawukholwa ngenhlitiyo yakho yonkhe, kungentiwa." Saphendvula satsi: "Ngiyakholwa kutsi Jesu Khristu yiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu.
38. Wase utsi akumiswe inkalishi yakhe, behla bobabili, baya emantini, siphatsimandla naFiliphu, wase uyasibhabhatisa.
39. Batsi kube baphuma emantini, Moya weNkhosi watsatsa Filiphu, siphatsimandla asizange siphindze simbone, noko sachubeka neluhambo lwaso sesihamba sijabula.
40. Kodvwa Filiphu wabonakala asase-Azothosi ahamba ashumayela liVangeli kuwo onkhe emadolobha, waze wefika naseKhesariya.

NGINGAKUZWA NJANI?

Ndebele (Southern)


Izenzo 8:26-40

26. Ingilozi kaZimu yakhuluma noFulebhe yathi: "Zilungisele uye esewula endleleni esuka eJerusalema ethinga eGaza." (Indlela le ayisakhambi.)
27. Eke uFulebhewazilungisela wakhamba. Isikhulu esiphakemeko seTopiya besisendleleni sisiya ekhaya. Indoda le, mphakulwa, gade isikhulu esiqakathekileko esiqale iimali zakaKhandakhe, ingwenyamakazi yeTopiya, besibuya eJerusalema ukuyothandaza uZimu.
28. Besesibuyela emva ngekoloyana yaso, besikhamba sifunda incwadi yomporofidi uIsata,
29. Umoya oCwengileko wathi kuFulebhe: "Khamba, uye eqadi kwekoloyana."
30. Ufulebhe watjhidela wasizwasifunda encwadini yomporofidi uIsaya. Alo-ke wasibuza wathi: "Uyakwizwa lokho okufundako na?"
31. Saphendula sathi: "Ngingakuzwa njani, kungekho ongangihlathululela na?" Sabiza uFulebhe bona akhwele ahlale hlani kwaso.
32. Indimana egade siyifunda ngile ethi: "Gade anjengemvu eyathathelwa ukuzohlatjwa, anjengemvana engaliliko nayiyorhunwa uboya; akhange avule umlomo.
33. Wathotjiswa kwangabikho noyedwa omvikelako. Ngubani, osazakhuluma ngeenzukulwani zakhe, ngombana ubuphilo bakhe ephasinapha buphelile."
34. Isikhulu sabuza uFulebhe sathi: "Ngitjela, umporofidi ukhuluma ngobani, uzitjho yena namtjhana ukhuluma ngomunye na?"
35. UFulebhe yemitlolo wasihlathululela iindaba ezimnandi ngoJesu.
36. Basakhamba endleleni, bafika endaweni lapha bekukhona amanzi, isikhulu sathi: :Naka amanzi, ngingakhandelwa yini ngingabhabhadiswa na?"
37. UFulebhe wathi kiso: "Ungahle ubhabhadiswe nawukholwa ngehliziyo uakho yoke." Saphendula sathi: "Ngiyakholwa bona uJesu Krestu yiNdodana ka Zimu."
38. Isikhulu sajamisa ikoloyana, uFulebhe nesikhulu behla baya emanzini, uFulebhe wasibhabhadisa.
39. Kuthe bona baphume ngemanzini, uMoya kaZimu wahlutha uFulebhe, Isikhulu akhange besisambona godu, yeke-ke saraga ngendlela yaso, sithabile.
40. Ufulebhe wafunyanwa eAtjhidodi, wadlula kiyo yoke imizi athumayela iindaba ezimanandi bewafika eKhesariya.

ME SORA VI OKUZUVA AMBI HI NOMUNDU NGU ME NDJI MANGURURIRE?

Hereo


Oviungura :26-40

26. Omuengeli waMuhona wa hungirire nai ku Filipus: "Rirongera u yende mutenya kundjira ndji za moJerusalem okuyenda koGasa." Ondjira ndji nambano kati tji twarewa rukwao.
27. Filipus otje rirongera na i. Nu omuhona ombondo waEtiopie, ngwa ri omunene momatjeverero wovihuze vyombara oserejaze yaEtiopie, we ere koJerusalem okuyekurikotamena ku Ndjambi,
28. Eye wa ri mondjira okuyaruka, nu ngunda a haama metemba re tjandje ma lese membo romuprofete Jesaja.
29. Ombepo Ondjapuke arire tji va tia nai ku Filipus: "Tumbuka ketemba ndo u kayende mene yaro."
30. Filipus wa tupuka ketemba na kazuva ingwi omurumendu tji ma lese membo romuprofete Jesaja. Eye we mu pura a tja: "Omambo ngu mo leses mo ye zuu kutja maye hee tjike?"
31. Omuetiopi wa zira a tja: "Me sora vi okuzuva ambi hi nomundu ngu me ndji mangururire?" Neye wa isana Filipus kutja a ronde metemb nu a kare pehi puna ye.
32. Nu indwi orukonda rwOmatjangwa eye nduya lese orwo: ‘Otja ondi ndji twarewa tji mai kata, notja ondjona ndji ha vandara tji mai horwa, eye ke na pa nyamukura.
33. Eye wa susuparisiwa nu ka pangurirwe osemba. Owani ngu ma yenene okuserekarera ozondekurona ze? Ehupiro re kombanda yehi ra yanda."
34. Omuhona ombondo ngwi wa pura Filipus a tja: "Arikana, ndji raera kutja omuprofete otjina hi ma hungirire une? Me rihungirire omuini poo ma hungirire omundu warwe?"
35. Filipus wa yaruka okungira, neye wa utira porukonda rwOmatjangwa ndwi nu e mu zuvarisire Ombuze Ombwa yaJesus.
36. Nu ngunda amave kayenda mondjira, arire tji ve ya pomeva, nomuhona ombondo a tja nai: "Tara, omeva owo nga, notjikena tji matji ndji tjaere okupapitisiwa?"
37. Filipus we mu zira a tja: "Tji mo kambura nomutima woye auhe, ove mo yenene okupapitisiwa." Neye wa zira nai: "It, me vanga! Mekambura kuttja Jesus Kristus ongu ri Omuna waNdjambi."
38. Omuetiopi wa kura,isa etemba, naveyevaru, Filipus nOmuetiopi, arire tji va pundu momeva, nu Filipus e mu papitisa.
39. Nu tji va pita momeva, Ombepo yaMuhona arire tji ya toora Filipus ai mu isa po. Omuhona ombondo ke mu mwine rukwao, neye wa kayenda ondjira ye e nenyando tjinene.
40. Kombunda Filipus wa kamunikira moAsdod. Eye wa tapakana ovirongo avihe nga tje keya moSesarea ama yende ama zuvarisa indji Ombuze Ombwa akuhe.

NDINGATHE BWANJI?

