About Mercy Seat Christian Church

Mercy Seat Christian Church is a Protestant church. We are a congregation committed to declaring God's holy Law and great Salvation to the nations.

The Scriptures are our rule for faith and conduct. The Apostles' Creed declares the core of our beliefs. Church service is held every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at the Zoofari Conference Center, 9715 W. Bluemound Rd. in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. (Click Here for Map)




Mercy Seat Christian Church Catechism

Copyright, 1997 (Revised February, 2000)


  1. What is the chief end of man?
    Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. (I Cor. 10:31, Ps. 73:25-26, Rev. 4:11)

  2. Where do we learn how to glorify God and enjoy Him forever?
    We learn how to glorify God and enjoy Him forever in the Bible alone. (II Tim. 3:16-17)      

    THE BIBLE

  3. Why do we call the Bible the "Holy Scripture?"
    The Bible is the "Holy Scripture" because God the Holy Spirit gave to His chosen writers the thoughts they expressed and the words they wrote. (II Pet. 1:20-21)

  4. Can we trust the Bible to be true and accurate?
    Yes, the Bible is God’s own Word and Truth, without error. (II Tim. 3:16-17)

  5. What does the Bible principally teach?
    The Bible principally teaches what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man. (II Tim. 1:13, 3:15, Deut. 32:46-47, Ps. 119:130)

  6. What is the key to the correct understanding of the Bible?
    Jesus Christ is the heart and the center of the Bible, and therefore, the key to its true understanding. (Luke 24:13-27)

  7. How is the Bible to be read so that it may properly teach us God’s world view?
    We must study the Bible with diligence, preparation, and prayer, receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives (I Peter 2:1-2, Acts 17:11, James 1:22-25, Ps. 119:129, 131)

  8. How is human reason to be used in understanding the Bible?
    To determine what the Bible says we need to apply the rules of language, but the guidance of the Holy Spirit is essential for its proper understanding. (John 14:26, John 16:13)

    CREATION

  9. Who created you?
    God created me and all of creation. (Gen. 1:1-31, Col. 1:16-17)

  10. How did God create all things?
    God made all things out of nothing, by the Word, in the space of six days, and all very good. (Gen. 1:1-31, John 1:1-3)

  11. How did God create man?
    God created man from the dust of the earth and woman from the rib of the man. He made them after His own image: thinking, feeling and creative beings, in knowledge, righteousness and holiness, with dominion over the creatures. (Gen. 1:1-31, 2:7, 22)

  12. What is Providence?
    Providence is the care and guidance of God over all His creation. (Matt. 6:26-33)

  13. What is the theory of evolution?
    The theory of evolution is an unscientific idea of how the world began on its own without God there to create it. Some scientists believe in this theory even though there is no evidence to support it. (Col. 1:16-17)

  14. What is the Christian’s proper response to theories of evolution regarding the beginning of the world?
    Christians should use all of their God-given abilities to show that the Bible and science both point to God as the all-powerful, infinite, and awesome Creator of the entire universe. (Matt. 22:37)

    THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

  15. What are the Ten Commandments?
    The Ten Commandments are part of the Law of God. (Ex. 20:1-17, Deut. 5:6-21)

  16. Are the Ten Commandments the only place where God’s Law is found?
    No. God’s law is also found in His case laws and in the law of Christ. (Exodus, Deuteronomy, John 14:21, Matt. 28:19-20)

  17. Where did God give the Ten Commandments?
    God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. (Ex. 19:1-3)

  18. What is the first commandment?
    The first commandment is, "You shall have no other gods before me." (Ex. 20:3)

  19. What does God forbid in the first commandment?
    In the first commandment, God forbids us to have any other gods. (Isa. 42:8, Matt. 4:10, I Cor. 8:4)

  20. What does God require in the first commandment?
    In the first commandment, God requires that we fear, love and trust Him above all things. We fear God above all things when we revere Him alone, honor Him with our lives and avoid what displeases Him. (Ps. 33:8, 96:4, Rom. 12:2) We love God above all things when we cling to Him alone as our God and gladly devote our lives to His service. (Matt. 22:37) We trust in God above all things when we commit our lives completely to His keeping and rely on Him for help in every need. (Ps. 118:8, Prov. 3:5-6, Matt. 6:25-33)

  21. What is the second commandment?
    The second commandment is, "You shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." (Ex. 20:4-6)

