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A MINISTRY OF THE LENASIA CHRISTIAN BRETHREN

NEW BIRTH/BAPTISM/THE LORDS SUPPER/THE PRIESTHOOD OF A BELIEVER

Authors E.R Muniah (BA Theology) and S.S. Nagan (NCT (T3),NTD(w/s),NTD(N6),BA(honours) Practical Theology )

LENASIA CHRISTIANLENASIA CHRISTIANLENASIA CHRISTIANLENASIA CHRISTIAN

BRETHRENBRETHRENBRETHRENBRETHREN

ASSEMBLY PRINCIPLESASSEMBLY PRINCIPLESASSEMBLY PRINCIPLESASSEMBLY PRINCIPLES

AND DOCTRINESAND DOCTRINESAND DOCTRINESAND DOCTRINES

By E.R. MUNIAH (BA Theology) and

S.S. Nagan (NCT (T3),NTD(w/s),NTD(N6),BA(honours) Practical Theology

23 JUNE 2012

NEW BIRTH NEW BIRTH NEW BIRTH NEW BIRTH

BAPTISM BAPTISM BAPTISM BAPTISM

THE LORD’S SUPPER THE LORD’S SUPPER THE LORD’S SUPPER THE LORD’S SUPPER

PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER

THY WORDTHY WORDTHY WORDTHY WORD IS TRUTHIS TRUTHIS TRUTHIS TRUTHο λογος ο σος αληθεια εστιν






THE NEW BIRTHTHE NEW BIRTHTHE NEW BIRTHTHE NEW BIRTH (REGENERATION)

This doctrine or teaching has to do with knowing that you are saved and you are sure

about it. The life of a Christian begins with this ‘New Birth’ when you are born-again of

the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit comes and dwells within us the moment we exercise our

faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will not dwell in us if we are not a

Christian, if we have never trusted Jesus Christ as our personal saviour. This born againexperience is also called the second birth. For example, we are not conscious of our

physical birth taking place and would never have known our birthday if our parents had

not told us. The reason we know we were born, even though we do not remember it, we

enjoy a life today which we know must have begun at birth. It is much the same with the

new birth.

Some of us who are saved (meaning that we have confessed Jesus Christ as our true and

personal saviour), can remember the exact time and day when you made that decision to

accept Christ into your life. However, it does not matter when, but whether you did. The

question is, can we be sure that we are saved? Yes, indeed. Although we are physically

alive, yet the Bible teaches us that because of sin we are spiritually dead. But when webelieve in the Lord Jesus Christ, the apostle John says we are passed from death unto life

(I John 3:14). Just as we are born of earthly parents in the physical sense, so are we born

again of the Spirit of God which is from above. It is God who puts His Spirit within us,

imparting life into our souls and making us partakers of His divine nature. God’s Holy

Spirit is responsible for 4 things that take place in our lives.

1) He brings conviction. That means the Holy Spirit impresses upon our

hearts some part of God’s ‘Word ’ either by reading the bible, a tract or

listening to a gospel message on salvation (John 16:8 -11).

2) Our faith is exercised. He opens our eyes to see in Jesus, our Lord and

Saviour. No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit (1Cor.12:3).

3) The ‘New Birth’ is from above of the Spirit (John 3:6 – 8).

4) He helps us grow daily as we feed on God’s Word, gradually yet

progressively (2 Cor. 3:18).

So when we are saved, born again of the Spirit of God we are called ‘a new creation’ in

Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). A saved person is a new creature because there are some tangible

evidences or changes in that person. Just as a child displays traits, characteristics or

personalities of its parent/s human nature, a saved child of God exhibits the divine

character and nature of God. The old life having finished, a new life to God has begun. We

have entered into a newness of life in Christ whereby we develop through growth intoChristian maturity.

There is a terminology widely used in Christian circles which is biblically incorrect. People

refer to the experience of being born again as re-born. This has a pagan connotation to it,

with reference re-incarnation.

Finally, there is also a false teaching out there which says, that Regeneration and Baptism

is the same thing. It is not so.






