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Part one: Teaching the Truth
What Should Be Taught
In my first draft I said that I believe that “Sola Scriptura” is the only way to teach.
I still hold strongly though some of my thoughts have changed from this course, but that
one I still hold firm to. “Mark One is about preaching itself. It is a defense of the primacy
of expositional preaching as a reflection of the centrality of God’s Word.” 1 Even other
books or teaching aids that are offered to teach Christians is based on the word of God in
the scriptures. I don’t see much of a reason to use other resources. “All Scripture is
breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for
training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good
work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)”.
Methods of Teaching
On my first draft the style I chose was exegetical teaching which is, “A method of
sermon preparation and delivery that seeks to faithfully explain and interpret biblical
text.” 2 I still feel that this is a valuable style of teaching, I also understand that there is
more involved in the process. Although similar in style I now choose expository teaching.
“The first mark of a healthy church is expositional preaching. It is not only the first mark;
it is far and away the most important of them all, because if you get this one right, all of
the others should follow”. 3 This style is focused on explaining the meaning of the
1 Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, 4th ed. (Wheaton IL: Crossway 2021), pg. 35
2 Daniel Joseph, What is Exegetical Preaching, (Best Bible Commentaries 2023)
3 Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, 4th ed. (Wheaton IL: Crossway 2021), pg. 44
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scripture in its historical and grammatical context which is not only mine now but also
Devers preferred style.
Part Two: Sharing and Receiving the Gospel
Conversion
On my first draft, looking back at it I explained more along the lines of what
being saved is instead of answering the question properly.” And when God’s Spirit begins
powerfully to call us to turn from our sins, we experience a great sense of conviction. We
begin to sense something of the seriousness of sin, particularly the seriousness of its
deadly character as an act of revolt against God himself”. 4 I feel like this is when to
recognize that someone has had a true conversion. When you see them start to turn away
from sin and change the choices in their lives they have had a true conversion. I also
believe that other things that will change is their willingness to be corrected by others and
not be offended by biblical truths being showed to them and allow others who have a
walk with Christ show them without being upset. That shows maturity in them as a
Christian.
Evangelism
My first draft I wasn’t completely wrong in my understanding of evangelism, but
I feel like I am better equipped to answer the question now. Before my thoughts on
evangelism was that it was the act itself of making disciples and converting others to
Christianity. But now I understand that it is more simply telling them the truth of who
4 Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, 4th ed. (Wheaton IL: Crossway 2021), pg. 96
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God is and telling them the Gospel. I also learned that Growth of the church can be a
good thing, but fast growth can be bad. “When you understand that evangelism isn’t
converting people but that it is telling them the wonderful truth about God, the great news
about Jesus Christ, then obedience to the call to evangelize can become certain and
joyful”. 5 So, I believe that the role of it is telling the truth of the good news of Jesus
Christ and allowing God to do the rest.
Part Three: Membership and Church Discipline
Membership
I feel like this is one of the areas on my first draft that I was completely wrong
about. I didn’t feel that Church membership was as important as I do now. Though it isn’t
necessary in worshipping along with other members of a Church, it is Vital in our
commitment to one another in the church to become a member and be held to a standard
and a commitment to one another as members. “Church membership puts into practice
what the Bible teaches about the self-conscious commitments that should exist within a
church—the commitments between an individual Christian, his or her pastors, and a
defined gathering of Christians”. 6 Even to simplify this we are to be examples to one
another and edify one another. Not being a member doesn’t hold you to the same standard
in a congregation, I now see this as a mistake.
Church Discipline
5 Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, 4th ed. (Wheaton IL: Crossway 2021), pg.110
6 Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, 4th ed. (Wheaton IL: Crossway 2021), pg.126
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In my first draft my thoughts on Church discipline were misaligned with my
thoughts on Church membership. Everything that I wrote about was exactly the reason I
now believe that we need to be members of a Church. “My brothers if anyone among you
wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings
back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude
of sins (James 5:19-20 ESV)”.” So, when we’re examining new members, we have to
consider whether those who are under consideration are known to be living Christ-
honoring lives. Do we understand the seriousness of the commitment we are making to
them when they join the church, and have we communicated to them the seriousness of
the commitment that they are making to us? If we are more careful about how we
recognize and receive new members, we will have less occasion to practice corrective
church discipline later.” 7 I also believe now that Church discipline is also correcting other
members of the congregation and reproof through using scripture to keep everyone in
alignment with God’s word.
Part Four: Spiritual Leadership
Requirements for Spiritual Leadership
This is one from my first draft that I was closest to in what I thought then as I do
now. Spiritual maturity is the wording I used, and I still feel the same way, but I also
believe now there is more to it. I believe that it is a group of Godly men that has been
called by God and have developed spiritual maturity that is recognized by the
congregation. I still believe that they should be above reproach and have a good standing
7 Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, 4th ed. (Wheaton IL: Crossway 2021), pg.151
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as a member of their respective Churches. This can also be broken down into other
groups of spiritual leaders, Deacons- “Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the
disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve
tables. CTherefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full
of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business (Acts 6:2-3
NKJV).” And though the Pastor is also a Church leader he isn’t tied to a single
congregation the same as the other spiritual leaders of the church.
Activities of a Spiritual Leader
In my first draft I was vague on this subject, and it was my shortest answer.
Because honestly, I didn’t have a great answer. But I believe now that the activities of a
spiritual leader in the church is one that exhibits fruits of the spirit and uses those gifts
given by God to edify the church and to help others grow in their spirituality and
relationship with Jesus. “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of
you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let
all things be done for edification (1 Corinthians 14:26 NKJV)”.
Bibliography
Devers, Mark. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church. Wheaton IL: Crossway