  22. What does God forbid in the second commandment?
    In the second commandment, God forbids the worship of Himself through images, or any other way not appointed in His Word. (Deut. 4:15-19, Rom. 1:22-23, Col. 2:18)

  23. What does God require in the second commandment?
    In the second commandment, God requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God has appointed in His Word. (Deut. 32:46, Matt. 28:20)

  24. What is the third commandment?
    The third commandment is, "You shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain." (Ex. 20:7)

  25. What does God forbid in the third commandment?
    In the third commandment, God forbids the misuse of His Name. (Lev. 24:10-16)

  26. What does God require in the third commandment?
    In the third commandment, God requires the holy and reverent use of His name, titles, attributes, ordinances, Word and works. (Ps. 138:2, 29:2)

  27. What is the fourth commandment?
    The fourth commandment is, "Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor the stranger that is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it." (Ex. 20:8-11)

  28. Do Christians today adhere to the fourth commandment?
    The fourth commandment has been fulfilled in Christ who is the substance of the Sabbath shadow. We have entered into Christ’s Sabbath rest through faith. (Matt. 12:8, Rom. 14:5, Col. 2:16-17)

  29. Are there principles in the fourth commandment which are wise for us to apply to our lives?
    Yes, in two ways. First, we should, as Christians, keep one day a week holy to the Lord in that we attend church. The day established by Christians to do so is Sunday, the first day of the week in which Christ rose from the dead. The Scripture commands that we not forsake the assembling of the saints. Second, we should not work one day of the week in order to rest our physical bodies, spend time with our families, and revere God. (Heb. 10:25, 4:9-10)

  30. What is the fifth commandment?
    The fifth commandment is, "Honor your father and your mother; that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God gives you." (Ex. 20:12)

  31. What does God forbid in the fifth commandment?
    In the fifth commandment, God forbids us to disrespect or abandon our parents. (I Tim. 5:4,8, Proverbs 30:17)

  32. What does God require of us in the fifth commandment?
    In the fifth commandment, God requires us to love and obey our parents. As adults, God requires us to love, respect and care for them in their old age. (Col. 3:20, I Tim. 5:8)

  33. What is the sixth commandment?
    The sixth commandment is, "You shall not murder." (Ex. 20:13)

  34. What does God forbid in the sixth commandment?
    In the sixth commandment, God forbids the taking away of our own lives or the life of our neighbor unjustly. (Acts 16:28, Gen. 9:6)

  35. What does God require of us in the sixth commandment?
    In the sixth commandment, God requires all endeavors to preserve our own life and the lives of others from unjust death. (Acts 16:28, Gen. 9:6)

  36. Has God given us a right to life?
    Yes, God has given us a right to life. (Gen. 9:6, Ex. 20:13, Num. 35:33, Deut. 19:11-13, Gen. 2:7, Ps. 139:13-16) God expects us to guard our own life so that we can continue to serve Him until our natural death or until He calls us to lay down our life. (John 8:59, 10:39, Acts 9:23-25, I Cor. 3:16-17, 6:19-20, John 15:13, Matt. 10:39, 16:25, Acts 7, 20:22-24, Rom. 5:7-8, Phil. 2:8, Ex. 22:2-3) Also, if we witness our neighbor being harmed, God expects us to defend that person. (Deut. 22:23-27)

  37. Does God ever take away our right to life?
    Yes, our right to life can be forfeited by committing an act for which God requires the death penalty. (Gen. 9:6, Num. 35:33, Deut. 19:11-13, Rom. 13:4)

  38. What is abortion?
    Abortion is the murder of a pre-born child, and therefore, is forbidden by God. (Exodus 20:13)

  39. Does the Church condemn the act of abortion?
    Historically, the Church has always affirmed the humanity of the pre-born child, and affirmed that abortion is murder, and therefore, the Church condemns abortion. Any church which teaches otherwise is a false church.