Chewa


Macitidwe 8: 26-40

26. Koma mngelo wa Ambuye analankhula ndi Filipo, nanena, Nyamuka, nupite mbali ya kumwela, kutsata njira yotsikakucokera ku Yerusalemu kunka ku Gaza; ndiyo ya cipululu.
27. Ndipo ananyamuka napita; ndipo taona munthu waku Aitiopiya, mdindo wamphamvu wa Kandake, mfumu yaikazi ya Aaitiopiya, ndiye wakusunga cuma cace conse, amene anadza ku Yerusalemu kudzapemphera;
28. Ndipo analinkubwerera, nalikukhala pa gareta wace, nawerenga mneneri Yesaya.
29. Ndipo Mzimu anati kwa Filipo, Yandikira, nudziphatike ku gareta uyu.
30. Ndipo Filipo anamthamangira, namva iye alikuwerenga Yesaya mneneri, ndipo anati, Kodi muzindikira cimene muwerenga?
31. Koma anati, Ndingathe bwanji, popanda munthu wonditsogolera ine? ndipo anapempha Filipo akwere nakhale naye.
32. Koma palembo pamene analikuwerengapo ndipo,
Ngati nkhosa anatengedwa kukaphedwa,
Ndi monga mwana wa nkhosa ali du pamaso pa womsenga,
Kotero sanatsegula pakamwa pace:
33. M’kucepetsedwa kwace ciweruzo cace cinacotsedwa;
Mbadwo wace adzaubukitsa ndani?
Cifukwa wacotsedwa kudziko moyo wace.
34. Ndipo mdindoyo anayankha Filipo, nati Ndikupempha, mneneri anena ici za yani? za yekha, kapena za wina?
35. Ndipo Filipo anatsegula pakamwa pace, nayamba pa lembo ili, nalalikira kwa iye Yesu.
36. Ndipo monga panpita pao, anadza ku madzi akuti; ndipo mdindoyo anati, Taonapo madzi; cindiletsa ine ciani ndisabatiziwe?
38. Ndipo anamuuza kuti aimitse gareta; ndipo anatsikira onse awiri kumadzi, Filipo ndi mdindoyo; ndipo anambatiza iye.
39. Ndipo pamene anakwera kuturuka m’madzi, Mzimu wa Ambuye anakwatula Filipo; ndipo mdindo sanamuonanso, pakuti anapita njira yace wokondwera.
40. Koma Filipo anapezedwa ku Azotu; ndipo popitapita analalikira Uthenga Wabwino m’midzi yonse, kufikira anadza iye ku Kaisareya.

NKA TLHALOGANYA JANG?

Tswana (central)


Ditiro 8:26-40

26. Jaanong moengel wa Morena a bua le Filipo a re: "Nonaga o ye kwa ntlheng ya borwa kwa tseleng e e tswang Jerusalema, e ya kwa Gasa;" ke sela e e senya.
27. A manoga a tsamaya, a ba a fitlhela monna mongwe wa Moethiopia teng, e le modiredi le tona ya ga Kantase, kgosi ya sesadi ya Baethiopia, yo o neng a okametse khumo yotlhe ya gagwe. O ne a tsile kwa Jerusalema go obamela teng.
28. Jaanong a boela gae ka koloi ya gagwe, a buisa lokwala lwa moporofeti Jesaya.
29. Mowa wa raya Filipo wa re: "Yaa o kopane le koloi ele!"
30. Filipo a tabogela teng, a mo utlwa a busia moporofeti Jesaya, a ba a re: "A o tlhaloganya se o se buisang?"
31. Ene a re: "Nka tlhaloganya jang, fa ke sa tlhalosediwe ke ope?" Aba a rapela Filipo gore a pagame, a nne nae.
32. Kgaolo e a neng a e buisa e ne e le e e reng. "O ne a gogelwa tlhabong jaaka nku; a se ka a bula molomo wa gagwe jaaka kwana e didimetse fa pele ga mmeodi wa yona.
33. Ya re ka a le mo boikokobetsong, a timiwa katlholo e e siameng; losika lwa gagwe lo tla bolelwa ke mang? Gonne bophelo jwa gagwe bo tlosiwa mo lefatsheng."
34. Jaanong modiredi a botsa Filipo a re: "Ke a go rapela, moporofeti o bua jalo ka ga mang, a ke ka ga gagwegongwe ka ga mongwe o sele?"
35. Ke fa Filipo a tswa molomo, a simolola ka lokwalo loo, a mo rerela Efangele ya ga Jesu.
36. Ya re ba ntse ba tswelela pele mo tseleng, ba fitlha fa metsing mangwe, mme modiredi a re: "Bona, metsi ke ale; ke kgorelediwa ke eng go ka kolobediwa?
37. Filipo a araba a re: "Fa o dumela ka pelo yotlhe, go ka nna jalo." Ene a araba a re: "Ke dumela gore Jesu Keresete ke Morwa Modimo."
38. Jaanong a laola gore koloine eme, ba fologela kwa metsing ka bobedi jwa bone, Filipo le modiredi, mme a mo kolobetsa.
39. Ya re ba tswa mo metsing, Mowa wa Morena wa tlosa Filipo, mme modiredi a se ka a tlhola a mmona; fela a tswelela mo tseleng ya gagwe ka boitumelo.
40. Filipo a fitlhelwa kwa Ašetote, a eta a ntse a rera Efangele mo metseng yotlhe, ga tsamaya a fitlha kwa Kaisarea.

NINGESHIBA SHANI KANO UMUNTU ANTUNGULULA?

Bemba

Imilimo 8:26-40

26. Lelo malaika wa kwa Shikulu alandile kuli Filipi, ati, Ima, ulole ku kapinda ka ku kulyo, kafike ku nshila iyafuma ku Yerusakemu no kutentemukila ku Gasa (iyaba mu matololo).
27. Na o aliimine, aileko. Kabili e ko ali umwina Etiopia, mutungwi mukata wa kwa Kandake namfumu wa ku Etiopia, kabaka wa fyuma fyakwe fyonse, uwaile ku Yerusakemu ku kupepa;
28. Kabili ali mu kubwela, naikala mwi celeta lyakwe alebelenga muli Esaya kasesema.
29. Awe Umupashi watile kuli Filipi, Uyeko, no kuikuminisha kwi celeta ilyo.
30. Awe Filipi abutukileko, amuumfwile alebelenga muli Esaya kasesema, e lyo atile, Bushe waishibe fyo ulebelenga?
31. Na o atile, Ningeshiba shani kano umuntu antungulula? Kabili ap_ p_ tile Filipi ukuti anine ku kwikala nankwe.
32. Awe iciputulwa ca malembo alebelengapo ni ‘ci, Atwelwe nge mp_ nga ku kwipaiwa, kabili filya umwana wa mp_ nga atalala ku ulemubeya, ifyo fine taasamuna kanwa.
33. Mu kucendwa kwakwe e mo apotekelwe umulandu. Swe uwingalondolole nkulo yakwe n’ ani? Ico umweo wakwe wasendwa pano nse.
34. Awe mutungwi ayaswike Filipi, ati, Ndep_ p_ ta, unjebe n’ ani uo kasesema asos_ le ci? Bushe mwine, atemwa ni umbi?
35. E lyo Filipi ayasamwine akanwa kakwe, no kutendeka pe lembo ile, amushimikile Yesu.
36. Awe pa kuye fi, bafikile pa menshi; na mutungwi atile, Mona, amenshi! Cinshi cilendesha ukubatishiwa?
37. (Na o Filipi atile, Nga watetekela umutima obe onse, calisuminishiwa. Na o akyaswike, ati Ndetetekela ndetila Yesu Kristu Mwana wa kwa Lesa.)
38. E lyo aebele ukuti iceleta liiminine. Kabili bonse babili batentemukile ku menshi, na Filipu abatishe mutungwi.
39. Awe ilyo baninine ukufuma ku menshi, Umupashi wa kwa Shikulu waulwile Filipi, na mutungwi tamumwene kabili iyo. Na o alaya pa lwendo lwakwe alesekelela.
Leo Filipi amonekele ku Asote; na pa kupitapo, alaya alebile mbila nsuma asukile afika ku Kaisarea.