BAPTISM.BAPTISM.BAPTISM.BAPTISM.

1. Introduction:

1.1. One of the fundamental principles of Biblical hermeneutics is to interpret literally

or at face value.

1.2. The teaching on BAPTISM is clear. It does not need technical interpretation in order

to make sense.

1.3. The Bible tells us in 2 Tim 2:15 ,”Study to show yourself approved to God, a

workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

1.4. 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

1.5. Baptism and the Lord’s supper are the only two ordinances that the Lord Jesus put

in place.

1.5.1. They are called ordinances because Jesus Christ himself put this in place.

Matthew 28:19(Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel baptizing

them in the name of the Father Son and the Holy Spirit.

Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and

blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said,

Take, eat; this is my body.

Mat 26:27,27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it

to them, 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.

2. WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism comes from the Greek word βαπτίζω, which means to dip. This word was used

when referring to dyeing of cloth. Thus to be baptised is to be immersed into water, not

for water to be sprinkled of poured over you.

3. BIBLICAL TEACHING OF BAPTISM.

There is more than one baptisms taught in Scripture. Hebrews refer to baptisms in the

plural, this when relating to the Jews. This dealt with the ceremonial washing.

We have the:

A Baptism of John unto repentance.

B Believers baptism

C The baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Below is a list of references of the BEIEVERS BAPTISM.

3.1. Matthew 28:19 – Jesus instruction to go into all the world ..... baptizing them in the

3.2. John 4:1 Jesus disciples baptised more than John the Baptist.

3.3. Acts 2:38 Peter says Repent and be baptised

3.4. Acts 8:12 Philip baptized when they believed.

3.5. Acts 8:36 Philip baptized the eunuch.

3.6. Acts 10:46 Peter baptizes a house hold

3.7. Acts 18:8 Many believed and were baptized.

4. SYMBOLISM OF BAPTISM.

Baptism symbolises the crucifixtion, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Romans 6:3-5.

You are crucified (standing upright in the water), you are “buried”(immersed in to the

water), and you are resurrected into life(raised out of the water). Water baptism is a

picture of the spiritual baptism. Baptism is a outward testimony of the believers inward

faith. Col 2: 12

We are buried with Him in baptism.

1Peter 3:18.

Many misunderstand this verse to mean that baptism saves. When Peter says ,” the like

figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us(not the putting away of the filth of






the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God). by the resurrection of Jesus

Christ”..

When Peter uses the phrase, “baptism saves you”, he continues in the same sentence to

explain what he means by it. He says baptism saves you “not as a removal of the dirt from

your body”(that is, not as an outward physical act which washes dirt from the body – that

is not the part which saves you., “but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience “(that is

an inward, spiritual transaction between God and the individual, a transaction symbolized

by the outward ceremony of baptism). We could paraphrase Peter as follows,” Baptism

now saves you – not the outward physical ceremony of baptism but the inward spiritualreality that baptism represents “In this way, Peter guards against any view of baptism that

would attribute automatic saving power to the physical ceremony itself.

Peter’s phrase “an appeal to God for a clear conscience, “is another way of saying ,”a

request for forgiveness of sins an a new heart.’ When God gives a sinner a “clear

conscience”, that person has the assurance that every sin has been forgiven and he or she

stands in right relationship with God(Heb9:14). O be baptised rightly is to make an

“appeal” to God: it is to say “please God, as I enter this baptism which will cleanse my

body outwardly I am asking you to cleanse my heart inwardly, forgive me of my sins and

make me right before you.” Understood this way, baptism is an appropriate symbol for

the beginning of the Christian life.

5. MODES OF BAPTISMHow should we baptise. What is the scriptural teaching on this subject. The examples of

baptism in the new Testament clearly supports the immersion. This is consistent with the

symbolism that has been discussed above. The person being baptised was immersed into

the water. Note Mark 1:5 says that John baptised in not by the river Jordon. Mark 1:10

says that Jesus came up out of the water not from the water. In the book of Acts, Philip

and the eunuch went down and came up from the water.

Notice that John did not baptise by the river Jordon but in the river Jordon.