  40. Do we have an obligation to act on behalf of pre-born babies threatened by abortion?
    Yes, we have a holy obligation to act on behalf of pre-born babies threatened by abortion because they are our neighbors and Jesus taught: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27-37)

  41. What is the seventh commandment?
    The seventh commandment is, "You shall not commit adultery." (Ex. 20:14)

  42. What does God forbid in the seventh commandment?
    In the seventh commandment, God forbids all unchaste thought, words, and actions. (Matt. 5:28, Eph. 5:3)

  43. What does God require of us in the seventh commandment?
    In the seventh commandment, God requires the preservation of our own, and our neighbor’s chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior. (I Thes. 4:4, II Tim. 2:22, Col. 3:5, 4:6)

  44. What is the eighth commandment?
    The eighth commandment is, "You shall not steal." (Ex. 20:15)

  45. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?
    In the eighth commandment, God forbids every kind of robbery, theft, or dishonest gain. Whether by an individual, the State, or any other group. (Lev. 19:35, Eph. 4:28)

  46. What does God require of us in the eighth commandment?
    In the eighth commandment, God requires us to be honest and industrious, and to help our neighbor in their need. (Eph. 4:28, Phil. 2:4, Heb. 13:16)

  47. What is the ninth commandment?
    The ninth commandment is, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Ex. 20:16)

  48. What does God forbid in the ninth commandment?
    In the ninth commandment, God forbids us to slander our neighbor or damage our neighbor’s reputation. (Zech. 8:16, Prov. 14:5, Deut. 19:16-21)

  49. What does God require of us in the ninth commandment?
    In the ninth commandment, God requires us to defend our neighbor, that is, we should speak up for and protect our neighbor from false accusations. (Zech. 8:16, Eph. 4:25)

  50. What is the tenth commandment?
    The tenth commandment is, "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is your neighbor’s." (Ex. 20:17)

  51. What does God forbid in the tenth commandment?
    In the tenth commandment, God forbids every sinful desire to get our neighbor’s possessions openly or by trickery. (Micah 2:1-2. I Tim. 6:8-10)

  52. What does God require of us in the tenth commandment?
    In the tenth commandment, God requires us to be content with what He has given us and to assist our neighbor in keeping what God has given that person. (Phil. 4:11, Heb.13:5)

  53. What do the first four commandments teach?
    The first four commandments teach our duty to God. (Matt. 22:37, Deut. 6:5)

  54. What do the last six commandments teach?
    The last six commandments teach our duty to our fellow man. (Matt. 22:39)

  55. What is the summary of all the commandments?
    The summary of all the commandments is found in Matthew 22 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matt. 22:37-40)

  56. Can any man keep these ten commandments perfectly?
    No mere man ever did or can keep the ten commandments perfectly. (Ecc. 7:20, I John 1:8)

    SALVATION

  57. Of what use is God’s Law to us?
    God’s Law reveals to us His character, teaches us our duty, and shows us our need of the Savior. (Gal. 3:24, Ecc. 12:13)

  58. What was the estate of man after God created the world?
    Man was in complete and perfect fellowship with God. (Gen. 1:31)

  59. Did man continue in that estate?
    No. Man fell from that estate when he committed sin by eating of the forbidden fruit. (Gen. 3:1-24)

  60. What is sin?
    Sin is the transgression of God’s Law. (I John 3:4, James 4:17)

  61. What is meant by transgression?
    Transgression means to disobey. (James 2:10-11, I John 3:4)

  62. How do we disobey God’s Law?
    We disobey God’s Law by doing what he forbids or by failing to do what He commands. (James 4:17, Mal. 3:8, Dan. 6:4)

  63. Who has sinned?
    Everyone has sinned. (Rom. 3:23)

  64. What does every sin deserve?
    Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come. (Rom. 6:23)

  65. Did God leave all mankind to perish in their state of sin?
    No. God sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem mankind unto Himself. (Rom. 5:6-11)

  66. How did Jesus redeem mankind?
    Jesus redeemed mankind by the shedding of His blood through death on a cross. (John 19:16-18, Mark 15:21-41, Eph. 1:7, Gal. 3:13)

  67. From what did Jesus Christ redeem us?
    Jesus Christ redeemed us from our sins and from God’s wrath. (Heb 2:17, John 1:29, Rom. 5:9, Titus 2:14)

  68. For what did Jesus redeem us?
    Jesus redeemed us to do the will of God and to walk in good works, whereby we glorify His Name and He expands His Kingdom in all the earth. (Eph. 2:10, Matt. 6:10)

  69. Are all men saved because of Jesus Christ’s redeeming work?
    No. Many reject the Word and resist the Holy Spirit, therefore, they remain in unbelief and under God’s judgment by their own fault. (Rom. 1:18-19, Heb 4:2)