THE ETHIOPIAN

THAI

ETHIOPIAN

โรม 8

8:26 พระวิญญาณก็ทรงช่วยเราเมื่อเราอ่อนกำลังด้วยเช่นกัน เพราะเราไม่รู้ว่าเราควรจะอธิษฐานขอสิ่งใดอย่างไร แต่พระวิญญาณเองทรงช่วยขอเพื่อเราด้วยความคร่ำครวญซึ่งเหลือที่จะพูดได้

8:27 และพระองค์ ผู้ทรงตรวจค้นใจมนุษย์ ก็ทรงทราบความหมายของพระวิญญาณ เพราะว่าพระองค์ทรงอธิษฐานขอเพื่อวิสุทธิชนตามที่ชอบพระทัยพระเจ้า

8:28 เรารู้ว่า พระเจ้าทรงร่วมมือกับคนทั้งหลายที่รักพระองค์ให้เกิดผลอันดีในทุกสิ่ง คือคนทั้งปวงที่พระองค์ได้ทรงเรียกตามพระประสงค์ของพระองค์

8:29 เพราะว่าผู้หนึ่งผู้ใดที่พระองค์ได้ทรงทราบอยู่แล้ว ผู้นั้นพระองค์ได้ทรงตั้งไว้ให้เป็นตามลักษณะพระฉายแห่งพระบุตรของพระองค์ เพื่อพระบุตรนั้นจะได้เป็นบุตรหัวปีท่ามกลางพวกพี่น้องเป็นอันมาก

8:30 ยิ่งกว่านั้นบรรดาผู้ที่พระองค์ได้ทรงตั้งไว้นั้น พระองค์ได้ทรงเรียกมาด้วย และผู้ที่พระองค์ได้ทรงเรียกมานั้น พระองค์ได้ทรงโปรดให้เป็นผู้ชอบธรรม และผู้ที่พระองค์ทรงโปรดให้เป็นผู้ชอบธรรม พระองค์ก็ทรงโปรดให้มีสง่าราศีด้วย

8:31 ถ้าเช่นนั้นเราจะว่าอย่างไร ถ้าพระเจ้าทรงอยู่ฝ่ายเรา ใครจะขัดขวางเรา

8:32 พระองค์ผู้มิได้ทรงหวงพระบุตรของพระองค์เอง แต่ได้ทรงโปรดประทานพระบุตรนั้นเพื่อเราทั้งหลาย ถ้าเช่นนั้นพระองค์จะไม่ทรงโปรดประทานสิ่งสารพัดให้เราทั้งหลาย ด้วยกันกับพระบุตรนั้นหรือ

8:33 ใครจะฟ้องคนเหล่านั้นที่พระเจ้าได้ทรงเลือกไว้ พระเจ้าทรงเป็นผู้ที่ทำให้เราเป็นคนชอบธรรมแล้ว

8:34 ใครเล่าจะเป็นผู้ปรับโทษอีก ก็คือพระคริสต์ผู้ทรงสิ้นพระชนม์แล้ว และยิ่งกว่านั้นอีกได้ทรงคืนพระชนม์ ทรงสถิต ณ เบื้องขวาพระหัตถ์ของพระเจ้า และทรงอธิษฐานขอเพื่อเราทั้งหลายด้วย

8:35 แล้วใครจะให้เราทั้งหลายขาดจากความรักของพระคริสต์ได้เล่า จะเป็นความยากลำบาก หรือความทุกข์ หรือการข่มเหง หรือการกันดารอาหาร หรือการเปลือยกาย หรือการถูกโพยภัย หรือการถูกคมดาบหรือ

8:36 ตามที่เขียนไว้แล้วว่า `เพราะเห็นแก่พระองค์ ข้าพระองค์ทั้งหลายจึงถูกประหารวันยังค่ำ และนับว่าเป็นเหมือนแกะสำหรับจะเอาไปฆ่า'

8:37 แต่ว่าในเหตุการณ์ทั้งปวงเหล่านี้ เรามีชัยเหลือล้นโดยพระองค์ผู้ได้ทรงรักเราทั้งหลาย

8:38 เพราะข้าพเจ้าเชื่อมั่นว่า แม้ความตาย หรือชีวิต หรือทูตสวรรค์ หรือผู้มีบรรดาศักดิ์ หรือฤทธิ์เดชทั้งหลาย หรือสิ่งซึ่งมีอยู่ในปัจจุบันนี้ หรือสิ่งซึ่งจะมีในภายหน้า

8:39 หรือซึ่งสูง หรือซึ่งลึก หรือสิ่งอื่นใดๆที่ได้ทรงสร้างแล้วนั้น จะไม่สามารถกระทำให้เราทั้งหลายขาดจากความรักของพระเจ้า ซึ่งมีอยู่ในพระเยซูคริสต์องค์พระผู้เป็นเจ้าของเราได้

Η ΜΕΤΑΤΡΟΠΗ ΤΟΥ ΑΙΘΙΟΠΑ

Acts 8:26-40

8:26 αγγελος δε κυριου ελαλησεν προς φιλιππον λεγων αναστηθι και πορευου κατα μεσημβριαν επι την οδον την καταβαινουσαν απο ιερουσαλημ εις γαζαν αυτη εστιν ερημος

8:27 και αναστας επορευθη και ιδου ανηρ αιθιοψ ευνουχος δυναστης κανδακης της βασιλισσης αιθιοπων ος ην επι πασης της γαζης αυτης ος εληλυθει προσκυνησων εις ιερουσαλημ

