YOUNG PEOPLE AND MINORS

THIS MEETING WAS OPENED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS

  1. RECITING THE POINTS OF DOCTRINE AND OF FAITH THAT WERE ONCE GIVEN TO THE

SAINTS

The Youth assistants should be instructed to periodically give to the children and youth the doctrinal points mentioned above to recite. This will help them to better understand the foundations of our Christian beliefs.

As for recitatives, the book of Psalms, Proverbs and the New Testament should be prioritized as they have content that can promote spiritual reflection in a simple reading and/or listening.

  1. UNEQUAL YOKE

Yoke is a piece made of wood that is used to attach oxen to a cart, or plow. The yoke also ensures that each animal is tied to each other. 

In the Scriptures, the word yoke is used as a figure of speech to refer to the strong bond that Christians must have with the Lord Jesus, so we can be led by God under the yoke of the Gospel of Grace. Those without the Holy Spirit are bound by another yoke, the yoke of sin and darkness. When believers are closely affiliated with non-Christians, we may be subject to their influence, and run the risk of abandoning the Lord’s side and no longer following with the Master, as it is written:

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3) 

An uneven yoke is when a believer is united with a natural non-Christian person whose spiritual values are not in line with the standards of the genuine gospel of Christ. This can happen when dating, by marriage, forming business partnerships, joining secret societies or any other form of commitment. 2Cor 6:14-15 warns us: 

“ 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?”

  1. THE LORD FORBIDS EATING BLOOD

Blood is the life of the biological body and is responsible for nourishing it at the cellular level, irrigating the entire animal organism with life. Necrosis happens in parts of the body that no longer have blood circulating. Eventually the bodily tissue dies and is infarcted. 

God refers to blood as the life of the body (Gen. 9:4), which is the reason God demanded it be used for purification in ceremonies. Blood should never be eaten as food, since, being the life of the body, eating it implies taking the life of animals as nourishment. 

As for the sacrifices required by Law, in His great mercy towards men the Lord transferred the guilt of man’s sin to the blood of the animals which were sacrificed in place of the sinner, paying for the sin of the transgressors with its life. 

A summary of the practice of purifying sins with blood can be confirmed in the Epistle to the Hebrews: 

“Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood” (Hebrews 9:18). 

“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission”. (Heb. 9:22) 

We understand that the Lord became a curse for us, and by His death He transferred our guilt to the blood of His cross, forgiving us and purifying our conscience through faith once and for all.

  1. THE LORD FORBIDS EATING SUFFOCATED MEAT

Suffocated meat is meat that still has blood inside. It has not been bled and the blood is still inside its veins and arteries. Eating suffocated meat is a transgression equal to eating blood as food.

  1. IDOLATRY

There is an immeasurable difference in meaning between the word creature and Creator. 

The word God is used to name the Creator of the universe; it is used to designate the creator of all things that exist, both those of a physical nature and those of a spiritual nature. 

God sustains the universe, is Eternal, Infinite, Supreme, Unique and Uncreated. To seek salvation in any created being or thing is great folly. 

The most excellent angels will never be more than creatures who were created out of His sacred hands, as we read: 

“And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.” (Heb. 1:7)

 Jesus Christ is the only name given by God to men to be our Redeemer. By virtue of this, all other names have been excluded, both on earth and in heaven, by which men can be saved. 

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1Tim. 2:5) 

To worship any image, creature, human being or angel is a serious doctrinal error. This goes against the teachings of the Lord and is forbidden by the Word of God. 

The figure of the only Intercessor is reinforced by the teachings of the Lord Jesus, who teaches us to pray to God in His name: 

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13) 

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) 

Idolatry is abominable in God’s judgment and is not restricted to the worship of idols. It is not limited to the practice of worshiping images in the likeness of what is in heaven, on earth or in the waters. 

In the past, the Lord classified these transgressions as spiritual adultery. For example, there are people who worship their own ego, others worship power, others worship artists, athletes, fame, human science, physical beauty, nature, money. There are many other ways of consecrating one’s heart, which was made to worship only our blessed God. 

The apostle Paul warned about one of these different ways of idolatry, hidden in excessive attachment to money (Col. 3:5).

6. TRANSLATIONS OF THE HOLY BIBLE

Bible publishers have done an excellent job at publishing translations of the Holy Scriptures in the vernacular of each country, region and tribe. 

It is the Gospel, the saving power of God that reaches the most distant and difficult places of the earth. Although there are good translations in Portuguese and English throughout the world, the Congregation of Christians has adopted the João Ferreira de Almeida, edição Revista e Corrigida na grafia simplificada (ARC) in portuguese and the King James Version (KJV) translation as its standard Bible in English. This standardization aims to align the church in the reading of the Word of God in holy services. 

