Copyright © CHRISTIAN QUEST 1999 - All rights reserved
Christian
Quest
Frequently
Asked Questions
Q- Is Christian Quest a religion? If so, how is it different from other religions?
A- Many people who desire Bible study and Christian fellowship for themselves and their families do not find their needs entirely satisfied in traditional church attendance. Christian Quest is focused on progressive Bible learning as it is revealed not only by faith in God's Word, but also in the light of secular history, sound scientific discovery, and observation of His great universal creation. Christianity is presented as a way of living on a day-to-day basis, and promoting the concept of a "personal" relationship with God in the true sense of the word. So as not to assume the role of an organizational mediator between Christians and God, it is our simple mission to provide a systematic biblical study program without imposing interpretations or rituals. Through this we bring association with other Christians and autonomous Bible study groups around the world as we believe was the practice among Christians in the first-century church.
Q- Does Christian Quest subscribe to any doctrines?
A- Our basic premise is faith for salvation through the redeeming life and death of the Messiah, the "only begotten Son" of God, and adherence to his teachings in the Bible. We advocate the simple principles set forth in the Scriptures of love -- love of God, love of humanity, of the earth and all of its creatures. Also of forgiveness, charitable works and Christian morality. We honor the biblical teachings of baptism for Christians and partaking of the bread and wine emblems as Jesus instructed. (Matt.26:26-29; John 6:51-58). Matters that are not clearly defined in Scripture, and therefore subject to interpretations, are left to individuals and their personal conscience. That is how we perceive a true "personal relationship" with God to be.
Q- What is your position on the "trinity" doctrine?
A- Our first question might be to ask which doctrine of the trinity? However, we believe that God, in His wisdom, has sufficiently defined Himself in the Scriptures and we need no other definition beyond that which is found in His own Word, the Bible.
Q- What about the deity of Christ?
A- Realizing that there are different perceptions is this matter, it should be pointed out that there is a general misconception that all non-trinitarian Christians reject the deity of Christ. Hebrews 1:2-4 tells us:
"but in these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.--NIV [Bold and italics ours for emphasis.]Also, at Isaiah 9:6 we read:
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NRSV)From texts such as these and others, many non-trinitarian Christians conclude that the Father deified His Son over heaven and earth after His victorious mission on the earth when he was given (i.e., he inherited) the throne of the Kingdom over heaven and earth, as it was bequeathed upon him by His Father, as a prince becomes a king after his father. A good treatise on this subject was written by Ronald Frye ( Christian Respondent) which is available from the author.See also Matt.28:18, Eph 1:22, Heb.2:8; Col. 2:10; Phil 2:6-11.
Stephen prayed to Jesus. (Acts 7:59)
Q- Why are many of your supporters former Jehovah's Witnesses?
A- This association has been initiated by former Jehovah's Witnesses in response to a growing interest among many of those leaving the Watchtower religion, and others, who seek Bible study and wholesome fellowship in accordance with the Apostle Paul's counsel at Hebrews 10:24-25, without conformance to certain mainstream religious doctrines. Many former Jehovah's Witnesses have the unfortunate experience of severed family relationships and alienation from life-long friends and family for disobedience to or questioning of the teachings of the Watch Tower organization. Understandably, many of us are reluctant to join another organized creedal system.
Q- What is your position about pagan holidays?
A- The word "pagan" in the Bible means "not Jew." It is impossible in our society to be a separatist from "paganism" since anything not Jewish is pagan, including most of us. There is no Bible Scripture that defines anything as sin or wicked solely on the basis of being "pagan." The misunderstanding evidently comes from the word being associated with idolatrous worship that was practiced by pagan nations. While Christian Quest makes no special observance of traditional holidays (holy days) in connection with our Bible study and worship, with reference to Colossians 2:16 we yield that decision to each individual and family as to their own conscience. We advocate being nonjudgmental either way in matters that are not expressly prohibited in the Scriptures, as Paul said: "where there is no law there is no transgression." (Romans 4:15)
Q- Who are your leaders?
A- Christian Quest is not a hierarchical organization that exercises leadership over people. It is an association of Christians for guidance and sharing in Bible learning and fellowship. As individuals in a personal relationship with God, we come to the Father only through His Son, who is our leader through His words in the Bible and as the holy spirit relates to each one. To those who claim that God has always worked through a human organization, we respectfully point out that in the Bible God always worked through individuals, even as He related to the nation through which He chose to bring His "only begotten Son" into the world.
While the administrative function of Christian Quest is presently registered as an "unincorporated nonprofit organization," it is in fact an association of Christian individuals and families. The board of advisors and representatives from various countries serve voluntarily for communication, administration, and production of the materials we offer for Bible study and association with other Christians, as well as for receiving feedback from our supporters.
Q- Do you practice excommunication?
A- Christian Quest does not have a formal membership listing and does not exercise authority over people who subscribe to our Bible study program. However, with reference to Jesus words at Matthew 18:15-17, and Paul's instruction at 1 Corinthians 5:9-12, it would seem not appropriate to invite people to sessions specifically reserved for holy worship who are known to engage in willful conduct that is contrary to biblical moral principles. This in no way implies that such persons should be shunned or for that matter excluded from non-worship study, activities and association. "Worship" by its own definition is for believers. Other association should be at the discretion of family and friends. However, in no case should severance of family relationships and shunning be imposed on individuals by any congregation associated with Christian Quest.
Q- How is your ministry supported?
A- Voluntary workers and contributions.
Q- Does Christian Quest pay any salaries?
A- Not at this time. Christian Quest is presently manned solely by volunteers in their spare time aside from regular employment or other income. However, if this association continues to grow as it might, it may become beneficial to have some full-time administrators and workers to accomplish production work for the service of a growing world-wide association. We feel that potential should be encouraged for the good that may be accomplished for many people. In that case, it would be necessary to make reasonable provision for the livelihoods of the people committed to this worthwhile service to people in their mission of preaching the "good news of God's Kingdom" in our era of time. In no case, however, will Christian Quest ever be a business for the purpose of acquiring personal wealth by a few individuals. The mission is for giving, not for material gain. (2 Cor.2:17; Gal 6:9,10)
Q- Do you engage in any preaching activities?
A- We will publish some tracts and pamphlets, beginning with one titled "The Good News of God's Kingdom" which will become available the first of the year 2000, and it may be ordered from Christian Quest at that time. If people wish to do so, these pamphlets may be copied freely and distributed to friends and neighbors. It is planned to have them available in various languages. Articles from the Christian Quest web site may also be copied and distributed as long as they retain credit of authorship by Christian Quest. However, there will be no monitoring or record keeping of individual preaching or distribution activities.
Q- What is the Christian Quest Bible study program?
A- Individuals and home groups may follow the suggested program for discussion on our web site under the heading "SEEK" or receive a paper copy of the program. For those who wish to promote a home study group or small autonomous congregation, we will offer suggestions of how to start a small Bible study group in the home, including prepared ads that might be placed in local newspapers. The Christian Quest fellowship will emphasize the following:
Q- How can I be a supporter of Christian Quest
A- Christian Quest is a non-profit organization according to the U.S. Federal definition of a religious organization. Approval for religious status is pending and expected before our formal launch on January 1, 2000 CE. At that time, the premier issue of The Good News will be published. If you wish to help this ministry, tax deductible contributions may be sent to:
Christian Quest
P.O. Box 39
Eagle ID 83616