  70. What will God do to those who reject His Word?
    Upon their death, God will throw those who reject His Word into Hell where they will suffer forever. (II Thes. 1:8-9, Rev. 20:15, Isa. 66:24)

  71. Why does God damn people to Hell?
    A. God is just and judges each man according to his deeds. Those who reject His Word receive the just recompense for their disobedience. (Deut. 32:4, Mk. 16:16, Rom. 1:27, Rom. 2:6, Rev. 16:7) B. God will not tolerate sinners in His presence. (Ps. 5:4-5, Ex. 33:5, Heb. 10:27, 12:29) C. God loves His children and would not force them to spend eternity with sinners. (Isa. 11:6-9, Ez. 34:25-30, Rev. 21:4)

  72. Who can be saved?
    All those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ can be saved. (John 3:16, Acts 2:21)

  73. What does it mean to repent?
    Repentance is the willingness to turn away from everything in our lives that is unlike God. (Luke 15:11-32)

  74. What does it mean to believe?
    To believe is to trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins. (Acts 4:12)

  75. What is the atonement?
    We should have died for our sins. Atonement was made when Christ satisfied God’s divine justice by dying in our stead, so that if we will believe in Him, we will not have to die but obtain eternal life. (I Pet. 3:18, I Pet. 2:24, John 3:16)

  76. What will God do for those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ?
    Upon their death, God will take those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ into heaven where they will rejoice forevermore. (I Pet. 1:3-4)

  77. What is justification?
    Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein He pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in His sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone. (Rom. 3:24, Gal. 2:16)

  78. Why do we say it is by faith alone that we are made right with God?
    We say this not because our faith has any value in which God is pleased with us. Rather, only Christ’s satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness make us right with God. And we can receive this righteousness and make it ours in no other way than by faith alone. (I Cor. 1:30-31, Rom. 10:10, I John 5:10-12, Eph. 2:8-9)

  79. What is adoption?
    Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, wherein we are received as His children and have right to all the privileges of the sons of God. (I John 3:1, John 1:12)

  80. What is sanctification?
    Sanctification is the work of God in us whereby we become holy in heart and conduct. (Eph. 4:17-24, Rom. 6:13)

  81. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
    Christ became man by taking to Himself a human body, being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin. (Luke 1:31-35)

  82. For what purpose did Christ become a man?
    Christ became a man to die for the sins of all men. (I Tim. 1:15)

  83. What kind of death did Christ die?
    Christ died the painful and shameful death of the cross. (Mark 15:21-41)

  84. Is it significant that Christ was crucified instead of dying some other way?
    Yes. Death by crucifixion was accursed by God. Christ’s death proves that He shouldered the curse which lay on mankind. (Gal. 3:13)

  85. What do the Scriptures teach about Christ’s resurrection?
    The Scriptures teach that on the third day Christ victoriously rose from the grave and showed Himself alive to His disciples. (I Cor.15:4-8)

  86. Why is Christ’s resurrection so important?
    Christ’s resurrection proves that:
    A. Christ is the Son of God (Rom. 1:4)
    B. Christ’s doctrine is truth (John 2:19-22)
    C. God has accepted Christ’s sacrifice for our sins (Rom. 4:25)
    D. All believers in Christ will rise to eternal life. (John 11:25-26)

  87. What does the Bible teach about Christ’s ascension?
    The Bible teaches that 40 days after His resurrection, Christ, in the presence of His disciples, ascended bodily unto the glory of His Father, to prepare a place for us in heaven. (Luke 24:51, John 14:2-3)

  88. Is the Law of God made void through the finished work of Christ?
    No. The Law of God, other than that which is overturned or fulfilled in the New Testament, is applicable to both the individual life of a Christian and to the governance of society as a whole. (Rom. 3:31 8:3-4, I Tim. 1:8-11)

    ESCHATOLOGY

  89. Will Christ come again?
    Yes. On the last day Christ will come to judge the world. (II Cor. 5:10, I Thes. 4:16, Matt. 25:31-46) He will return in the same way that He departed. (Acts 1:10-11)

  90. When will Christ return?
    No one knows when Christ will return, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the father. (Matt. 24:36, v.42, v.44)