New brothers are advised to seek guidance from their local church ministry on which translation is used in each country. 

Unfortunately, there are translations of the Bible with changes that harm the message in the original texts. For this reason, we suggest that the brethren acquire the Holy Scriptures from the Christian Congregation, in the Biblical fund, which sometimes are available below market price.

7. INERRANCY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

By inerrancy we mean that the original authored record is free from errors or contradictions. It is the Word of God, a perfect Being.

The record of the message of the Holy Scriptures was produced not by the will of any man, but inspired by the Holy Spirit, written at different times and circumstances by about forty authors.

The original records don’t diverge or contradict themselves, rather they have scriptural unity, so that a text that is difficult to understand by itself can be understood in the light of another, clearer passage. It is Scripture explaining itself regarding salvation, sanctification and admonitions; testifying to the supernatural power of God acting in the holy men who wrote them.

There are passages that are difficult to understand and men, in their carnal speculations, contradict themselves regarding that which is Sacred. 

There are topics in the Bible that belong solely to God, and He has not revealed to men what only He can know.

8. INFALLIBILITY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

Infallibility means that the Scriptures are without error in its claims, whether they be historical statements describing facts or prophetic statements. This infallibility can be proven as follows:

“When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” (Deut. 18:22)

“There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.” (Josh. 21:45)

“And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.” (1 Sam. 3:19)

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, …” (Matt. 1:22)

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)

“To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3)

9. CHRISTMAS

We do not have the religious tradition of celebrating Christmas. The reason we do not celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus is that, in addition to the fact that December 25th has not been proven to be the day of His birth, this date also dates to an ancient pagan celebration called Saturnalia.

The birth of the Lord Jesus, as an isolated historical fact, didn’t bring about any change in the history of humanity. It did not heal our spiritual illnesses, did not dispense the Holy Spirit to us, did not reconcile us with God, nor did it give us the right to eternal life.

Our conscience was washed by the blood of the Lord’s sacrifice, which opened the way for us before the presence of God, tearing the veil of unbelief that was placed over our hearts.

It was not the birth but the death of Jesus that made us children of God, justified in His death (Col. 1:21; Rom. 6:3; Phil. 3:8).

The importance of the birth of Jesus is unquestionable.

He brought hope to men, fulfilled prophecy and the divine prophecy. But, salvation, reconciliation with God and victory of the Church over all evil took place on the cross, in His sacrifice for us (Rom. 5:10, Rev. 7:13-14).

The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in the month of December has no doctrinal basis, being a mere religious custom, associated with strong commercial interest, using symbols that have no relation to Christ and that doesn’t lead to salvation.

Finally, the Bible doesn’t approve of holding this religious celebration, much less using its symbols. The Lord Jesus himself tells us to celebrate his death; this is a direct request made by the Lord at the Last Supper, where his commandment is fulfilled: “do this in remembrance of me until I return.”

10. PERSEVERING IN THE FAITH WHEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Faith is a gift of God that must be cultivated with prayer, consecration and even fasting. Good Christian fellowship strengthens the bonds of faith in Christ Jesus, but evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Cor. 15:33).

When at school, whenever possible, we should be in close contact with people who share the same moral and spiritual values that we learned in the Gospel of grace.

For a believer to remain standing in environments that are hostile to Christian life, it is necessary to create a distance from everything that is contrary to the divine law and to continually seek closeness to God through prayer and dedication to reading and knowing the Holy Word of God.

11. IF EVERYONE CAME FROM ADAM AND EVE, HOW DO WE EXPLAIN ETHNICITIES?

We believe by faith that all ethnicities were contained in the genetic code of Adam and Eve. Over time they manifested in their subsequent descendants.

The Holy Scriptures have clear records that all human beings descend from a single couple, with all humans coming from a single woman:

“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” (Gen. 3:20) (*see note)

“ 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:25-26) (*see note)

*Note – there is a scientific document stating that all human beings descend from a single woman(“Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution”, Nature, Vol. 325, January 1987, p. 31-36.).

12. ADVICE TO YOUTH AND CHILDREN ON BELONGING TO A FAMILY, AND TO THE BRETHREN ON ACTIVITIES AND FELLOWSHIP IN THE CHURCH

Love is also nurtured through living together in peace. Therefore, coexistence between siblings is very important, as we read:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1)

For this reason, we must encourage young people to be involved in church activities. This includes administrative duties as well as cleaning the houses of prayer, working in the sewing rooms of the Work of Piety, visiting those in need and other activities available or needed. This makes the youth belong as an integral part of this great family that is the Church.

13. TEACHING THE THREE SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH

The Youth Cooperators must teach the three sacraments left by the Lord Jesus.