8:28 ην τε υποστρεφων και καθημενος επι του αρματος αυτου και ανεγινωσκεν τον προφητην ησαιαν

8:29 ειπεν δε το πνευμα τω φιλιππω προσελθε και κολληθητι τω αρματι τουτω

8:30 προσδραμων δε ο φιλιππος ηκουσεν αυτου αναγινωσκοντος τον προφητην ησαιαν και ειπεν αρα γε γινωσκεις α αναγινωσκεις

8:31 ο δε ειπεν πως γαρ αν δυναιμην εαν μη τις οδηγηση με παρεκαλεσεν τε τον φιλιππον αναβαντα καθισαι συν αυτω

8:32 η δε περιοχη της γραφης ην ανεγινωσκεν ην αυτη ως προβατον επι σφαγην ηχθη και ως αμνος εναντιον του κειροντος αυτον αφωνος ουτως ουκ ανοιγει το στομα αυτου

8:33 εν τη ταπεινωσει αυτου η κρισις αυτου ηρθη την δε γενεαν αυτου τις διηγησεται οτι αιρεται απο της γης η ζωη αυτου

8:34 αποκριθεις δε ο ευνουχος τω φιλιππω ειπεν δεομαι σου περι τινος ο προφητης λεγει τουτο περι εαυτου η περι ετερου τινος

8:35 ανοιξας δε ο φιλιππος το στομα αυτου και αρξαμενος απο της γραφης ταυτης ευηγγελισατο αυτω τον ιησουν

8:36 ως δε επορευοντο κατα την οδον ηλθον επι τι υδωρ και φησιν ο ευνουχος ιδου υδωρ τι κωλυει με βαπτισθηναι

8:37 ειπεν δε ο φιλιππος ει πιστευεις εξ ολης της καρδιας εξεστιν αποκριθεις δε ειπεν πιστευω τον υιον του θεου ειναι τον ιησουν χριστον

8:38 και εκελευσεν στηναι το αρμα και κατεβησαν αμφοτεροι εις το υδωρ ο τε φιλιππος και ο ευνουχος και εβαπτισεν αυτον

8:39 οτε δε ανεβησαν εκ του υδατος πνευμα κυριου ηρπασεν τον φιλιππον και ουκ ειδεν αυτον ουκετι ο ευνουχος επορευετο γαρ την οδον αυτου χαιρων

8:40 φιλιππος δε ευρεθη εις αζωτον και διερχομενος ευηγγελιζετο τας πολεις πασας εως του ελθειν αυτον εις καισαρειαν

E COME POTERI INTENDERLE?

Italian


Atti 8:26-40

26. Or unangelo del Signore parlò a Filippo, dicendo: Levati, e vatiene dalia parte di mezzodi, sulla via che scende da Gerusalemme a Gaza. Ella è una via deserta.
27. Ed egil, levatosi, andò. Ed ecco un etiopo, uneunuco, ministro di Candace, regia degli Etiopi, il quale era sovrintendente di tutti i tesori di lei, era venuto a Gerusalemme per adorare,
28. E stava toronandosene, seduto sui suo carro, e leggeva il profeta Isaia,
29. E lo Spirito disse a Filippo: Accostati, e raggiungi codesto carro.
30. Filippo accorse, l’udì che leggeva il profeta Isaia, e disse: Intendi tu le cose che leggi?
31. Ed egi rispose: E come potrei intenderle, se alcuno non mi guida? E pregò Filippo che montasse e sedesse con luli.
32. Or il passo della Scrittura ch’egli leggera era questo: Egli è stato menato all’uccisione come una pecora; e come un agello che è muto di nanzi a colui che lo tosa, cosi egli non ha apertp la bocca.
33. Nel suo abbassamento fu tolta via la sua condanna; chi descriverà la sua generazione ? Poichè la sua vita è stata tolta dalla terra.
34. E l’eunuco, rivolto a Filippo, gli disse: Di chi, ti prego, dice questo il profeta ? Di se stesso, oppure d’un altro ?
35. E Filippo prese a parlare, e cominciando da questo passo deila Scrittura gli annunziò Gesù.
36. E cammin facendo, giunsero a una cert’acqua. E l’eunuco disse: Ecco dell’acqua; che impedisce che to sia battezzato?
37. Filippo disse: Se tu credi con tutto il cuore, è possibile. L’eunucp rispose: Io credo che Gesù Cristo è il Figliuol di Dio.
38. E comandò che il carro si fermasse; e discesero ambedue neil’acqua, Filippo e l’eunuco; e Filippo lo battezzò.
39. E quando fuon salitifuori dell’acqra loSpirito del Signore rapi Filippo; e l’eunuco, continuando il suo cammino tutto allegro, non lo vide più.
40. Poi Filippo si ritovò in Azot; e, passanda, evangelizzò tutte le città, finchèvenne a Cesarea.

HOE ZOU IK, ALS NIEMAND MIJ WEGWIJS MASKY?

DUTCH

ACTS 8:26-40

26. Een engel van de Heer zei tegen Filippus: "Maak u gereed en sla tegen de middag de weg in die afdaalt van Jeruzalem naa Gaza." Dat is de woestijnroute.
27. Hij maakte zich klaar en ging op weg. Op een gegeven ogenblik kwam er een Ethiopiëraan. De man was eunuch, een hoge ambtenaar in dienst van de Kandake, de koningin van Ethiopië, en belast met haar financiën Hij was naar Jeruzalem geweest om God te aanbidden en was nu op de terugweg.
28. Op zijn reiswagen las hij hardop uit de profeet Jesaja.
29. "Ga naasr die wagen lopen," zei de Geest tegen Filippus.
30. Hij haalde de wagen vlug in en hoorde de Ethiopiër uit de profeet Jesaja lezen. "Begript u wat u daar leest?" vroeg Filippus hem.
31. "Hoe zou ik," antwoordde hji, "als niemand mij wegwijs maakt?" Hij verzocht Filippus in te stappen en naast hem te komen zitten.
32. Het schriftgedeele dat hij las, luidde: "Als een schaap werd hij naar de slachibank gebracht. Geen mond deed hij open, juist zoals een lam dat geen geluid geeft onder het scheren.
33. Hij werd vernederd en hem werd geen recht gedaan. Wie kan van zijn nageslacht verhalen? Want aan zijn aards bestaan is een einde gekomen."
34. "Vrtel me." vroeg de eunuch aan Filippus, "over wie heeft de profeet het hier? Over zichzelt of over een ander?"
35. Filippus begonte spreken. Met het gelezen stuk als uitgangspunt vertelde hij hem het grote nieuws over Jezus.
36. Onderweg kwamen ze langs een watet. "Kijk, hier es water!" zei de eunuch. "Wat is er tegen dat ik gedoopt word?"
37. "Nets," antwoordde Filippus, "als u maar metheel uw hart gelooft." De ander antwoordde: "Ik geloof dat Jezus Christus de Zoon is van God."
38. Hij liet de wagen stilhouden Ze gingen beiden het water in en Filippus doopte de eunuch.
39. Toen ze ui het water gekomen waren, nam de Geest van die Heer Filippus weg. De eunuch zag hem niet meer en zetie zijn tocht blij voort.
40. Filippus werd later aangetroffen in Azotus; hij trok het land door en verkondigede het evangele in alle steden, tot hij in Caesarea kwam.