  91. Should we try to predict when Christ will return?
    No. Since Jesus Himself told us that only God the Father knows the time of His return, it would be impossible for us to find out when it will be. (Matt. 24:44)

  92. What should we do while Christ is away?
    While Christ is away we should: A. Preach the Gospel to all creation. (Mark 16:15) B. Demonstrate to the world that Scripture speaks to every area of life, and expand God’s Kingdom in those areas He gives us to work in. (Matt. 28:18-20) C. Remain faithful to Him. (Matt. 24:45-47)

  93. What is "judgment day?"
    Judgment day is the day on which God will punish the wicked and reward the righteous. (Matt. 10:15, 25:31-46, 2 Pet. 3:7, I John 4:17, Acts 17:30-31, Rev. 19:11-21)

  94. Will the bodies of the dead be raised to life again?
    Yes. The trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised. (I Cor. 15:52)

  95. What difference will there be between believers and unbelievers in the resurrection?
    Believers will rise with glorified bodies and enter everlasting life in heaven with God. Unbelievers will rise to eternal death, that is, to shame and torment in hell forever. (John 5:28-29, Luke 16:19-31)

    GOD THE FATHER

  96. Who is God?
    In His Word, God has told us that He is:
    A. Spirit (John 4:24)
    B. Holy (Lev. 19:2, Isa. 6:3)
    C. Just (Deut. 32:4)
    D. Faithful (2 Tim. 2:13)
    E. Good (Ps. 118:1, 145:9)
    F. Merciful (Jer. 3:12, Titus 3:5)
    G. Gracious (Ex. 34:6-7)
    H. Love (John 3:16, I John 4:8)
    I. Eternal (Ps. 90:1-2, I Tim. 1:17)
    J. Unchangeable (Ps. 102:27, Mal. 3:6)
    K. Almighty, All-powerful (Gen. 17:1, Matt. 19:26)
    L. Present everywhere (Jer. 23:24, Acts 17:27)

  97. Are there more Gods than one?
    There is but one only, the living true God, who is revealed by Holy Scripture. (Deut. 6:4)

  98. Since there is only one God, why do we speak of three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
    God has revealed Himself in His Word as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: these three distinct persons are one, true, eternal God. (Matt. 28:19, I John 5:7)

    JESUS CHRIST

  99. For what threefold offices was Christ anointed?
    Christ was anointed to be our Prophet, Priest, and King. (Deut. 18:15, Heb. 7:26-27, Matt. 28:18)

  100. How does Christ execute the office of a Prophet?
    Christ executes the office of a Prophet by revealing to us, by His Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. (John 1:18, 20:31, 14:26, Rev. 19:10)

  101. How does Christ execute the office of a Priest?
    Christ executes the office of a Priest in His once offering Himself up as a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice and reconcile us to God, and makes continual intercession for us. (Heb. 2:17, 7:25-28, 9:28 )

  102. How does Christ execute the office of King?
    Christ executes the office of a King by subduing us to Himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all His and our enemies. (Ps. 110:1-3, Isa. 33:22, I Cor. 15:25)

    HOLY SPIRIT

  103. Who is the Holy Spirit?
    The Holy Spirit is God, and is equal to the Father and the Son. (Acts 5:3-4, Matt. 28:19)

  104. What are the works of the Holy Spirit?
    The Holy Spirit:
    A. Convicts men of sin. (John 16:8)
    B. Convicts men that Jesus is the righteousness of God. (John 16:10)
    C. Convicts men of judgment. (John 16:11)
    D. Indwells the believer. (I Cor. 6:19-20)
    E. Empowers the believer. (Acts 1:8)
    F. Leads the believer. (Gal. 5:16-18)
    G. Comforts the believer. (Acts 9:31)
    H. Distributes the gifts. (I Cor. 12:11)

  105. What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit?
    The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)

  106. What does Scripture teach about the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
    Scripture teaches us that the Holy Spirit distributes the various gifts to individual members of the Church according to the will of God. Each member is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (I Cor. 12:7-11)

  107. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
    The gifts include words of wisdom, words of knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. (I Cor. 12:7-10)

  108. How are the gifts to be exercised in a church service?
    The Lord commands that the gifts be used decently and in order. (I Cor. 14:32-33,40)

  109. For what purpose did God give the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
    God distributes the gifts for the edification of the Church. (I Cor. 14:12)

  110. Should the gifts of the Holy Spirit be in operation in the Church today?
    Yes. Nowhere do the Scriptures teach that the gifts have ceased to operate.

