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TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD: CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL. Jer. 6:16. [By Ron Halbrook ]. TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD: CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL. Jer. 6:16. Introduction 1. Jer. 6:16 God has always recognized two attitudes in men toward His Word
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TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL Jer. 6:16 [By Ron Halbrook]
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 • Introduction 1. Jer. 6:16 God has always recognized two attitudes in men toward His Word • Conservative: strict to follow the truth, not taking liberties in departing from it • Liberal: taking liberties not granted by God, thus departing from the truth
1. Jer. 6:16 God has always recognized two attitudes in men toward His Word 16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 • Introduction • God appeals to man to conserve or preserve what He reveals: • Jer. 6:16 “the old paths” 16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths…
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 • Introduction • God appeals to man to conserve or preserve what He reveals: • 2 Tim. 1:13 “the form of sound words” 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 • Introduction • God appeals to man to conserve or preserve what He reveals: • Jude 3 “the faith…once delivered” 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 • Introduction 3. God warns man not to be liberal minded in departing from what He reveals: • Jer. 6:16 “we will not walk therein” 16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths…. But they said, We will not walk therein.
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 • Introduction 3. God warns man not to be liberal minded in departing from what He reveals: • Gal. 1:6-9 “pervert the gospel”
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. • Gal. 1:6-9 • Gal. 1:6-9 “pervert the gospel”
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 • Introduction 3. God warns man not to be liberal minded in departing from what He reveals: • 1 Tim. 4:1 “depart from the faith” 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 • Introduction 3. God warns man not to be liberal minded in departing from what He reveals: • 2 Jn. 9-11 “transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ”
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. • 2 Jn. 9-11 “abideth not in the doctrine of Christ”
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 • Introduction 4. These two attitudes were reflected in issues which divided churches of Christ beginning in the 1950’s: • Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes • Local Church Action VS Centralization • Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work • Benevolence to Saints VS to Sinners • Preach All God’s Word VS Worldly Weakness
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 I. Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes A. The Bible Is Clear: Revelation Not Silence Authorizes • Gen. 6:14 Revelation authorized gopher wood 14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. Silent: any other kind of wood
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL I. Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes A. The Bible Is Clear: Revelation Not Silence Authorizes • Gen. 6:14 Revelation authorized gopher wood • Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional liberties • Liberal: “It does not say ‘gopher only,’ or, ‘Do not use coco wood.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL I. Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes B. This Difference Separates Churches of Christ from All Denominations • Col. 2:12 Baptism is immersion, burial 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Silent: any other kind of action
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL I. Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes B. This Difference Separates Churches of Christ from All Denominations • Col. 2:12 Baptism is immersion • Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional liberties • Liberal: “It does not say ‘Immerse only,’ or, ‘Do not pour or sprinkle.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits
I. Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes B. This Difference Separates Churches of Christ from All Denominations • Col. 3:16 Singing is authorized in worship 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Silent: any other kind of music
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL I. Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes B. This Difference Separates Churches of Christ from All Denominations • Col. 3:16 Singing is authorized in worship • Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional liberties • Liberal: “It does not say, ‘Sing only,’ or ‘Do not use instruments.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL II. Local Church Action VS Centralization A. The Bible Is Clear: God Revealed Local Church Organization & Action • Acts 14:23 God ordained each church independent, autonomous 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
II. Local Church Action VS Centralization A. The Bible Is Clear: God Revealed Local Church Organization & Action • Acts 20:28 Elders oversee all functions & phases of local church work 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Silent: any other organization for church work
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 II. Local Church Action VS Centralization A. The Bible Is Clear: God Revealed Local Church Organization & Action • Acts 6:1-7 God ordained each church as sufficient organization to do its own work Silent: any other organization for church work
1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. • Acts 6:1-7 God ordained each church as sufficient organization to do its own work
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 II. Local Church Action VS Centralization B. Centralizing Local Church Work through Human Institutions Is a Departure from the Bible Pattern
Divine VS Human Organization • Authorized • Phil. 4:16 “ye sent once & again” Evangelism • 2 Cor. 11:8 “I robbed other churches” Local Church Work Edification Benevolence Local Church • Acts 11:27-30 “sent it to the elders”
Divine VS Human Organization • Authorized Unauthorized Human Institution: Brotherhood Eldership Missionary Society College Orphanage Evangelism Local Church Work Edification Benevolence Local Church
Pattern of Apostasy in Church Government In History Today Israel Desired a King (1 Sam. 8:5) Evangelism Herald of Truth Gospel Hour Centralized Gov’t Benevolence Institutional Orphanage Catholic Church Pope Christian Church Missionary Society Edification Area-wide work Colleges Camps
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 II. Local Church Action VS Centralization C. Churches of Christ Have Divided Over Church Organization & Action • Acts 14:23; 20:28; 6:1-7 The Bible reveals local church action without centralization • Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional liberties • Liberal: “It does not say, ‘Local church only,’ or ‘Do not use human centralized institutions.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work A. The Bible Is Clear: God Revealed the Spiritual Work of the Church • 1 Tim. 3:15 Evangelism is the church’s work 15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work A. The Bible Is Clear: God Revealed the Spiritual Work of the Church • Acts 2:42 Worship, edification is its work 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work A. The Bible Is Clear: God Revealed the Spiritual Work of the Church • 2 Cor. 9:1 Benevolence to needy saints is its work 1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work A. The Bible Is Clear: God Revealed the Spiritual Work of the Church • 1 Cor. 11:23-25, 34 The church provides the Lord’s Supper not social meals
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. • 1 Cor. 11:23-25, 34 The church provides the Lord’s Supper not social meals
1 Cor. 11:23-25, 34 The church provides the Lord’s Supper not social meals 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work B. The Shift to Church Sponsored Social & Recreational Activities Is a Departure from the Bible Pattern • Churches plan & provide social & recreational activities, & facilities: parties, games, kitchens, gyms, youth directors, etc.
