Sharing His Grace
By Proclaiming His Word
Witnessing for Jesus Christ by Sharing His Grace is foundational to us at Mountainside Chapel. He was a teacher par excellence, always communicating the Truth of God to His hearers. He often taught through parables or narratives. After His resurrection He taught primarily through exposition of the Hebrew Scriptures, which provided an example for all who follow Him in preaching and teaching. We want to learn the Word as well as possible and proclaim it to this generation. The Bible is the primary way in which God has communicated His character and His will to His own.
Salvation is by the Word, and growth in God’s grace is predicated upon a thorough knowledge of God through the Word. At Mountainside Chapel, whether in leading, preaching, or teaching, the Bible must be central. There is no other absolutely reliable source for the knowledge of God, the Savior and Lord.
Proclaiming His Word through
Bible Centered Leading
Bible Centered Preaching
Bible Centered Teaching
Why the Bible?
Many portions of Scripture underscore the value of viewing the Bible as God’s gift to His people. The benefits of studying the Word are too numerous to mention. All of the sermons and classes offered at the Chapel derive their authority and content from the Bible. One example of what the Word can do for us is in Psalm 19.
Psalm 19:7-14
Law = His Revealed Will is Perfect
Restores the Soul
Testimony = His Truth is Sure
Makes wise the Simple
Precepts = Particular Injunctions are Right
Rejoice the Heart
Commandments = Authoritative Words are Pure
Enlightening the Eyes
Fear = Reverential Trust is Clean
Enduring Forever
Judgments = Decisions are True
Righteous Altogether
Tape Ministry
It is the desire of the leadership at Mountainside Chapel to make available numerous studies, at least in sermon outline form, including the topics below. Messages are already available through the Chapel tape ministry upon request. We will make every effort to provide copies of the studies that have been given over the years by our Senior Minister, Gregory Hagg, Ph.D. We are in the process of converting tapes to CD’s.
Romans
James
The Pastoral Epistles
Daniel and Revelation
Acts
Joshua
Hebrews
1 – 2 Corinthians
Galatians
Philippians
The Life of David
The Life of Joseph
Selected Psalms
Selected Parables
Prophecy
Communion Messages
The “Sola” Series
The Church
Christian Leadership
The One Another Series
Mountainside Chapel “Higher” Education
Educational ministry is also available through the following courses, which are offered from time to time. The courses are typically held in the evenings and follow a 15 week Fall and Spring semester.
Theology 101
This course covers the basic divisions of Systematic Theology on a level that approaches a Bible college education without exams and papers. The heart of the discussion is the Biblical data in reference to topics such as the Existence and Character of God, the Revelation of God to Man, Angels, Man (Creation and Sin), Satan, Christ, Salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and Things to Come. Students are required to read a textbook along with the Biblical references.
Xploring Eldership
The view of church leadership at Mountainside Chapel is taught by way of inductive Bible study, i.e. determining what the Scriptures say about Elders and Deacons rather than what has developed over time in the history of the church. A textbook is required reading along with an accompanying workbook to assist students in the process.
Deacons: Ministers of Mercy
The Bible indicates that the role of the deacons or servants in the New Testament was not what has been the pattern in the development of the church. Rather than reduced to trusteeship or custodial maintenance of a facility, the Deacons functioned as “ministers of mercy” and were organized to reach out to members of the Body of Christ who were in particular need. This course has a required textbook as well as a workbook.
The Seven Laws of Teaching
Christian education must follow not only the Scriptural teaching about learning and communication, but it should also make use of time tested methodology. Based upon the classic work by John Milton Gregory, this course attempts to assist those who may have the gift of teaching in the Body of Christ.
The Fall Feasts of Israel
The Jewish background of New Testament truth is presented in this course through the symbolism found in the appointed feasts that were commanded by God. Both the NT fulfillment of these feasts and the apparent future predictions of these feasts are taught in this course. The Rabbinical writings of the Mishnah and Talmud are referenced.
The Life of the Messiah
Few studies are more important that this one to see the Jewish background of Jesus. His difficult sayings are best understood in the context of His relationship to the Jewish disciples, and all of His teachings are rooted in the Old Testament as well as Rabbinic thought. This course is normally taught during Sunday morning Christian Education.
By Participating in His Ministry
Witnessing for Jesus Christ by Sharing His Grace is foundational to us at Mountainside Chapel. He not only taught the people, He also served them. Mark 10:45 states “for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Luke said of Jesus Christ that “He went about doing good,” (Acts 10:38). All believers are to share His grace in this way. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven,” (Matthew 5:16). It is not enough to tell people about the Lord. We must also reach out with concern for the needs of others. We operate on the premise that “people do not care what we know until they know that we care.”
Often it is essential to earn the right to share the Good News with our friends and family. While the primary role of the church is a spiritual ministry, that is sharing the need for salvation and the solution offered through Jesus Christ, we recognize that when we seek to meet the physical needs of those around us, we are more likely to be heard. Hopefully, all of the participation in such service will result in the opportunity to give the reason for our generosity. We love people because Christ loved us.
The Leadership at Mountainside desires to model this core value of service. As the leaders show that they are participants rather than spectators in the Christian life, they will encourage others to follow them into the joy of serving Jesus by serving His people and the world for whom He died.
SHAPE (Adapted from The Purpose Driven Church, by Rick Warren)
• Spiritual Gifts – are unique abilities given by God at the moment of salvation. Their purpose according to Scripture is to benefit the Body of Christ by adding value to the ministry. All believers are gifted, and all are to exercise their gifts in service to the church and the community.
• Heart’s Desire – refers to the special interest one has in serving the Lord. Some are drawn to children, some to the elderly. Many have the desire to help those less fortunate than themselves. Others simply enjoy sports, art, music, or any other avocation. Jesus wants to use our innate interests to serve Him and others.
• Aptitude – is the special ability one has to succeed in a given area of ministry. Someone who is unskilled as a mechanic may not be the best person to start an outreach ministry of helping people minor auto repairs! It is essential for believers to discover where they will best be used based upon aptitude.
• Personality – while the Lord can transform personalities to suit His desires, most people serve the Lord in areas appropriate for the way they are “wired” whether it be a high energy people orientation or a laid back individualism. Ones personality can direct, if not dictate, the kind of service he should pursue.
• Experience – varies from person to person. The life journey of each of us has equipped us uniquely to serve the Lord. Negative experiences like the loss of loved ones, the rejection of family, a debilitating illness, or other forms of suffering can be used to encourage others. Similarly, the positive things are used by the Lord to give others hope for the future. Various educational or vocational experiences may uniquely qualify someone to assist others in need.
Those who would like to discover their individual “Shape” for service may take a Spiritual Gifts Inventory and/or one of several Personality Measurements that assist us in placement for serving the Lord. Numerous opportunities are available to “try the waters” in Sharing His Grace by Participating in His Ministry.
MOPS
Mothers of Pre-Schoolers is a national organization that provides a time and place for young mothers to share their lives with each other. Once a month a team at the Chapel hosts MOPS. A mentor teaches timely Biblical principles about parenting or family life, and the ladies spend very beneficial time in study groups. The current book being taught is Love And Respect by Eggerichs.
Calvary Bible Chapel Ministries
One of the missions supported by Mountainside Chapel serves the poor of Newark, New Jersey. Opportunities are available to reach out by participating in that ministry.
Hearts and Hands
A monthly meeting of women in the church is devoted to fellowship and crafts. Time is spent in Bible study and prayer.