    THE CHURCH

  111. What is the Church?
    The Church is the body of Christ, the total number of those who believe in Christ. The fellowship of believers is the community who share in Christ and in all His treasures and gifts, and consider it a duty to use these gifts for the service and enrichment of others. (I Cor. 1:9, II Cor. 8:1-5, Eph. 2:19-22, Col. 1:24, I Cor. 12:12-31)

  112. What does Scripture teach about our life in the Church?
    A. Scripture teaches: We should always seek to remain faithful to Christ and His Kingdom decrees. (II Cor. 13:5)
    B. We should seek to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints by upholding pure doctrine as revealed in Scripture. (John 8:31-32, Acts 17:11, Phil. 1:27, Jude 3)
    C. We should maintain and extend God’s Church by telling others about Jesus Christ and by personal service, prayer, and tithes. (John 20:21, Acts 2:42, Rom. 12:5-8, Phil. 4:6, Matt. 23:23, Eph. 3:14-19)

  113. What is the purpose of the Church?
    The purpose of the Church is:
    A. To declare God’s Law,
    B. To declare God’s Salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ,
    C. To teach God’s whole counsel as revealed in Scripture,
    D. To provide a place of corporate worship to God,
    E. To provide a place of corporate prayer to God,
    F. To equip the saints for the work of the ministry, and
    G. To disciple the nations, thus transforming the culture to His obedience. (Acts 1:1-8, Rom. 10:14-17, Rom. 3:31, Matt. 28:19, Mk. 16:15, Matt. 21:13, Eph. 4:11-16)

  114. Why is church attendance important?
    Church attendance is important because it is there that we are equipped to do the work of the ministry, and because the Scriptures command that we not forsake the assembling of the saints. (Eph. 4:11-16, Heb. 10:25)

  115. How does the church deal with an unrepentant sinner?
    Jesus teaches in Matthew 18 how to deal with an unrepentant sinner:
    A. We are to go to him and show him his fault. (Matt. 18:15)
    B. If he does not listen we take one or two others along. (Matt. 18:16)
    C. If he still refuses to listen, we tell it to the church. (Matt. 18:17)
    D. If he still does not listen, he is excommunicated. (Matt. 18:17)

  116. Who is an unrepentant sinner?
    An unrepentant sinner is a person who claims to be a Christian but sins continually, disobeys God, and does not change his ways. (I Cor. 5:1-13)

  117. What is excommunication?
    Excommunication is when a person is thrown out of the church. (I Cor. 5:1-13, Matt. 18:17)

  118. What is the purpose of excommunication?
    Excommunication is not intended to punish the sinner, but to lead him or her to repentance and faith, and prevent him or her from leading others into sin. (Matt. 18:15-17, II Cor. 7:9-10)

  119. What is our duty to the poor?
    Our duty is to sustain the poor. We are to give to the poor without a grudging heart. We are not to take interest from the poor, nor give food for gain. (Lev. 25:35-37, Deut. 14:28-29, 15:7-8)

  120. What is our duty to widows? The children, specifically the first born, are responsible for the care of their widow mother. If there are no living children, then it is the grandchildren’s responsibility. If there are no surviving family members, it is the church’s responsibility to provide care. (I Tim. 5:3-5)

  121. What is our duty to prisoners? We are to remember our brethren in prison as if we were fellow prisoners with them. We are to visit both Christian and non-Christian prisoners. (Heb. 13:3, Matt. 25:31-46)

    WORSHIP

  122. What is Christian worship? Christian worship is the offering up of oneself to God as a living sacrifice through one’s thoughts, words, and deeds. (Rom. 12:1, Job 1:20)

  123. Are all attempts of worship acceptable to God? No, not all attempts of worship are acceptable to God. Only worship in Spirit and in truth is acceptable. (John 4:24) Our worship must be sincere (Isa. 29:13), accompanied by repentance (Isa 1:11-17, Amos 5:21-24, Mal. 1:6-14), and be offered through Christ. (Heb. 13:15)

  124. Why should we praise God?
    We should praise God because it is an exceedingly good thing to praise Him and because He is worthy of our praise. (Ps. 33:1, 147:1, Heb. 13:15, Rev. 4:11)