We understand by sacrament/ordinance each of the rites established in the New Testament, which symbolize divine action in the life of the believer and become a visible act of God’s Grace for His glory in those who exercise their faith and are an integral part of the Church.

We confess the three sacraments of the New Testament: Baptism (by immersion) in water, the Holy Communion and Anointing for the sick.

Baptism (Acts 2:38; Matt. 28:19) symbolizes the death and new birth of those who believe in the Lord Jesus.

The Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19-20; 1Cor. 11:26; John 6:51; John 6:53-57; 1Cor. 11:20-22; 1 Cor. 11:27-30; Acts 20:7) is a memorial of Jesus Christ’s vicarious sacrifice for us.

Anointing with oil is one of the duties of the bishops of the Church, when requested. It is a spiritual help provided by God that is obtained through the faith of the sick person. In this sacrament the Word of God asserts that He will raise the faithful from their sickbed, and through the same faith manifested, the sick person will obtain the concession of forgiveness of their sins (James 5:13-15).

Anointing of the sick is not imperative, that is, it is not mandatory for all believers, since it meets a specific and optional need, unlike the Holy Supper and Baptism.

14. SPECIFIC WAY OF PREACHING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Youth cooperators should preach differently when speaking to young people and when speaking to children, because there is a different cognitive capacity between these two groups.

Children require simple, slow, and calm words with carefully placed examples and mild facial expressions. We cannot shock them, and should remember the Word written in Prov. 16:21:

“The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth Learning.”

Youth Cooperators should read the Bible with zeal, and learn how to teach doctrine. Likewise, they must be diligent in teaching the youth and children on personal sanctification, encouraging them to live well with their families and to live among Christian youth.

Among the responsibilities of a Youth Cooperator, the need to visit young people stands out. Finally, he must be a trustworthy spiritual friend in the eyes of children and young people.

15. THE ROCK ON WHICH THE CHURCH IS BUILT

In the scriptural passage in which the Lord Jesus states that the church of Christ would be built upon a Rock, we must analyze the entire context to have a complete understanding of the Master’s statement. Let us look at this passage:

“ 15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:15-18)

In this revelation manifested by Peter, he confessed, through divine inspiration, that Jesus was the Christ, the expected Messiah and the cornerstone of all spiritual edification.

For this reason, when Jesus said to him: “Upon this Rock I will build my church”, He referred to Himself, the Messiah newly discovered by the light of God in Peter’s heart, the founding stone for all spiritual edification.

Never could Peter, a fallible, imperfect man incapable of forgiving the sins of humanity and strengthening each Christian on his journey, be the foundation for the edification of the universal Church of Christ.

The apostle Paul demonstrates this in his first epistle to the Corinthians as follows:

“ 10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1Cor 3:10-11)

There are numerous references to Christ as the foundation, stone and rock, such as:

“ 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Rom. 9:33)

“ 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” (1Cor. 10:4)

“ 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” (Eph. 2:20)

“ 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.” (1Pet 2:6-7)

16. NEW BIRTH

The New Birth or Regeneration (John 3:3) results in a supernatural change in the feelings, thoughts, actions and purposes of the converted Christian, causing him to be reborn, to be resurrected from the dead.

Those who live apart from God are spiritually dead in sin (Eph. 2:1) and need to be resurrected to a life in purity and divine justice (Col. 3:1).

Regeneration is the fruit of true faith in Jesus Christ, which can only be attained by receiving the Holy Spirit. We receive the Holy Spirit only by accepting Christ Jesus as the only and sufficient Savior.

The new birth is an extremely important pillar of the Christian doctrine. It is a fundamental prerequisite for Christians to live eternity in the glory of God in His blessed Kingdom. 

Without this new birth, the old man in the flesh – who has the sins of Adam in him – cannot be transformed into the spiritual man, a new man in the likeness of Christ.

All regenerated Christians turn away from sin and sanctify themselves in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, through obedience to the Word of God. 

All who are regenerated by the Spirit of God take part in the divine nature, being made sons of God by adoption (Gal. 3:26).

With the forgiveness of their sins and a new conscience in the Holy Spirit, the stains of iniquities are washed away. Christians are empowered to repent and turn away from the many contaminations in the world (Matt. 3:2, Acts 2:38 & 10:43).

Those born again in God refuse to practice sin. They hate the abominations of the world, and are 

submissive to the precepts of the gospel (1 John 2:15, 3:8 & 5:18).

17. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH

God declares those who believe in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work as justified, imputing righteousness unto them and freeing them from the burden of the guilt of sin. Believers who are reconciled with the Father by the grace of Christ become children by adoption through faith.

Through this justification Christians are not transformed into perfected beings, but rather, the accusations that weigh against them in the eternal courts are removed. God now sees them without blemish, accepting and treating them as righteous in His eyes.