According to Matthew3:13-16 and Mark 1:9-10 John need much water for baptism.

In Romans 6:3-6 we see that baptism must fulfil three types or symbols: death, burial,

resurrection. It is also referred to as being “planted”, and being raised. It is not difficult to

see that the only mode of baptism which fulfils all these pictures is immersion of abeliever in water.

6. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTISED.(Qualifications of baptism).

Acts 2:41 They received the Word ....Then they were baptised. Receiving of the

word generally means acceptance of what has be said and believing what has been said.

Acts8:12,37,37 They believed and were baptised.

Acts 10: 43,44,47 those who believed were baptised.

Acts 16:30-34 Paul told the Philippians jailer that he has to believe in order to be saved,

not be baptised to save you.

It is clear then that only those who accept and trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour can

be baptised. Only those who believe and accept the word of God.

Water baptism does not save, but faith in the Lord Jesus Christ saves.7. WHY SHOULD ONE BE BAPTISED?

This is done in obedience the word of God and the teaching of Jesus Christ. Baptism is a

public declaration of the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It is

also a public declaration that from now on you choose to serve Christ. Satan does not like

this!

Spiritual baptism is the Christians identification with Christ(Col 2:12). This is HWY we

should submit to water baptism.

7.1. Scriptural baptism pleases the Lord. When Jesus was baptised, God the Father said

“This is My beloved Son in whom I a well pleased”(Matt.3:17).

7.2. Scriptural baptism is a testimony to the world. Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore

shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before God may Father whichis in heaven.

8. WHAT QUALIFIES ONE TO BE BAPTISED?

Based on the scriptural principles stated above in point 6.






Baptism is appropriately administered only to those who give a believable profession of

faith in Jesus Christ. They must be saved.

Baptism is not necessary for SALVATION but SALVATION is necessary for baptism.

9. WHEN and WHERE SHOULD A BE BAPTISED?

The Bible teaches that water baptism follows soon after spiritual baptism. Note that

Scripture to imply that all those who were baptised were not young children, this does not

mean that children cannot be saved.

A person should be baptised when they can give a clear believable profession of faith.

They should demonstrate that they have a clear understanding of being saved. All those inScripture understood what is was to be saved. Thus some asked the question,” What must

I do to be saved?”

The age then of a person to be baptised varies depending upon their level of

understanding.

Can a 4 year old child be baptised? Can a 4 year old child be saved?

A person should be baptised publically, in the presence of other believers and by a

believer.

10. EFFECT OF BAPTISM

Although baptism cannot save, not can baptism regenerate a person, it brings a special

blessing because it is done in OBEDIENCE to Christ’s command in Matt 28.






THE LORD’STHE LORD’STHE LORD’STHE LORD’S SUPPERSUPPERSUPPERSUPPER (1COR.11:23 – 30)

The Lord’s Supper was instituted on the night in which the Lord Jesus was

betrayed. Just prior to His crucifixion the Lord Jesus told His disciples that he must

suffer at the hands of men and die. He also told them that He was going away for a

while but will return. The disciples become sad and discouraged but the Lord Jesus

comforted them and instructed them to remember Him by eating this feast. It iscalled the Love Feast, Holy Communion, The Eucharist and sometimes referred to

as the Lord’s Table. We will take a look at three questions concerning the Lord’s

Supper.

1) Who should partake of the Lord’s Supper?

Only those who are genuinely saved, born again (regenerated) and trusted the

Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. They know for sure that their sins are

forgiven and very important that they are baptised on confession of their faith

in the Lord Jesus.

2) Why should we partake of Holy Communion?