  125. How are Christians to meet and commune with God?
    Christians are to meet and commune with God through faith in Jesus Christ based upon His blood which was shed when He died on the cross, plus nothing. (Heb. 10:19-22)

    PRAYER

  126. What is prayer?
    Prayer is offering up of our thoughts and words unto God for things agreeable to His will, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies. (I John 5:14, Phil. 4:6, Dan. 9:4, John 16:23)

  127. To whom should we pray?
    We should pray to the true God only - not to idols, saints, or anything God has created. (Matt. 6:9-14, John 17:1-26, Isa 44:16-20)

  128. In whose name should we pray?
    We should only pray in the name of Jesus Christ. (I Tim. 2:5)

  129. What should be the content of our prayers?
    In our prayers we should ask for everything which tends to the glory of God and to our own and our neighbors welfare, both spiritual and bodily blessings. We should also praise and thank God for who He is and what He has done. (Phil. 4:6)

  130. How do I know God is able to answer the prayers of His people in Christ Jesus?
    God alone has all good gifts in His control. God alone has the power to grant our petitions. (James 1:17, Eph. 3:20-21, Jer. 32:17)

  131. What prayer did Jesus give us to show us how to pray?
    Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer. (Matt. 6:9-14, Luke 11:1-4) Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, and power and the glory, forever. Amen. (Matt. 6:9-14)

  132. How many petitions are there in the Lord’s prayer?
    There are five petitions in the Lord’s prayer. (Matt. 6:9-14)

  133. What is the first petition?
    The first petition is "Hallowed be Thy name." (Matt. 6:9)

  134. What do we pray for in the first petition?
    In the first petition, we pray that God’s name will be honored by us and all men. (Psalm 67:1-3)

  135. What is the second petition?
    The second petition is "Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10)

  136. What do we pray for in the second petition?
    In the second petition we pray that the Word of God may be preached in all the world, and believed and obeyed by us and all men. (Matt. 28:18-20, II Thes. 3:1)

  137. What is the third petition?
    The third petition is "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matt. 6:11)

  138. What do we pray for in the third petition?
    In the third petition, we pray that God will give us all things needful for our bodies and souls. (Prov. 30:8, Ps. 90:17, III John 2)

  139. What is the fourth petition?
    The fourth petition is "And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." (Matt. 6:12)

  140. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?
    In the fourth petition, we pray that God would pardon our souls for Christ’s sake and enable us to forgive those who have injured us. (Ps. 51:1, Matt. 6:14)

  141. What is the fifth petition?
    The fifth petition is "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." (Matt. 6:13)

  142. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?
    In the fifth petition, we pray that God would keep us from sin. (Ps. 19:13, 51:10)

  143. Why do we end the Lord’s prayer with the word "Amen?"
    The word "Amen" means "so shall it be" and emphasizes that God, who has commanded us to pray, will hear our prayers and answer them as He has promised.
    (Psalm 50:15, Prov. 15:8, 29)

    THE APOSTLES’ CREED

  144. What is a creed?
    A creed is a statement of what we believe, teach, and confess.

  145. What is the creed of Mercy Seat Christian Church?
    The Apostles’ Creed.

  146. Why was the Apostles’ Creed written?
    The Apostles’ Creed was written by the early church to counter and expose false teachers and churches.

  147. Can you recite the Apostles’ Creed?
    "I believe in God Almighty
    And in Christ Jesus, His only Son, our Lord.
    Who was born of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary.
    Who was crucified under Pontius Pilate and was buried
    And the third day rose from the dead.
    Who ascended into heaven
    And sits at the right hand of the Father.
    Whence He comes to judge the living and the dead.
    And in the Holy Spirit,
    The holy Church,
    The remission of sins,
    The resurrection of the flesh,
    The life everlasting."