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work B. The Shift to Church Sponsored Social & Recreational Activities Is a Departure from the Bible Pattern • Churches sponsor secular education: day care, kindergarten, grade school, high school, colleges • On-site services • Donating church funds to institutions
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work B. The Shift to Church Sponsored Social & Recreational Activities Is a Departure from the Bible Pattern • Churches sponsor political, social, & economic agendas • Invite political speakers • Voter registration drives • Organize protest movements
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work B. The Shift to Church Sponsored Social & Recreational Activities Is a Departure from the Bible Pattern • Churches donate funds to sinners in need & to social welfare organizations
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work C. Churches of Christ Have Divided Over the Church’s Mission or Work • The Bible pattern is evangelism, worship, benev. • Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional liberties • Liberal: “It does not say, ‘This work only,’ or ‘Do not sponsor other activities.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 IV. Benevolence to Saints VS to Sinners A. The Bible Is Clear: Benevolence from the Church Treasury Is Limited to Saints • All passages on church benevolence show the funds were given to saints
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. Benevolence from Church Treasury Limited to Saints 2 Jn. 9 If Go Beyond God’s Limit, Separated from God
IV. Benevolence to Saints VS to Sinners B. These Passages Do Not Teach Church Funds Were Given to Sinners • 2 Cor. 9:13 Benevolence given “unto all” 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; Distribution is fellowship: church treasury represents fellowship between God & saints
IV. Benevolence to Saints VS to Sinners B. These Passages Do Not Teach Church Funds Were Given to Sinners • 2 Cor. 9:13 Benevolence given “unto all” 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; Recipients: saints who glorify God for the gospel, pray for brethren (vv. 13-14)
IV. Benevolence to Saints VS to Sinners B. These Passages Do Not Teach Church Funds Were Given to Sinners • 2 Cor. 9:13 Benevolence given “unto all” 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; “All men:” saints in other places besides Jerusalem
IV. Benevolence to Saints VS to Sinners B. These Passages Do Not Teach Church Funds Were Given to Sinners • Gal. 6:10 Benevolence given “unto all” 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. We: not we churches but we individuals (vv. 1-9 thyself, a man, every man, he)
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 IV. Benevolence to Saints VS to Sinners C. Churches of Christ Have Divided Over Church Benevolence. • The Bible pattern is fellowship to saints • Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional liberties • Liberal: “It does not say, ‘Saints only,’ or ‘Do not give to sinners.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 V. Preach All God’s Word VS Worldly Weakness A. The Bible Is Clear: We Must Preach All Truth Without Fear, Favor, or Compromise • Acts 20:26-27 Preach “all the counsel of God” 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 V. Preach All God’s Word VS Worldly Weakness A. The Bible Is Clear: We Must Preach All Truth Without Fear, Favor, or Compromise • 2 Tim. 4:2 “Preach the word” 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 V. Preach All God’s Word VS Worldly Weakness A. The Bible Is Clear: We Must Preach All Truth Without Fear, Favor, or Compromise • Mk. 16:16 Baptism is necessary to salvation: unbaptized people & unscripturally baptized people are lost • Many liberals will not preach the full truth—”we don’t condemn others”— some accept denominational baptism
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL • Jer. 6:16 V. Preach All God’s Word VS Worldly Weakness A. The Bible Is Clear: We Must Preach All Truth Without Fear, Favor, or Compromise • Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4-6 Christ has one true church: denominations are not his church