　

PLEASE, HELP ME!

HOW CAN I, EXCEPT SOME MAN SHOULD GUIDE ME?

Acts 8:26-40

26. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise and go toward the south unto the way that goeth unto Gaza, which is desert.

27. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

28. Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

29. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thysef to this chariot.

30. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

31. And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

32. The place in the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth;

33. In his humiliation his judgement was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.

34. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man?

35. Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture and preached unto him Jesus.

36. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37. And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

38. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

39. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

40. But Phiip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. --- "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16. - (Christ)

Quoted from the King James Bible.

COMO LO VOY A ESTENDER

Spanish

¿Cómo lo voy a estender, si no hay quien me lo expliqe?

Hechos 8:30-39

30. Cuando Felipe se acercó, oyó que el etiope leía el de Isaías; entonces le preguntó: -- ¿Entiende usted lo que está lyendo?


31. El etiope le contestó: – ¿Cómo lo voy a estender, si no hay quien me lo explique? Y le pidió a Felipe que subiera y se sentara juno a él.

32. La parte de la Escritura que estaba leyendo era esta: "Fue lievado como una oveja al matadero; como un cordero que se queda caliado delante de los que lo trasqilan, asi tampoco abrió el la boca.

33. Fue humillado, y no se le hizo justicia; ¿quién podrá hablar de su descendencia? Porque su vida fue arrancada de la tierra."

34. El funcionario etiope le preguntó a Felipe: – Dime, por favor, ¿de quién dice esto el profeta: de sí mismo o de algún otro?

35. Entonces Filipe, tomando como punto de partida el lugar de la Escritura que el etiope leía, le anunció la buena noticia acerca de Jesús.

36. Más tarde, al pasar por un sitio donde había agua, el funcionario dijo: – Aquí hay agua; ¿hay algún inconveniente para que yo seo bautizado?

37. Felipe le dijo: – Si cree usted de todo corazón, puede. Y el hombre contestó: – Creo que Jesucristo es el Higo de Dios.

38. Entonces mandó parar el carro; y los dos bajaron al agua, y Felipe lo bautizó.

39. Cuando subieron del agua, el Espíritu del Señor se lievó a Felipe, y el funcionario no lo volvió a ver; pero siguió su camino lleno de alegría.

QUE DOIS-JE FAIRE POUR ETRE SAUVE?

FRENCH


1. Crois au Seigneur Jésus et tu seras sauvé,(Actes 16:30,31). Or, sans la foi, il est impossible d’être agréable à Dieu, car celui qui s’approche de Dieu doir croire qu’il existe er qu’il récompense ceux qui le cherchent. (Hébreux 11:6) Celui qui croira et sera baptisé sera sauvé, celui qui ne croira pas sera condamné (Marc 16:16). En effet, vous ne croyez pas que JeSuis, vous mourrez dans vos péchés (Jean 8:24).De même, la foi qui n’aurait pas d’æuvres est morte dans son isolement (Jacques 2:17)

2. Convertiss que chacun de vous reçoive (Actes 2:38). Mais si vous ne vous convertissez pas, vous périrez tous de même. (Luc 13:3,5). Annonce maintenant aux hommes que tous et partout ont à se convertir. (Actes 17:30). Dieu a donné aussi aux nations païennes la conversion qui mène à la Vie!(Actes 11:18).

3. Confesser de sa bouche conduit au salut.(Romains 10:10). Si, de ta bouche, tu confesses que Jésus est Seigneur et si, dan ton cæur, tu crois que Dieu l’a ressuscité des morts, tu seras sauvé (Romains 10:9). Quiconque se déclarera pour moi devant les hommes, je me déclarerai moi aussi pour lui devant mon Père qui est aux cieux; (Matthieu 10:32). Tu es la Christ, le Fils du Dieu vivant (Matthieu 16:16). Je crois que Jesus Christ est le Fils de Dieu. (Actes 8:37.

4. Baptême qui vous sauve maintenant I Pierre 3:21). Celui qui croira et sera baptisé sera sauvé (Marc 16:16. Nul, s’il ne naît d’eau ei d’Espritne peut entrer dans le Royaume de Dieu (Jean 3:5). (Tite 3:5). Le baptême au nom de Jêsus Christ pour le pardon de ses pêchés, et vous recevrez le don du Saint Esprit (Actes 2:38). Allons!Reçois le baptême et la purification de tes péchés en invoquant son nom Actes 22:16). Oui, vous tous qui avez été baptisés en Christ, vous avez revêtu Christ (Galates 3:27). Baptême en sa mort (Romains 6:3). Aussi, si quelqu’un est en Christ, il est une nouvelle créature (2 Corinthiens 5:17).

Pour que nous vivions dans le temps présent avrc réserve, justice et piété, en artendant la bienheureuse espérance et la manifestation de la gloire de notre grand Dieu et Sauveur Jésus Christ. Il s’est donné lui-même pour nous, afin de nous racheter de toute iniquité et de purifier un peuple qui lui appartienne, qui soit plein d’ardeur pour les belles æuvres (Tite 2:12-14).

Et de conserver les traditions telles que je vous les ai transmises. (1 Corinthiens 11:20).

La grâce du Seigneur Jésus soit avec tous! (Apocalypse 22:21).

Heureux ceux qui lavent leurs robes, afin d’avoir droit à l’arbre de vie, et d’entrer, par les portes, dans la cité (Apocalypse 22:14).

Amen, viens Seigneur Jésus!

DANGER, DON'T TURN BACK!

THE DANGER OF APOSTASY

Few of us, as Christians, ever give a thought to the danger of our slipping from the faith, but Satan would rather steal a sheep from the fold of the Lord than have a dozen not of the Church. Those are his anyway.

1. Hebrews 10:38-39 "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back into perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

A. If the just live by faith, what happens if that faith is not fed with the word?

B. What is the Lord’s attitude toward one who slips back to his old ways?

C. What does the verse say leads to the saving of the soul?

2. I Corinthians 9:27. "But I keep under my body, and bring it unto subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

A. What does Paul mean about his own body by saying, "bring it into subjection:"

B. Can a Christian Evangelist become lost again?

C. Remember that Jesus told Peter that Satan had asked for him.

D. Judas had been a trusted apostle. He carried the money of them all.

3. Luke 12:10 "And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."

A. Can speaking against Christ be forgiven?

B. What sin can not be forgiven?

C. Verse 11 speaks of a time of persecution to come upon the disciples. How were they to prepare for that time? (Verse 12)

D. This may also come upon all Christians in the last days. How can we also prepare?

4. II Peter 2:20,22 "For if after they have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning."

A. How does the Scripture say that we can escape the sins of the world? (Pollution)

B. Why is the latter end worse than in the beginning?

C. What two examples does Peter give of this truth? (The dog & the pig)

D. Will the dog or the pig either one change their habits on their own?

5. Hebrews 6:4-6 "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to open shame"

A. Is it easy to turn one back to faith he has once abandoned?

B. Why is it so difficult?

C. What two things have they done to Christ in turning away from? How?

6. Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery i ndignation, which shall devour the adversaries."