    CHURCH ORDINANCES

  148. What ordinances did Christ institute for the Church in the New Testament?
    Christ instituted baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (Mark 16:16, I Cor. 11:23)

  149. What is baptism?
    Baptism is an ordinance through which believers publicly signify their belief in Christ. The believer is usually immersed in water to signify Christ’s death and resurrection. (Matt. 28:19, Acts 8:34-39, 16:14-15, 22:16)

  150. Who should be baptized?
    Everyone who believes in Christ should be baptized. (Matt. 28:19, Acts 2:38-41, 8:34-39, 16:14-15)

  151. Is it possible for an unbaptized person to be saved?
    Yes, it is possible for an unbaptized person to be saved. It is only unbelief that condemns. However, faith cannot exist in the heart of a person who despises and rejects baptism. But those who believe in Christ, yet die before they have an opportunity to be baptized , are not condemned. (Mark 16:16, Luke 23:40-43)

  152. What is the Lord’s Supper?
    The Lord’s Supper is the eating of bread and drinking of the fruit of the vine in remembrance of the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ. (Luke 22:19-20, I Cor. 10:16)

  153. What does the bread and the fruit of the vine represent?
    The bread represents the body of Christ broken for our sins. The fruit of the vine represents Christ’s blood shed for our salvation. (Luke 22:19-20)

  154. Are the bread and the fruit of the vine changed into the real body and bread of Christ?
    No. They are the visible elements symbolizing the body and the blood of Christ.

  155. Who should partake of the Lord’s Supper?
    Only those who have repented of their sins, believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation, and love their fellow man should partake in the Lord’s Supper. (I Cor. 11:23-34)

    CIVIL GOVERNMENT

  156. Who instituted civil government?
    Civil government was instituted by God. (Rom. 13:1, Prov. 8:14-16)

  157. What is the purpose of civil government?
    Civil government was established by God to maintain justice and civil order and to be a terror to evildoers. (Rom 13:3-4)

  158. What is to be our relationship to civil government?
    We are to:
    A. Pray for our government representatives. (I Tim. 2:1-4, Ps. 109)
    B. Participate in civil government. (Prov. 31:23)
    C. Submit to our governing authorities. (Rom. 13:1)

  159. How should we pray for our government representatives?
    We should pray for them to execute justice properly. If they fail in their God-ordained duty, we should pray for their removal. (Ps. 72:1, Ps. 109)

  160. How do we participate in civil government?
    There are many ways to participate in civil government. Our participation should include:
    A. Voting for godly leaders who will uphold justice. (Deut. 16:18-19, Acts 6:1-5)
    B. Educating our civil leaders to God’s viewpoint on issues they will vote on. (Mark 6:17-18)
    C. Holding a position in civil government or helping good men obtain a position. (Dan. 2:48-49, Rom. 13:1-4)

  161. Are we always to submit to the civil authorities?
    No. If the civil government orders us to do something contrary to Scripture or forbids us to do that which Scripture commands us, we are duty bound to obey God rather than man. (Acts 5:29, Ex. 1:15-21, Dan. 6:1-10)

    THE FAMILY

  162. What is the origin of the family?
    The origin of the family is God who created mankind in His image. Adam and Eve were the first family. (Gen. 1:27-28, Gen. 2:20-24)

  163. How does man exercise dominion?
    Man exercises dominion by having children and by bringing every area of life into conformity with God’s Law. (Gen. 1:26-28)

  164. What is marriage?
    Marriage is the joining together by God of a man and a woman of like Christian faith in order to raise a family and exercise dominion. (Gen. 2:18-24)

  165. How is family dominion exercised?
    The man, with his helper-wife, exercise dominion in the family as custodians of children and property. (Gen. 1:28, Prov. 13:22)

  166. How is the family custodian of children?
    Children, under the parents’ God-bestowed authority, are to receive Christian education and discipline, and are to be trained as trustees of the family property. (Deut. 11:19, Eph. 6:4, Prov. 23:12-14)

  167. How is the family custodian of property?
    The right to unimpaired ownership and inheritance of land and other property is the foundation of the family’s existence, liberty and prosperity, for by virtue of such ownership men cannot be enslaved nor dispossessed by their neighbor or the State. (Prov. 13:22, Ez. 46:18, Num. 27:1-11)

  168. What is the framework of authority in the family?
    In the family, the husband, under Christ’s head-ship, is in loving authority over his wife and children, and both parents are in authority over their children as directed by the Bible. (Eph. 5:22, v.25, 6:1)

  169. Who are the enemies of God and the family?
    The enemies of God and the family are all those who seek to destroy the family and tread upon God’s Holy Law. (Matt. 19:6, 23:14)

  170. What is the family’s chief end?
    The family’s chief end is to glorify God, obey God’s laws, advance His Kingdom, and enjoy His blessings, now and forever. (John 14:15, I John 5:2, Deut. 11:18-25)