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Trends: Influencing the Church and Losing Our Distinction

This thought-provoking article explores the concerning trends in churches today, such as the positive preaching movement, man-centered worship, and the social gospel. It emphasizes the importance of examining our intentions and aligning them with God's will. The text language is English.

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Trends: Influencing the Church and Losing Our Distinction

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  1. “TRENDS”What are we allowing to influence us? Are brethren seeking to change “how we do things”?

  2. We need to be concerned about… • Positive Preaching Movement • Man Centered Worship • The Social Gospel

  3. “Like the Nations Around Us”(Why I Am So Concerned)

  4. Good Intentions • I do NOT question the sincerity of their motives! • I do not deny that what they do are good works!

  5. Good Intentions • Are good intentions enough? • Matthew 7:21-23 • 2 Sam. 6:1-8 - Uzzah • Acts 23:1 – Paul • Romans 10:1-4 – The Jews • Prov. 14:12

  6. Success of Such Movements • Are some churches of Christ asking these questions? • Changing name • Rethinking worship • Rethinking moral issues • Reinventing authority • Many are asking, “How do they do it?” • “What can we do to be successful like them?”

  7. Success of Such Movements • Desire to be “like nations around us”? • 1 Samuel 8:5, 2-3, 19-20 • Was there a proper solution? • Are we seeing trends toward such? 2 Pet. 3:16

  8. Success of Such Movements • God’s view of success! • Isaiah 55:8-9 • Hosea 14:9 • Ephesians 3:10-11

  9. Success of Such Movements • Is reexamination wrong? NO! • It is a MUST!2 Cor. 13:5 • We SHOULD ask, “What are we doing to win more?” • But WHY are we asking this?Will we respect God’s will?

  10. Losing our Distinction? Are we seeking to restore the New Testament church? • Jeremiah 6:16 • 2 Kings 22:8-9 • Nehemiah 8:13-18 • Restoration is about RESTORING something to its original condition!

  11. Losing our Distinction? • Are we STILL willing to set ourselves apart? Matt. 10:34-39, Heb. 4:12The truth brings a sword • Are we seeing an erosion of that distinction?

  12. Losing our Distinction? • Where are we drawing “the line”? Jeremiah 18:15Prov. 22:28

  13. Losing our Distinction? NEVER be ashamed of what sets us apart from the world! • The need for distinction • 1 Cor. 14:7-8 • 2 Corinthians 6:17 • Ephesians 5:25-27 • Titus 2:14, 1 Pet. 2:9

  14. Another Assault on the Gospel • The everlasting gospel - Revelation 14:6 • Jude 3, 1 Pet. 1:24-25 • Galatians 1:6-9

  15. Another Assault on the Gospel • Far too many churches are choosing the “less offensive” approach to the Bible. They WATER down the gospel! • What did Paul preach? “The whole counsel of God” Acts 20:27

  16. Another Assault on the Gospel • Revisit2 Timothy 4:2 • When should we preach the gospel? Private or public? Or both? Acts 20:20 • For the weak, the “main service” may be your only chance!

  17. Why is this Happening? • What can we do to prevent these things from influencing us? • Preach on authority often! • Are we as enthusiastic in our worship as we ought to be? Rev. 3:15, 2:4

  18. Why is this Happening? • What can we do to prevent these things from influencing us? 3. Worship & serve God with REVERENCE! Heb. 12:28 4. Do NOT allow the wisdom of men to be our influence and motivation - 1 Cor. 2:1-5

  19. May we NEVER be ashamed of His gospel OR His church!

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