We break the bread and drink of the cup in order to remember our Lord as He

himself appointed this as a feast of remembrance. We remember that Christ

died for our sins in order that we might be forgiven. The apostle Paul in verse

23 emphasises the authenticity and authority with which instructions for the

feast was received. The sacraments stimulate our faith. It is a visual symbolism

of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus. We remember someone we know and

not someone we have never known. Jesus said, “Remember Me”. The bread

symbolises the ‘body’ of the Lord Jesus and the wine symbolises the ‘blood’ of the Lord Jesus. This was to be a perpetual reminder of Christ offered as a

‘Lamb’ on the altar of the cross at Calvary for every man’s sin. We do this only

until the Lord Jesus returns. It is a serious thing if any person eats and drinks of

the Lord’s Supper without really knowing what he is doing. Therefore a person

who breaks the bread and drinks of the cup must firstly be saved, be baptised

and then only participate of the Lord’s Table, otherwise he would be eating

and drinking damnation to his soul. We are to examine ourselves. For this very

reason, says God’s word, many of you are weak and sickly, and many die.

3) How should we break bread?

We should do it together with other believers, not alone. It is collective not

individual and no one brother is appointed to preside (take charge) over the

feast. However, only the brethren are permitted to audibly participate as the

Spirit of God leads. The frequency of the remembrance feast in the light of

verse 26 ‘as often as you do this’ was to be on the first day of the week, the

Lord’s day. It is the believer’s privilege at this meeting to engage in heartfelt

worship and thanksgiving and partake of the emblems as we associate

ourselves with that perfect sacrifice which our Lord made on our behalf at the

cross. The remembrance feast is not a meeting were we pray for someone or

give a study of the Word or ask God to bless us or heal us. We come to give

(worship) not receive. We talk about Worship and Ministry, Worship is giving

glory, praise and thanksgiving to God as our hearts swell within us and Ministry

is receiving from God blessings through His Word.






THE PRIESTHOOD OF A BELIEVER.THE PRIESTHOOD OF A BELIEVER.THE PRIESTHOOD OF A BELIEVER.THE PRIESTHOOD OF A BELIEVER.

1 Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye

should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his

marvellous light." 1 Peter 2: 9. Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and

his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

God’s order for man was to function as prophet priest and king. Adam was all threeProphet – He had knowledge of God and spoke truthfully about God and

creation.

Priest. He was able to freely and openly offer prayer and praises to God.

King Adam was given dominion over all living creatures.

The fall of Adam broke that relationship with God.

A partial recovery of the original system that God had designed followed in that the

function of prophet, priest and king, was carried out by different persons.

In order to get a good understanding of the priesthoods and the role of the priest we

have to look at the various kinds of priesthood that existed.

The Patriarchal or Family priesthood.

It was the family head that performed priestly functions. This form of priesthood

was not instituted by God. This type saw men that sought God by living righteous

lives. The book of Hebrews gives an account of these patriarchs and their

righteousness. Job offered sacrifices on behalf of his children. Abraham is so to be

a man of the tent and altar (Gen12:7-8). Abraham moved with his tent and altar.

Isaac and Jacob offered sacrifices (Gen24:25).

Noah coming out of the ark set up an altar.

This form of priesthood is typical of a family altar where the father is theofficiating ministering priest in the home.

The Melchisedec Priesthood.

The first mention of Melchisedec is when Abraham brought bread and wine and

gave him a tenth of his spoil. Melchisedec was the king of Salem. There is no

record of his beginning or his death.

He was not of the tribe of Levi. His priesthood was typical of that which Christ

came to put in place. There is no record of other priests during this era.

The book of Hebrews expands on the type of priest hood of Melchisedec. His

priest was eternal. He was a king and a priest. The Psalmist David tells us about

the length of his priesthood. Forever. Ps110Melchisedec was a King-Priest. Jesus Christ is king and priest and His priesthood is

without beginning and without end. His kingship is eternal.

The Aaronic priesthood.

It was Gods intension and purpose that Israel be a kingdom of priests. The people

violated the Law of God so much so that this was never realized. Instead of a

nation becoming a kingdom of priests, the priesthood was given to a specific tribe.

The tribe called to this purpose was Levi.

This form of priesthood was governed by special conditions and rituals. This

priesthood was called the Aaronic Priesthood because Aaron was the first priest

and only his sons and descendants could become priests. This order of priesthood

saw the high priest offering prayers and sacrifices on behalf of the people.



A

NEW BIRTH/B

Authors E.R Muniah (BA Theolog

The High Priest could

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The holy place

The holy of holies.