In other words, even though Christians are still susceptible to making mistakes before the Lord due to our fallibility, the guilt of sin is continually removed by faith, through repentance and the confession of sins.

Forgiveness is granted by grace, but believers take possession of it through faith in Jesus Christ.When God looks at Christians after we are justified, He sees reflected in us the righteousness of Christ and no longer our former human miseries. (Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:24, 28, 30; 4:25; 5:1; 8:33; 1Cor. 6:11; Gal. 2:16 and Titus 3:7).

18. AWARD

In the scriptural context, reward refers to both blessings and curses, being an expression of divine justice. 

There are, for example, the rewards of injustice, which have no relationship of communion with life in God, as can be seen in the book of Acts of the Apostles 1:18:

“Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity.”

Again, this is seen in the apostle Peter’s second epistle 2:13:

“And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness.”

In contrast to these, there are rewards given as a recompense, granted during the recipient’s life, and others that will be given in eternity (1Cor. 3:12).

It is important to emphasize that the rewards granted by God in the eternal Kingdom will not define a class of better Christians, occupying a superior position in the holy city.

What will happen will be favors granted by the Almighty, which will be obtained in the eternal dwellings through good Christian actions practiced during our earthly life, associated with personal sanctification.

Therefore, in this positive sense, reward means a prize, a reward given to the believer as the fruit of his spiritual dedication during his earthly journey.

It is our worth, similar to the salary associated with works performed and sacrifices made. When it comes to a reward, all services will be duly remembered and considered. Whether this reward is received or not is totally dependent on Christians themselves.

There are different degrees of reward, as can be seen in various points of sacred scripture, such as in Luke 6:23:

“ 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.”

Now, if there is a great reward, there must be smaller ones, otherwise, this sentence would have no meaning. Other references include Matthew 10:41; John 4:36; Hebrews 10:35; 2John 1:8 and Revelation 22:12).

Strictly speaking, eternal life is also a reward that God gives to those who are saved through his grace, and does not result from personal merits, as we read in Ephesians 2:8-9:

“ 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

As explained, eternal life in heaven is the exclusive work of our Lord Jesus Christ; the fruit of His sacrifice in our place, since our evil deeds led our Lord to become a curse for us on the cross.

No one has ever earned God’s grace through their human values; it is a free gift, not a result of human qualities, as it is written in Romans 3:23:

“ 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

19. INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURES

Inspiration is God’s power acting supernaturally over the holy men who wrote the Old and New Testaments and who produced the sacred texts. This inspiration was full and verbal, as we see in the following passages:

“ 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”(2 Tim. 3:16-17)

“ 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake 

as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Pet. 1:21)

20. THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION, AND CREATION AS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE

The theory of evolution has never been proven on any of the topics that structure its hypothesis. On the contrary, today there exist clear, well-founded scientific statements from scientists who understand that the universe comes from creative intelligence. 

This theory is called Intelligent Design.

Also, there is a total lack of evidence of intermediate fossils to corroborate a supposed gradual transition of species throughout the history of humanity. This further disproves the theory of evolution.

Another point of contrast with this theory is the irreducible complexity of organisms. It turns out that some biological systems function and exist with several interdependent parts, which are absolutely necessary for the biological body to properly function as a whole.

Science does not present a perfect, coherent and widely accepted explanation of how life arose on Earth; this answer is given to us solely by the Holy Scriptures.

21. ATTENDANCE OF YOUTH COOPERATORS AT YOUTH MEETINGS (RPM), MEETINGS TO COUNCIL THEY YOUTH (RCM), YOUTH SERVICES (CPJ), SERVICES IN THEIR COMMON CONGREGATIONS AND BAPTISMS

The ministry of Youth Cooperators, like all others, encompasses spiritual commitments, good behaviors and the pursuit of sanctification. They should try to be in activities that are related to the good exercise of their ministry as preachers of the Word of God, such as attending Youth Meetings, Meetings to Council the Youth, and Youth Services. These actions not only demonstrate communion with the ministry, but also serve as an example for the youth.

Furthermore, when possible, they should attend baptisms and should invite some of the youth to attend as well. Their presence in all services in their common congregation is of vital importance.

22. ATTENDANCE OF YOUTH COOPERATORS AT REGIONAL MINISTERIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MEETINGS AND/OR SECTORS TO WHICH THEY BELONG

The attendance of Youth Cooperators at Regional Ministerial Meetings relevant to their Region is an integral part of their ministerial duty. Those who do not attend ministerial meetings isolate themselves and will make mistakes because they do not receive the teachings necessary for their ministry.

São Paulo, December 1st, 2024

Categories: Circular, Ministry and Brethren, Teachings