A. What is the difference between a "wilful sin" and one that was not planned?

B. What was the one and only sacrifice for our sins? Can it be repeated?

C. What must the backslider await? (The judgement)

7. I Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

A. Can we say that we were tempted greater than we could resist?

B. Is it possible for us to have temptations that others do not have?

C. Do temptations come of God? (No) (Who was responsible for Job’s temptations?)

D. What does God do in the case of any temptation that can come to us?

E. So, why can we not blame God for our sin?

8. Matthew 12:45 "Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of the man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation."

A. What does this parable tell us? We can not have a vacuum in our lives.

B. This is why Peter said, "and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

9. I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

A. To whom was John writing in this letter? (Verses 6,7)

B. To whom can we confess our sins? (He who is faithful to forgive, God.)

C. Because He is faithful, whom must we blame if we do not ask?

D. What can He forgive? (All unrighteousness.)

10. I Corinthians 10:12 "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

A. To whom was this letter written?

B. What sin is addressed by the words, "thinketh he standeth".(Pride)

C. Will a person who is proud ask forgiveness for his sins?

D. Yet, we know that all have sinned, even the proud!

E. Can the unrepentant person be forgiven?

Conclusion: Even Christians need to pray for forgiveness of sins that they may not be aware of, and need to repent of those they do know of asking the Lord to forgive them.

A GIFT FROM GOD!

THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Many are confused about the personality and manifestations of the Holy Spirit, but he is an ever present help and guide to the Christian. One of our Lord’s last promises, as he was preparing to return to His Father, was that he would send a "Comforter" who would remain with us.

1. John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you."

A. Why is making the promise to send the Comforter?

B. Who is the Comforter?

C. Who actually send him?

D. To whom is this promise being made?

E. What will he do when he comes?

F. Why is it important to "bring all things to your remembrance"?

(The Apostles were to be the ones who would leave a written record for future generations. The New Testament)

G. When that happened the "perfect" written word would replace the temporary "signs & wonders". 1 Corinthians 13:10 "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." Verse 11 speaks of the signs and wonders as being "childish things."

2. John 16:7-10 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement: Of sin because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgement, because the prince of this world is judged."

A. Clearly, Christ and the Holy Spirit would not be here at the same time.

B. Christ would send him to us.

C. Of what three things would he "reprove the world."

1. Who is the "prince of this world" who will be judged? (Satan & his angels"

3. John 16:13-14 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore saith I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you."

A. Name three things that the Spirit did when he came.

B. Where can we find more details about these things? (In the New Testament.)

4. Romans 5:5 "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in your hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us ."

A. What is spread abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost? (The love of God.)

5. Ephesians 4:30 "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."

A. How is it possible to "grieve" the Holy Spirit?

B. How do we show the presence of the Spirit in our lives? (Verses 51-32)

C. Do these things and the Christian will please the Spirit.

D. When he fails to do these things it will grieve the Spirit and he could even be forced to leave such a person to his fate to await the judgement time.

6. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 "Quench not the Spirit"

A. This entire chapter is devoted to Paul’s advice to the church at Thessalonica as to how they should be living as they live in anticipation of the Lord’s return. (See verses 1-4)

B. If this advice was needed by them, two thousand years ago, how much more is it needed by the church today!

C. How does one quench something?

7. Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

A. All Christians have known times when wording our needs is just too difficult.

B. At such times, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf.

C. What wonderful promise then follows in verse 28?

"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

THE SPECIAL BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT THAT WAS TO SHOW THE LORD’S BLESSING.

8. Jerusalem, PENTECOST (The Apostles) Acts 2:4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

A. What was the occasion for this? This was The first Pentecost after the Ascention.

B. Why were tongues necessary on this occasion? (Every nation under heaven).

C. To convey and to confirm the message of the Gospel to the "nations" present.

9. Caesarea, Cornelius (A Gentile) Acts 10:45 "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."

A. This was in the home of Cornelius, a Roman centurion.

B. The same signs confirmed and conveyed the message to a Roman, a Gentile.

1. The Jews could not deny that the Gospel was also for Gentiles.

a. Peter was called for on the instruction of an angel.

b. Peter was instructed in a vision that he was to preach to those who were considered to be "unclean."

c. Peter had Jewish witnesses with him.

10. Acts 19:6 "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."

A. These men knew only the "baptism of repentance" (John, verse 3)

B. God showed his blessing when they were baptized in the name of Jesus, by the same signs.

C. The New Testament now confirms the message of Christians.

All Christians receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism.

11. Acts 2:38,39 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord God shall call."

A. This is the gift of one who will guide us all our lives from then onward.

B. The Spirit’s presence is revealed in our Spiritual fruit, as in Galatians 5:22-23.

12. 1 Corinthians 6:19 "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are god’s."

A. As a Christian is our body ours to do with as we choose?

B. What was the price with which we were bought? (The blood of our Lord who made us, then redeemed us again with his blood on the cross of Calvary.)

C. What does this say about suicide or even endangering our health by physical abuse of our bodies?

13. Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

A. These are the things which set a Christian apart from those who do not know the Lord.

14. Matthew 12:32 "And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

A. This is not to be taken lightly!

B. This one sin that will not be forgiven. It means that the person has rejected the gift of God. There is no other way to be saved.

WORSHIP TOGETHER

FELLOWSHIP IN WORSHIP

All people need others with whom to fellowship. The right kind of friends can be a great blessing just as the wrong friends can be a hindrance to spiritual growth. The Christian should try to make as many friends within the family of the church as possible and to try to bring those he already has into the church with him.

1. Philippians 1:3-5 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;"

A. When did you last thank the Lord for a friend?

B. When last did you remember to pray for a friend?

C. Do we remember to pray specifically for individuals that we might have their "fellowship in the gospel"?

2. Philippians 2:2 "Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."

A. List the four things that Paul prayed for on behalf of the Phillipian church.

B. Why did Paul say these things would "fulfill his joy"?

C. Do we remember to to pray for others this kind of prayer?

3. I John 1:3 "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."

A. Why does John say he preached to his readers?

B. As a Christian, with whom do we have fellowship?

C. Jesus prayed that we might be one as He was with the Father. How cane this be accomplished?

4. I Corinthians 1:9 "God is faithful, by whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord."

A. If we are called into fellowship with Jesus, what other fellowship is to be expected?

B. Reading the next verses: (9-13) were the Corinthians exhibiting this kind of fellowship?

C. Who, (verse 12) were they following after?

D. Who should they all have been following?

E. If all who make the claim to be followers of Christ, really followed Him alone, would there be so many different churches in the world today? (Remember His prayer that "we might be one as he and the Father are one". Why did he say he prayed this. "That the world might be won."

