Christians Are Different!

Christians Are Different! Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

Holy Bible I Am NOT ASHAMED… …to say that doctrine matters!

We Can All Understand the Bible Alike! • (1 Cor. 1:10) How could we have unity having “the same mind and in the same judgment” if universal interpretation was not possible? • (1 Pet. 3:8) “all of you be of one mind” • (Phil. 2:2) “being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” • “by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), (Ephesians 3:3-4) • “whatever things were written before were written for our learning” (Romans 15:4)

Argument: “It’s all a matter of interpretation. The Bible cannot be understood alike.” • (2 Pet. 1:19-21) “no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” • (1 Cor. 14:33) “God is not the author of confusion but of peace!”

Argument: “Every person has a right to his/her own belief. It does not matter what one believes, so long as they are sincere.” • Not All Doctrines (Beliefs) Are Equal • Doctrines That Must Be Opposed/Rejected: • Doctrines of false prophets (Mat. 7:15) • Doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees (Mat. 16:12) • Doctrines of men (Col. 2:20-23) • Doctrines of demons (1 Tim. 4:1) • Doctrine of Balaam (Rev. 2:14) • Doctrine of Nicolaitans (Rev. 2:15) • Doctrine of Jezebel (Rev. 2:20)

Argument: “Every person has a right to his/her own belief. It does not matter what one believes, so long as they are sincere.” • “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17) • Doctrine - to teach us WHAT to believe • Reproof - to make us realize what is WRONG in our lives • Correction – to get us back on track when we have strayed • Instruction in righteousness – to teach us how to live right in the eyes of God • To make us “perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”

Argument: “Every person has a right to his/her own belief. It does not matter what one believes, so long as they are sincere.” "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)

Argument: “I don’t want to offend anyone! Jesus Offended People by Speaking the Truth! Then His disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" (Matthew 15:12 NKJV)

Argument: “I don’t want to offend anyone! Jesus Offended People by Speaking the Truth! "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. "And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. (Matthew 24:9-10 NKJV)

Argument: “I don’t want to offend anyone! Jesus Offended People by Speaking the Truth! "And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." (Luke 7:23 NKJV)

Argument: “I don’t want to offend anyone! Baptism is not necessary to be saved: “One of the most nagging questions in Christianity is whether or not baptism is necessary for salvation. The answer is a simple, "No, water baptism is not necessary for salvation." – Matt Slick, Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry

Argument: “I don’t want to offend anyone! Baptism is necessary for salvation (adults are the only subjects): “God has also plainly told us in His word that baptism is essential for the salvation of man's soul.”– William J. Stewart

Argument: “I don’t want to offend anyone! Adults are the only subjects of baptism: “‘the early Church baptized adults only’…An infant is not a subject of the baptism ordained by God in His Holy Word.” - David J. Riggs

Argument: “I don’t want to offend anyone! Baptism is necessary for both adults as well as infants to be saved: “In reality, the Bible indicates that infants are to be baptized, that they too are meant to inherit the kingdom of heaven” - Robert H. Brom, Catholic Bishop of San Diego

Argument: “I don’t want to offend anyone! What is the “neutral” position? • Summary: • Baptism is NOT ESSENTIAL for salvation. • Baptism IS ESSENTIAL for salvation. • Baptism IS ESSENTIAL for ADULTS ONLY. • Baptism IS ESSENTIAL for ADULTS & INFANTS.

Even when we are right, some will still call us wrong ! Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20 NKJV)

Even when we are right, some will still call us wrong ! "It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! "Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:25-28 NKJV)

Argument: “I don’t want to offend anyone! • If you say we should not judge, the argument is nonsensical. • If you say we should allow each person to have his/her own belief, realize that this cannot be done.

Argument: “Doctrine is divisive!” And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' "For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. (Mark 7:7-9)

Where Are These Found In the Bible? • Infant baptism • Sinners prayer • Instrumental music in New Testament worship • Partaking of the Lord’s supper on a day other than the first day of the week • Social activities as a work/focus of the local congregation • Assembly support of non-saints? • Church-sponsored Bible camps • Denominationalism • Centralized Oversight of the church (synods, conventions, etc.) • Inter-faith movements

Where Are These Found In the Bible? • Pope, Cardinals, Arch-Bishops and Priests • Single pastor over the congregation • Sprinkling or pouring = baptism • Foot washing as part of New Testament worship • Missionary & benevolent societies • Women teachers in the church • Church-sponsored widows & orphans homes • Homosexual Christians/“clergy” • The sponsoring church arrangement • Church creeds • Church committees • Democratic voting process within the church

Do Not Be Ashamed! Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:34 NKJV)

Christians Are Different!