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temple as well.

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connected with the w

The Levites waited up

and took down the ta

MINISTRY OF THE LENASIA CHRISTIAN BRETHREN

PTISM/THE LORDS SUPPER/THE PRIESTHOOD OF A BELIEVER

y) and S.S. Nagan (NCT (T3),NTD(w/s),NTD(N6),BA(honours) Practi

only enter the Holy of holies once a year to

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re sons of Aaron, they were allowed to offe

s to attend to the brazen altar, the laver, gol

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orship that was carried out from day to day.

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This priesthood was ordained of God but only the priest could offer up sacrifices

to God. The worshipper had to bring his offering to the priest. The animal was

slain and the person who brought the animal was identified with the offering.

There were different types of offering that the people of Israel had to bring.

All the different types of offering and sacrifices were types and symbolic

representation of that which Christ has done.

Jesus became the perfect Sacrificial Lamb of God that took away, not covered the

sin of the world.The Christian Priesthood

In the old dispensation there was a special order of priests, no one could be one

unless he came from the family of Aaron. No mention is made of female priests.

The priesthood seemed to be limited to males. Now in the new dispensation, the

order is divinely changed. The present dispensation began at the day of Pentecost.

(Acts 2), and will be completed when the Lord comes to take His people to be with

Himself. (1Thes 5).

1 Peter 2-5 and Rev 1-5 makes it clear that all believers are kings and priests unto

God. There is no distinction between male and female. (we cannot get in to the

discussion and debate of the role of the women, it is beyond the scope of this

presentation. Another time needs to be set aside to fully explain the position of

the women in the church and the Brethren standpoint on this issue.) As priests

have the responsibility of being mediators of God’s love and truth. We are to

stand in the Gap. We have access to God due to the completed work of Christ on

the cross.

The Restoring work of Christ regarding the priesthood.

Jesus Christ became the perfect sacrifice that satisfied the demands of a Holy and

Righteous God. Jesus opened the way into the immediate presence of God.

Jesus priesthood was not of the linage of Aaron. Jesus was from the tribe of Judah

and of royal descent. The line of David.

Christ priest hood was of the order of Melchisedec. Ps110

Jesus brought back the original design of God. Jesus reconciled us back to God.

Christ is the perfect prophet, He knew the mind of God and

declared the truth of God to us and

God words to us.

He is the perfect priest. He offered the supreme sacrifice that

satisfied the demands of a Holy and a

righteous God. He offered Himself.He also brought us before God

through prayer.

He is King. He will reign with the scepter of

righteousness.

The veil of the temple was rent in two, when Jesus declared “it is finished”. This was

significant. This signaled that the priest could now also enter the holy of holies. This

ushered a new era.

We now, because of what Christ has done, function as all three.

As prophet. We declare the Word of The Lord by

proclaiming the gospel. This is notonly for the “pastor” or leader. It is an

instruction to all.






King. We have been give authority and

power. And there shall be no more

curse: but the throne of God and of

the Lamb shall be in it; and his

servants shall serve him: 4 And they

shall see his face; and his name shall

be in their foreheads. Rev 3:12; 5 And

there shall be no night there; andthey need no candle, neither light of

the sun; for the Lord God giveth them

light: and they shall reign forever and

ever. Isa 60:19; Zech 14:7; R

Priest. We are now able to come into His

presence boldly.Heb 10:19-22 Having

therefore, brethren, boldness to

enter into the holiest by the blood of

Jesus, By a new and living way, which

he hath consecrated for us, throughthe veil, that is to say, his flesh; And

having an high priest over the house

of God; Let us draw near with a true

heart in full assurance of faith, having

our hearts sprinkled from an evil

conscience, and our bodies washed

with pure water. Peter tells us that

we are Priests. As priests we offer

spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God

through Jesus Christ.We are now able to enter the holiest

of all, and continually offer up a

sacrifice of praise to God, that is the

fruit of our lips that acknowledges His

name.

Romans 12:1 we are to offer our

bodies a living sacrifice to God.

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