THAT THE WORLD MIGHT BE WON

WORSHIP

Worship is a basic need of all mankind. It has been said that all men worship something. In a sense this is very true. Our need for worship is so great that if we do not worship God, material pursuits or things will come to occupy His place in our lives. Where do we invest our time and money? Does it bring glory our Lord?

1. Ephesians 5:19-20 "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

A. Do these verses indicate particular times and places for worship?

B. Where is the place for our worship to take place? (From the heart!)

C. If one "can’t carry a tune in a box-car", can he still worship in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs? Why?

D. What are some of the other elements of worship that also come from the heart?

5. Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

GIVING BACK TO GOD THAT WHICH IS HIS

GIVING TO GOD AS A GOOD STEWARD

The bottom line is that it is impossible to give to God what we do not have. We are God’s creation and Christians have been bought by the blood of Christ. God created all things, thus they are His. In addition, he gave His only begotten Son that we might be redeemed. Neither we, or anything that we have, can really be called our own, but the Lord has made us stewards responsible for using that which is His. We must use it in a way that is acceptable to Him. The book of Malachi says of the Jews, (Malachi 3:8,9) "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation." The following few verses speak of the blessings on the faithful.

1. Hebrews 7:5 "They that are of the sons of Levi, who received the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law"

A. In the Old Covenant (Law) the priests were supported by the tithe.

B. This was often a portion of the sacrifices brought to the temple.

C. This was given by "command". (For this reason, it could be said that they were "robbing God" when they withheld this."

2. Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A. "Eternal life" is a gift, not a right.

B. The right to life was lost through the sin of Adam. Death was one of the punishments for sin.

C. This gift of God, made possible through the death of Christ, places on us all the more the realization of the cost of that salvation; a debt that is truly "priceless". All the money in the world can not buy it.

3. II Corinthians 8:5 "And this they did, not as we hoped but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."

A. What is our first gift?

B. What is the first gift of all? (John 3:16) God gave His only begotten Son.

C. After that, what can we give?

D. Does the giving generously of our material blessings, absolve us from the need to

give of ourselves?

4. I Corinthians 16:2 "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."

A. What was the special occasion for these offerings of which Paul is speaking here?

B. What does he mean to "lay by in store"?

C. On what basis were they to select these gifts?

D. Is it necessary to assume that these were really "tithes."

E. Could they have been more than a tithe?

F. Barnabas, Annanias & Saphira? (Examples)

.5. (Read 1 CorInthians 16:2, then circle the correct answer.)

A. We should give to the church only on special occasions..

Yes No

B. We should give to the church weekly.

Yes No

C. The church should raise most of its money by bazaars, cake eales, etc.

Yes No

D. Each person should give the same amount to the church

Yes No

E. How much we give to the church depends on how much we earn.

Yes No

F. Each person should pay dues to the church, as we would do to a club.

Yes No

6. II Corinthians 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

A. What does Paul mean by "as he purposeth in his heart"?

B. Comment on "not grudgingly, or of necessity"

C. If we truly love the Lord, we will want to give. Comment on the saying, "Where our treasure is, there will be our heart as well."

7. Matthew 6:4 "That thine alms my be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."

CONTINUE IN PRAYER

PRAYER

Probably the most neglected blessing of being a Christian is that we have the ability to speak with our Lord in prayer and do not do so. Jesus spent many hours in prayer with his father, sometimes all night, while we often find it difficult to pray more than a few minutes at a time. In our Lord, we have a true loving friend who wants to fellowship with us. He wants to share in times of joy as well as in our times of need. We can always confide in Him. Often this is not possible with our earthly friends.

1. Matthew 5:45 "That ye may be the children of our Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust."

A. Why do Christians, more than others, have the right to pray to the Lord?

B. Why, in many ways, does God also bless the people of the world?

2. Matthew 6:8 "Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."

A. Who would be the "them" spoken of in the first part of thgis verse? (Verse 5)

B. Why were they praying in the manner they did? (The same reference)

C. What is the "reward" of such a prayer?

D. Why should we "enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door."?

E. How has our Father promised to reward us if we do this? (Verse 6)

F. What are the characteristics of the prayers of the heathen? (Vain repetition, much speaking)

1. They may use beads to count their prayers.

2. They may use "prayer flags" to flutter in the wind.

3. They may use "wind chimes" or even a pile of stones.

4. Contrast the prayers of the priests of Baal with those of Elijah.

G. Goes God need to be told of our needs?

H. Why then, do we ask?

3. Matthew 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

A. If a person does not believe in the divinity of Christ, can he pray "believing?"

B. Are there limits on what God is able to do?

C. If there is, what would it be?

D. What had Jesus done that shows the power of prayer?

4. John 11:41-42 Were Christ’s prayers necessarily long and intended to "impress" those who heard?

A. This public prayer at the tomb of Lazarus was very short. (Verse 41)

B. His private prayers were often much longer. Luke 6:12. "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."

5. John 16:26 "At that day ye shall ask in my name;"

A. In whose name do we pray? (Christ’s)

B. Why do we ask in His name? (Verse 24) ("Ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.")

6. Matthew 6:9-13 In this the Lord’s Prayer lesson:

A. How is God addressed?

B. How is God honoured?

C. What things are requested?

D. What conditions are there in this prayer concerning the forgiveness of our sins?

7. Set aside a time that you plan to pray every day, and keep this appointment with God.

THE LORD'S SUPPER

The Lord’s Supper was given to be a memorial of our Lord Jesus. In it we remember his death, burial and resurrection. It was observed by the church from the beginning as the focal point of the worship service. Generally speaking, not only many Christians, but many churches also greatly neglect this memorial. In it’s place they usually have placed another focus, often the sermon or the musical portion of the service. In either of these cases, the focus is placed on something that is of man. It would seem that this attitude of neglect has become typical of the Christian’s attitude toward all of our Lord’s Commands. If He is Lord, He is to be obeyed in all things! If He is not Lord, then the church is meaningless.

