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A CHANGING CHURCH

A CHANGING CHURCH. “…And so I direct in all the churches” (I Cor. 7:17). A Wonderful Unity. 1 st Century, at least for a little while. In the 19 th century, for a little while. In the 20 th , for a little while. Powerful preaching by men dedicated to the simple gospel of Christ.

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A CHANGING CHURCH

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  1. A CHANGING CHURCH “…And so I direct in all the churches” (I Cor. 7:17)

  2. A Wonderful Unity • 1st Century, at least for a little while. • In the 19th century, for a little while. • In the 20th, for a little while. • Powerful preaching by men dedicated to the simple gospel of Christ. • But things don’t stay simple for long.

  3. What Bound Us Together • 1. Distinctive preaching. • I Cor. 1:21 – “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” • Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons, or works by dozens of men faithful to the Book. • Now, Phillip Yancey, N.T. Wright or Max Lucado. • “I am not ashamed of the gospel…”

  4. 2. Outside Opposition • “Yes, and all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). • We don’t encourage it, nor should we be offensive. Just tell the truth in a generation that seeks approval. • “Those” folks learned to defend the truth, Phil. 1:16

  5. 3. A Distinct Identity • I Peter 2:9; Titus 2:14. • Constant appeals to join “associations” with denominational workers. • Should Nehemiah have accepted the help of Sanballat the Horonite or Tobiah the Ammonite? (Neh. 2:19) • Who are we? • Not all churches of Christ are churches of Christ.

  6. What Changed? • 1. Pulpit changed. 2 Tim. 4:3; 2 John 9ff. • Professional education. • Long tenures for preachers. • A ministering to the “inner” man and not to the external – a “feel good” religion.

  7. 2. Material Prosperity • Does it lead to the disintegration of the family unit? • How about the church family? • An attempt to “fit in” culturally. • Rom. 12:18 must mesh with an unwillingness to compromise convictions like Eph. 4:4-6.

  8. Seeking Prominence • Matt. 23:1-12 • Executive Minister, Administration Minister, Connections Minister, Spiritual Formation Minister, Children’s Minister, Student Life Minister, Worship Minister, Concern Minister, Technology Minister. • Acts 20:28-30

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