The Church: Rites and Rituals

Naming the Sacred Rites

1. Why do we have dedication and funeral services when the child or deceased cannot benefit from them?
2. Why are (child) dedication, marriage, and anointing not considered ordinances?

Baptism

1. Does it make any difference how a person is baptized (forward, backward, straight down), as long as the candidate is immersed?
2. What is the appropriate minimum age for baptism?  Why do some cultures in India prefer to wait till the child is 17 or 18? Is it necessary to wait so long? Why are others anxious to have their children baptized at 12 or 13?

The Ordinance of Humility

1. Would it be more appropriate to polish a companion's shoes than to wash his/her feet in today's modern world?
2. Is it more important to wash another's feet or to have your feet washed?

The Lord's Supper

1. Is it really important what kind of bread and juice we use for communion as long as it has no yeast and is unfermented?
2. Can a child who understands the significance but who is yet unbaptised be permitted to participate in the Lord's Supper?

Anticipation of the Second Advent

1. Have we become like the Jews stressing the past event more than the future?
2. Should Adventists be more joyful during communion services, especially since they are to remind us of the second advent, or would that be wrong?

The Church: In Service to Humanity

Why can Christianity not exist without a church?

Why is Satan so opposed to the church?

Nature of the Church: Part 1

1. Why did Moses tell the Israelites not to leave their home on Sabbath?  What about church?
2. The Biblical Greek word for church means called: so are we “called” to assemble, or for mission?

 Nature of the Church: Part 2

1. What does “body of Christ” mean for the unity of the church, physical or metaphorical?
2. How do we explain the unity in the “body of Christ” when we are told that the right hand should not know what the left hand does?

The Mission of the Church

1. As the body of Christ, what activities are expected of the church?
2. Why does the idea of an organized church turn people off?

 Unity of the Church

1. What is the difference between unity and uniformity?
2. In what ways should the church all over the world be uniform?

 Governance of the Church

1. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the “Congregational” model of church government – where each church is independent?
2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the Presbyter form of church government—where the local elder/pastor is the head and represents the local church to a higher body?
3.  What are the advantages/disadvantages of the Episcopal form of church government—where all the churches look up to one head such as in the Orthodox and Catholic churches?

“Arming” for Victory

If you had to write a similar text using modern weapons of attack or defence, how would we describe the implements of Christian warfare today? 

The Need for Arming Personally

1. Why can we not manufacture our own armour to fight Satan?  Can psychology / counselling help us?  
2. In what ways do we fight the devil as an army? As an individual?

Girdle of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness

1. How does the girdle of “truth”protect us?  How does deceit leave us vulnerable?
2. Is there any difference between the robe of Christ’s righteousness and the “breastplate” of righteousness?

Preparation and the Shield of Faith

1. Doesn’t “faith” seem like a flimsy shield?  What kind of protection can that provide?
2. What types of arrows is Satan firing at us?

Helmet and Sword

1. How do we choose to put on a “helmet” of salvation?  Can we choose a gift?
2. Is the “Word of God as our “Sword” to be used in defence, or in attack?

Praying Always

1. How can one pray without ceasing when there is so much to do during the day that needs our full concentration?
2. How are the prayers of others for us limited in benefit?

Victory Over Evil Forces

A Stage Set For Our Victory

1. If the cross spelt Satan's doom, why would Satan have been so anxious to kill Jesus?
2. What is this power like that Jesus offers to overcome the power of Satan?

Hope of Victory

1. On what basis does the Holy Spirit decide whom to help if we don't even know what to pray for?
2. Does "all things working together for good" mean that it will end in the best way possible or just ends well?

Christians Versus the Devil

1. Does Christ fight on our behalf, or does he strengthen us to fight the devil?
2. Can you describe the kind of attitude we can adopt that will cause Satan to flee from us?

Examples of Victory

1. Can a demon take possession of a person without an invitation?
2. Can a demon be cast out of a person without his request?
3. Does God ever take possession of a person like the devil does?  Why, or why not, or under what circumstances?
4. In what different ways does Satan afflict humans?
5. What can we do to ward off the devil?  Will such things as sleeping with a Bible under the pillow help?  Reciting Bible verses?  Wearing a cross? Singing a hymn?