#BeEquipped | Four12

Should we avoid songs that come from those we disagree with theologically?  

When singing worship songs together in church meetings, we must properly assess the focus, content and theology of what is being said about God and what is being said about us. But should we even sing songs that come from churches or groups that we have doctrinal differences with, and at what point do we avoid them altogether?  

Has God commanded us to tithe, and is it still relevant today?  

Some say that we must tithe or we will be punished, while others say it was commanded under the Law of Moses and is no longer required. But what does the Bible say? What should be our motivation for tithing, and where should we find guidance on whether we should do it or not? In this session, we unpack tithing, its relevance today, and the role of faith as we tithe.  

Easter, Christmas, Lent and Halloween are festivals that many celebrate. Which can we agree to disagree about?  

Easter, Christmas, Lent and Halloween are calendar observances that both Christians and non-Christians celebrate. There is, however, disagreement about the problems presented by each of their histories, practices and associations. Which ones can we agree to disagree about, and where do we have the freedom to allow one another to follow our consciences?  

'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’ Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

Why tolerating sexual sin is satan’s silent strategy to disarm the church.  

As believers, we are aware that sexual sin is a compromise and, Biblically, should not be tolerated. Yet, it seems particularly difficult to bring this area into the light and for believers to walk in freedom. In this session, we take a closer look at the issue of sexual sin in the church. In particular, we discuss why tolerating sexual sin is satan’s silent strategy to disarm the church and the vital importance of accountability, confession and repentance in walking people into freedom. We share about the loving discipline of the Father, whose heart is to redeem and restore those He loves.  

Links to helpful resources mentioned:  

• Ever Accountable: www.everaccountable.com  
• Covenant Eyes: www.covenanteyes.com  
• Conquer Series: www.conquerseries.com  

Scriptures Referenced:  

Matthew 5:8, Revelation 2:14, James 4:6, Revelation 2:1, Numbers 5, 1 Corinthians 5:6, Proverbs 5, 6 & 7  

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1 (NIV)

When the nation's laws are at odds with the commands of God, who do we obey?  

The Bible tells us to submit to governing authorities and obey them. But at a certain point, when laws are at odds with the commands of God, we must decide whether to obey Him or the rulers of our nation. The people of God are called to live in peace and not in rebellion, yet there appear to be clear examples in Scripture where God’s people chose to follow their consciences. When exactly have we reached that point?  

‘But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Should church leadership be representative of different groups?  

One of the main priorities of our generation is diversity, inclusivity and equal representation in business, media, sport and entertainment. In this session, we look at diversity in church leadership. We discuss how church leadership structures function and whether the church should adopt the same approach as others to keep up with the world around them. Ultimately, we're reminded that the church consists of God's people, it is His Kingdom, and, as Lord and King, we need to keep in step with His Spirit and do things His way. 

“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:21 (NIV)

The importance of unity in diversity.  

Serving on a church leadership team is not without its struggles. So many different ideas, views and personalities come into play. In this session, we take a closer look at the issue of guarding the unity within eldership teams. In particular, we discuss why unity is worth fighting for, what healthy eldership teams look like, the role of lead elders and how to bring your perspective with humility. We're left with a reminder that it's really about Jesus, seeking His will, His presence, and building on His Word.  

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.’ Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

Why accountability is not others meddling in your life.  

“Accountability” is one word the world despises, and even the church seems to have grown to oppose it, mainly because it is misunderstood or we have grown overfamiliar with the term, forgetting the power of living it out.  In this session, we explore the concept of “accountability” – what it is, why it is necessary, and where it is evident in the Bible. We take a closer look at the biggest reasons people oppose accountability and discuss why it’s not others meddling in your life. Instead, accountability is an opportunity to truly live like Jesus. We must be bold, live in the light and give an account today so we can stand firm to the end.  

What is the role of the prophetic in the modern church? 

As an apostolic and prophetic movement, we have high regard for the gift of prophecy. With this in mind, we believe that the prophetic is relevant for today, valuable, and necessary for the modern church, and should not be avoided but used correctly.  

Andrew Selley recently addressed the issue of prophecy, the role of the prophetic and how God has been disciplining His people through the prophetic in, False Prophecies & Trump, What Now? As a follow-up to this, Shaun, Andrew, and Mervis came together to address some questions around the topic of the prophetic and its application in the church.  

They take a closer look at what prophecy is, the distinction between someone prophetically gifted and a prophet, practicalities around how to give, receive and deliver a prophecy, and what makes a false prophet.