1. I Corinthians 11:23a "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you."

A. From whom did Paul receive the command he is speaking of?

B. For whom was it meant?

2. I Corinthians 11:23b-24 "That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me."

A. When did our Lord give this memorial for the church to observe?

B. What was the feast being observed that night?

C. What was different about the bread at that feast from normal times Why?

D. Why did he "break" the bread rather than tearing it as usual?

E. What does the bread represent in this case?

F. Why is this service especially important to us?

3. Matthew 26:26 "Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body."

A. What did Jesus do with the bread?

B. What did He call it?

C. In verses 28, He: "took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to then, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

1. What was used to seal a "covenant"? (Blood)

2. Christians live under a "new covenant" or (testament).

3. The Old has been replaced. What major differences are there about the new covenant?

4. How long does the "new covenant" last?

5. When will this "memorial" cease to be observed?

4. Matthew 26:26 "Take, eat, this is my body.

Matthew 26:28 For this is my "blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

A. When Jesus speaks of the "cup", what does he mean?

B. What do the bread and the cup represent?

C. Will all men be forgiven their sins because of this sacrifice? "many"

D. Why or why not? John 3:16 "whosoever believeth" Do all believe?

5. Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

A. Some churches do not observe this memorial. Are they keeping Christ’s command? "Do this in remembrance of me."

B. Some meet annually, or quarterly for this. Can we really say this is "steadfastly" Remembering.

C. What was the example of the early church?

6. Acts 20:7 "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight."

A. This was clearly Saturday night before mid-night. How can it be called the "first day of the week"? (Sunset to sunset was the Jewish way of defining "day") (Romans = "Midnight to midnight") We clearly use the Roman definition today.

B. Why did they gather together on this particular night?

7. Luke 22:19 "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."

8. By what names does the New Testament speak of the Lord’s Supper?

A. Acts 2:42 "breaking of bread"

B. I Corinthians 10:16 "cup of blessing", "communion"

C. I Corinthians 11:20 "Lord’s supper"

D. I Corinthians 10:21 "cup of the Lord", the "Lord’s table"

9. 1 Corinthians 11:29 "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body."

A. How is the observance of some described? "unworthily"

B. How does the text define what is "unworthily"? "not discerning"

C. What can be the result of this sin? "damnation"

D. What else, considering the next verse after this text? "Weak", "sickly" and even death. (Sleep)

E. Perhaps, this may explain many of the mysterious illnesses some in the church have!

10. I Corinthians 11:26 "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come."

REGULARITY OF WORSHIP

REGULARITY OF WORSHIP


To "belong" to a church is not enough. To have been converted to Christianity means that one has left the old ways of the world and begun a new life in Christ. Christianity, then is a way of life, a new life in Christ Jesus. Christ has told us to observe a memorial of His death, burial, and resurrection. The early church did this every first day of the week, which they called "The Lord's Day" in honor of Him. If we are to be followers of Christ, we need the spiritual blessings that we can only get through attending worship in fellowship with others and with the Lord.


1. Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and spake to them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth, Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."


A. To whom was "all power" given?

B. Over what was this power given?

C. Does Christ have authority over us?

D. What three things does Christ tell us to do?

1. Teach the Gospel. (Good News)

2. Baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

3. Teach people to observe all things that He has commanded.

E. In what name are we to baptize?

F. For how long are we told to do these three things?



2. Matthew 16:18 "And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."


A. Upon what foundation was the church founded?

B. Whose church is it?

C. Does this give us any right to make any changes in the church?

D. Will Satan ever be able to completely destroy the church?


3. Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."


A. What does the word "steadfastly" mean? (Firmly, unchanging)

B. What are the four elements of worship in which they were to be firm and unchanging?

1. The apostle's doctrine.

2. Fellowship.

3. The breaking of bread.

4. Prayers.

C. Where did the apostles learn their doctrine? (From Christ)

D. Is the "doctrine" that we teach important?

E. What is a "fellowship": The dictionary says: "an association of like-minded people"

1. We fellowship in song.

2. We fellowship in giving for a common cause.

3. In "breaking of bread" (The communion memorial service)

4. In Prayer.



4. I Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."



A. How can we be "abounding" in the Lord's work?

B. Is "volunteer work" for the Lord ever really unpaid for work?

C. Who has promised to repay us for such work?



5. Matthew 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."



A. What would be included in the "all things" Jesus refers to here?

B. What promise does Jesus make to us if we observe "all things"?

C. For how long will He honour His promise?



6. Acts 20:7 "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech until midnight."



A. Why did the early church gather on the first day of the week?

B. What did they do at this time?

C. Can we assume that they also had others gatherings? (See also Acts 2:46)

D. What would be our present day equivalent to such gatherings? ("house churches" and Home Bible studies)



7. Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is: but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."



A. Can a home Bible study or home church replace the assembling of all in one place?

B. Who is the loser if he only has the fellowship of a small "house church"?

C. What is he losing out on? (Often - song, fellowship, communion and even prayer.)

D. How do we mutually encourage one another?

E. Is this important today?



8. 1 Corinthians 16:2 "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."


A. What was the specific purpose of these "gatherings" Paul speaks of here?

B. What determines the amount to be laid aside? (The individual's income.)

C. Is this his "take home pay" or his pay after expenses?

D. By what name is this called in other scriptures? (The tithe, a tenth of all his income.)

E. The tithe is sometimes called the "first fruits" Why? What does this say to us?

THE CHURCH IN THE BIBLE

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

One of the most common questions about the church asked is, "How can I know which is the right church?" If God had left us in the world without a guide, this would indeed be a perplexing problem. As it is, it is only a problem to us because we have not used the guide which God has left for us. If we would turn to the Lord's Word with our problems rather than to men, we would save ourselves much confusion. The Bible is the only place to go to find God's plan for His church.

1. What names does the New Testament use in reference to the church? (Please note that in the beginning there was but one church.) These are not proper names as such. They are, rather descriptive terms.

A. Acts 20:28 "to feed the, church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood."

B. 1 Timothy 3:15 "Which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth."

C. Romans 16:16 "The churches of Christ salute you."

D. I Corinthians 14:33 "as in all churches of the saints."

E. Hebrews 12:23 "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven."

2. What names are used for the members of the church?

A. Acts 11:26 "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."

B. Colossians 1:2 "To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse."

C. Again, of these, only "Christian", which was given by the people of Antioch for those who followed Christ, is really a proper name. The others are all descriptive.

3. John 17:21 "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."

4. 1 Corinthians 1:10 "Now I beseech you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement."

5. Matthew 16:18 "And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

6. The New Testament names only two types of officers for the church.

A. 1 Peter 5:1-4 "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."

B. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 "If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."

C. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 "deacons."

(The elders (bishops) seem to have the spiritual oversight of the church while the deacons are responsible for the material and benevolent activities.)

7. Does any man have the right to be the head of any "Christian" church?

A. Ephesians 5:23-29 "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."

B. Matthew 28:18 "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." The church begins in heaven and extends eternally in heaven."

8. The Lord's establishing of and additions to the church.

A. Acts 2:1 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one ccord in one place." (This was the first Pentecost after the crucifixion.)

B. Acts 2:47 "Praising God, and having favour with all people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.