Page 175 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

DEAD SEA - DEATH

“under their circumstances.” Rather than praying and THE DISCIPLINE OF A DEACON. What steps should
ascertaining the will of God in the matter, they would be taken in correcting a deacon? “If a lay member is
have complained. If men who lack faith and spiritual delinquent he is subjected to discipline, and either
burden are appointed as officers, the people will be reformed or excluded. A pastor who is unfaithful is
discouraged about following God by faith, just as the readily removed, and if he is heterodox [false in
children of Israel were discouraged by the ten cowardly, doctrine] or disorderly, he is deposed, probably
faithless spies (Numbers 13-14). excommunicated. But if a man is a deacon, no matter
HOW ARE DEACONS CHOSEN? The Scripture really whether he is faithful or unfaithful, he remains in office
does not give an absolute method which every church is during life, unless he pleases to change his residence, or
bound to follow in selecting deacons. The standards is expelled from fellowship for immorality! Who ever
God requires for deacons are clearly given, and these heard of a deacon being deposed, or even impeached,
must never be ignored or slighted; but the actual for lack of fidelity in his office? I never did! Why is this?
method of selection can vary from church to church. Has none of them never materially erred? This cannot
Following are some methods used in various churches: be supposed. Does it not go far to prove that there is
1. Some churches have the congregation (after being some thing on this point exceedingly wrong, and
taught God’s standards for deacons and the biblical view singularly unguarded? The church, I answer, has the
of the deacon’s work) put forth names of possible same remedy here that she has in all other cases. ...
deacons. The pastor modifies the list according to his Does the unfaithfulness of these officers result from
approval. The church then votes on the deacons from slothful indifference? Then they must be admonished. If
the pastor’s approved list. This is similar to the example it is voluntary and continued, and neither instruction
of Acts 6:1-4, which is a good biblical guideline. 2. In from the pastor nor admonition from the church can
some churches the pastor directly selects the deacons as procure reformation, they must be impeached, and, by a
need arises. 3. In some churches the pastor selects a list regular vote, removed. The same power that makes an
of names of men he would approve as deacons, then officer, is always competent, when he proves himself
submits this list to the church for a vote. 4. In some unworthy or unfaithful, to displace him” (R.B.C. Howell,
assemblies the first deacons are selected by the pastor quoted by Davis W. Huckabee, The Constitution of the
and the church. Thereafter, new deacons are chosen by Church, Challenge Press). [See Church, Church
the pastor and the deacons without further church vote. Discipline, Pastor.]
HOW LONG SHOULD DEACONS SERVE? Since the DEAD SEA. [See Salt Sea.]
Bible does not say how long deacons should serve, each DEAL. (1) To conduct oneself; to act; to treat (Ge.
church must decide that for itself. Some churches have 19:9; 21:23; Ex. 1:10). The Bible speaks of dealing
definite terms for deacons, such as two or three years. foolishly (Ps. 75:4), dealing courageously (2 Ch. 19:11),
Other churches ordain deacons for life-long terms. dealing subtly (Ps. 105:25), dealing bountifully (Ps.
There are advantages in both customs. The limited 119:124), dealing truly (Pr. 12:22), dealing unjustly (Is.
period allows the ordination of better men when such 26:10), dealing treacherously (Is. 33:1), dealing
become available and allows opportunity to prove the prudently (Is. 52:13), etc. (2) A measurement, referring
men who are chosen. The unlimited term “tends to to a part; i.e., tenth deal means tenth part (Ex. 29:40).
secure a higher regard for the office itself and greater (3) To distribute (Is. 58:7). (4) More abundantly (Mk.
usefulness on the part of those who fill it.” (Edward T. 7:36; 10:48).
Hiscox, Principles and Practices for Baptist Churches, DEALING. (1) Action; affairs (1 Sa. 2:23; Ps. 7:16).
1980 edition, p. 113.) (2) Trading; social intercourse (Jn. 4:9).
THE DEACON’S REWARD. “For they that have used DEATH. The basic meaning of death is separation. It
the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a has three different usages in the Bible: 1. Spiritual death
good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in —separation from God because of sin (Ep. 2:1; Jn. 5:24;
Christ Jesus” (1 Ti. 3:13). The first reward mentioned is Col. 2:13). 2. Physical death—separation of the spirit
“a good degree.” The good degree or a good standing from the body (Mt. 2:15; Ge. 35:18; Ja. 2:26). 3.
refers to two things, at least. It refers to a good standing Eternal death or Second death—the final, eternal
before men in this life, and it refers to a good standing separation of the unsaved from God and life (Re. 20:14;
at the judgment seat of Christ in the next life. The 21:8; 2 Th. 1:9). Death Is a Journey. Some false teachers
second reward mentioned is “great boldness in the faith say that death is to sleep in the grave, but according to
which is in Christ Jesus.” A good deacon makes special the Bible, death is a journey. The body sleeps, but the
progress in spiritual growth, power, and zeal. This is spirit of man journeys either to heaven or to hell. (1)
God’s blessing upon his life for his faithful work in the The O.T. teaches that death is a journey (Ge. 25:8;
church. 35:18; Nu. 27:13; 2 Sa. 12:23; 1 Ki. 17:21-22). (2) It is

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