1.      Read the texts taken from the book “The Progression of Conspiracy and Greater Grace Glossary”.  Do you agree or disagree with this description of evil?

Answer: Agree.  People need to be careful not to take it out of context; people can question, differ, and are privately reviled by questioning.  To question or differ with something is not evil. 

2.      Is questioning methodology, doctrine, polity, finances or organizational structure to be considered “evil”? 

Answer: Unanimously, No.

Comments:

·        Questioning or inquiring with the right spirit is not evil.

·        No, as long as it is done without evil motives.

·        People have a right to question.

3.      Are there examples of valid questions raised in a proper way in the NT?  How does (or doesn’t) this apply to our ministry?

Answer comments:

·        Heb. Culture was that people were free to ask questions of the rabbi about how or where they were being led.  Scriptures in Acts 15 – Jerusalem; Gal. – questions of Paul to Peter.  Christ never suppressed asking questions.  He would ask individuals to do certain things & there would be questions.  NT is designed to have people ask questions so it can be understood and applied.  (Mt. 11:2-3; Mt. 11:4-5; Acts. 10:47; 15:1-2; 21:10-14.)

·        We have the liberty in GGWO to ask with open dialogue without being in fear of retribution.

·        Open dialogue in proper channels of communication should always be consistently encouraged regarding any doctrine or practice of the church. 

4.      What is the Biblical process for identifying a person as being “evil”?  If a person is so identified, what is the Biblical way of disciplining him?

Answer comments:

• If they are in opposition to the revealed Word of God and the Biblical process of resolution (Gal. 6:1; Acts 15).
• Personal sin becomes communal; questions turn into an attack; 2 Tim. 4; 2 Thes. 2:7; there must be a clear establishment of the truth by a board or group that would make that decision, not an individual (Rom 16:17; Deut. 19:15; 1 Tim. 5:21-22).
• Biblical process – Prov. 6:16-19; Mt. 18:15-18; Phil. 3:17-18; Rom. 16:17.
• Prov. 6:13-19; 2 kinds of evil – kakos – personal sin; poneros – infectious evil.
• 1 Cor. 5:9-13 dealing with sin which became evil.  Person must be ex-communicated not to harm them but to discipline them to be restored to the peaceable fruits of righteousness.
• 2 Thess. 3:11 – not to eat with them; admonish them as a brother.  Purpose of restoration.

5.      Should we use this term more carefully in the future and under what parameters?

Answer: Unanimously, Yes.

Comments:

·        Example of this is Matt. 11 concerning asking questions.  “are You the coming One or do we look for another?”  Mt. 3 – John baptized Jesus.  John was questioning now “are You really the One?”  Jesus was very kind with His answer.  POINT:  It is in order to question anyone without being perceived as being evil.

·        Gen. 3:1 is a question.  “Hath God said?”  There are some questions that have their root in evil.  Not all questions are this way.  The balance is when we are dealing with brethren, there has to be discernment.  I don’t know the motive of someone’s heart.  1 Cor. 13:4-8 – criteria for not thinking evil.  Answer the question objectively and not perceive that there has been an evil intention involved.  We have to trust people in their pursuit with God.

·        1 Cor. 5 – Can we clarify Rom. 16:17 and what exactly is evil?  Mark those who walk contrary to the teaching – is this primary or secondary doctrines?  It is a question we have to develop.