Institutionalism; Difference between individual & Church; The Social Gospel

Institutionalism; Difference between individual & Church; The Social Gospel Don McClain

Romans 1:21-25 Authority Don McClain

Only Divine Is Acceptable Don McClain

The Comprehensive Nature of The New Testament Scriptures • Understandable – Eph 3:3-5 • Sufficiently Instructs - 2 Tim 3:16,17 • Cannot Be Transgressed – 2 John 9 • The totality of information revealed regarding any act of righteousness forms the pattern for that act – 2 Tim 1:13; 3:16,17; 2 Pet 1:3; Colossians 3:17Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, doall in the name of the Lord Jesus... Don McClain

The Biblical View ROMANS 10:17 Don McClain

Expediency in human wisdom involves the right of choice within the realm of those things included in what God has authorized – When God specifies, then man has no choice but to obey or be in rebellion to God. To go beyond or fall short of that which is specified is “EVIL” – Numbers 20:8-12 Don McClain

It Must Be Lawful - Romans 3:7,8 • It Cannot Be Specified - Num 4:4-6 • It Must Edify - 1 Cor 10:23,33; 14:26 • It Must Not Cause My Brother To Violate His Conscience - Rom 14:13-23 • It Can NOT Be An Addition To God’s Way – Deut 4:2; 2 Jo 9; Rev 22:18 Don McClain

Institutionalized Evangelism ‘Unscriptural” forms of organization . . . Elders Work To Be Done Elders Missionary Society Elders Sponsoring Church Elders Work To Be Done Elders Don McClain

Institutionalized Evangelism Twentieth Century Efficiency? • The Church in Evangelism: • The local church send money to Christian Missionary Society. Early 1900’s Budget of Society: $6000 $3000 - Society secretary. 1500 - Incidental expenses. 1500 - Preaching support. Is That Really More Efficient? NO BIBLE AUTHORITY! Don McClain

The Church In Evangelism ‘Scriptural” forms of organization . . . • Direct – • Does not relinquish oversight of work – • Does not infringe upon the autonomy of the local church - • Scriptural – • It works - Elders Scriptural pattern Phili 4:15-18 Don McClain

Church can provide Christian in need Source of Supply Grocery Co. Real Estate Co. Supervisor Hospital Clothing Store Wisdom of God The Church In Benevolence Food Care Clothing Shelter Don McClain

Treasury Contribution Benevolent Institution Can Provide Wisdom of Men The Church In Benevolence Any Person in need Church Food Care Clothing Shelter Source of Supply Grocery Co. Real Estate Co. Supervisor Hospital Clothing Store Don McClain

Provides Elders Elders Scripture????? ____________ Elders Providing A Home 1 Peter 5:2 Acts 4:35 Acts 6:1-5 1 Timothy 5:16 Don McClain

SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN HOME EMPLOY INDIVIDUAL FAMILY The Church In Benevolence Twentieth Century Efficiency? • The Church in Benevolence: • The local church sends money to the Southern Christian Home. THE CHURCH’S MONEY Is That Really More Efficient? NO BIBLE AUTHORITY! Don McClain

The Church In Evangelism & Benevolence Biblical Pattern Arrangement - Direct Condition - From Ability to Need Purpose - Alleviate Need Phili 4:15-17; 2 Cor 11:8; Acts 11:27-30 Gospel Preacher The church in Evening Shade A church Else- where Congregational Cooperation Needy Saints Don McClain

Benevolent Work Of The Church Is Limited Examples Of Church Benevolence All that believed – Acts 2:44,45 Them that believed – Acts 4:32-35 The disciples – Acts 6:1 Relief unto the brethren –Acts 11:29 Unto the saints – Rom. 15:25 For the poor saints – Rom. 15:26 Accepted of the saints – Rom. 15:31 Collection for the saints - 1 Cor. 16:1 Ministering to the saints – 2 Cor. 8:4 Supplieth the need of the saints – 2 Cor. 9:12 Relieve the widows indeed – 1 Tim 5:16 Limited To Needy Saints Don McClain

What about James 1:27? – (Congregational or Individual?) James 1:27 (NKJV) Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. [27] For if anyone is a hearer [24] for he observes himself, [25] But he who looks . . . this one will be blessed in what he does. [26] If anyone among you thinks he is religious, . . . deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. [27] . . . to keep oneself unspotted from the world. Don McClain

What about James 1:27? – (Congregational or Individual?) (James 1:27 assigns Christians the obligation of caring for “orphans and widows in their trouble.” Brethren often want to shift their responsibilities. Some take the care of these helpless ones away from the individual and burden the church with them. And then the church sends a pittance off to a distant institution where they are shipped. Brethren congratulate themselves on their benevolence, castigate those who personally care for widows and orphans as “anti-orphan,” and the helpless widows and orphans languish in institutionalized care.) Keith Sharp Don McClain

Shifting Responsibility Benevolent Society Transfer Local church Elders Deacons Saints Care - Food Clothing - Shelter Phili 1:1 The Work James 1:27 Gal. 6:10 Individual Don McClain

Who’s Money Is It? Acts 5:1-4 • They sold their possessions. v. 1 • While it remained, it was in their power. v. 4 • When given, ownership changed. v.4 The contribution is commanded by God, but the money belongs to the church. The money must be used to fulfill the obligations God has placed upon His church. Don McClain

Individual Local church 1. Method of raising By voluntary offering 1 Cor. 16:1,2; 2 Cor. 9:6,7 By honest labor Eph. 4:28 2. Oversight Local elders Titus 1:7 The individual Acts 5:4 3. Use Liberal Cont. Pay Taxes Provide Family Maintain Good Works Preaching the Gospel Edify Saints Preach to Lost Relieving Needy Saints Don McClain

The Individual’s Responsibility: • Politically. Romans 13:1-7; 1Peter 2:13-17 • Family. Eph. 5:22-6:4; 1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Thes. 3:10-12 • Spiritually. 1 Peter 2:5; 2 Cor. 6:17 The church cannot alleviate your responsibility in any of these areas. Each individual is obligated to fulfill his or her individual responsibility. Don McClain

The Distinction is seen in: • Eating. - have ye not houses? 1Corinthians 11:22,33-34. • Discipline. - tell it to the church. Matthew 18:15-17. • Benevolence. - let not the church be charged. 1 Tim. 5:16 The Church Cannot: > show piety at home. v. 4 > provide for own household. v. 8 > marry, bear children, guide the house. Don McClain

Things NOT in the doctrine of Christ . . . . . Many Churches Are Engaged In: • Teaching the false doctrines of men – • Focus ONLY On Family Issues – • Positive Preaching ONLY – • Secular Education - • Politics – • Entertainment – • Recreation - • Social Services – • Community Services – Don McClain

Things NOT within the doctrine of Christ . . . . . . Don McClain

Southside Church of Christ in Rodgers Don McClain

The Limited Church Recreational Centers Kindergarten Colleges No wonder It’s Running Hot Orphan Homes Kitchens Child Day Care Unlimited Benevolence Banquet Halls Schools Youth Ministries Middle Age ministries Hospitals Elderly Ministries Bus Ministries Single ministries Medical Missionaries Ball Teams Divorcee ministries Church Institutions Don McClain

The Work The New Testament Way Don McClain

The Work The New & Improved Institutional Way No Scripture – No Sense! Don McClain

Matthew 7:13,14,21-23 Matthew 7:13,14,21-23 Heaven Don McClain

Don McClain

Institutionalism; Difference between individual & Church; The Social Gospel