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Understanding the significance of our beliefs in achieving true unity, based on biblical passages and the dangers of believing in errors. Emphasizing the impact of our beliefs on our lives and the importance of seeking and following the truth.
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Unity and Denominationalism Does it matter what we believe?
Yes, It does matter what we believe • It is the only way to achieve true unity • The exactness of God’s word – John 17:17, Matt. 24:35, 28:20
Yes, It does matter what we believe • Passages • Matthew 7:13-14 • Matthew 7:21-23 • Matthew 7:24-27 • Prov. 3:5-7 • 1 John 4:1
Yes, It does matter what we believe • Danger in believing error • Ignorance– Acts 17:30-31Gal. 1:13-14, 1 Tim. 1:132 Thess. 2:10-12 – those who do not love the truth deceived.
Yes, It does matter what we believe • Danger in believing error • False teachers – 2 Peter 2:1-3Jude 3-4
Yes, It does matter what we believe • Danger in believing error • Fellowshipping error – 2 John 9-11Ephesians 5:11
Yes, It does matter what we believe • Danger in believing error • Influence – you might lead others into error Matthew 15:14
Yes, It does matter what we believe • One day we will be judged • It will be an absolute standard John 12:48Eccl. 12:13-14
Yes, It does matter what we believe • We are told to rightly divide the word of truth • 2 Tim. 2:15 • Ephesians 3:3-5 • 2 Corinthians 4:11 • 1 Thess. 1:13 • Acts 17:11
Yes, It does matter what we believe • Rightly dividing implies there is a way to be wrong • 2 Peter 3:16 • Ephesians 4:14 • 1 Timothy 1:3 • Acts 20:29-30 • Romans 10:1-3
Yes, It does matter what we believe • Is sincerity enough? • Sincerity is important, but it must be accompanied by truth. • Acts 10:1-6 • Acts 18:24-28 • Paul persecuted Christians Acts 22:3-4, 1 Tim. 1:13 This is becoming an issue among brethren today as well. Some advocate that as long as a false teacher is sincere, we can fellowship them. See 2 John 9-11
Yes, It does matter what we believe • It matters because the way we conduct our lives is going to be determined by what we believe.
IF it doesn’t matter, then… • Why did Christ take away the Old law? (Heb. 10:9)i.e. “But I say to you…” • Why did He call traditions of men vain? (Matt. 15:8-9) • Why did Paul change religions? (Gal. 1:13-14)
IF it doesn’t matter, then… • Why did Paul persuade men? (2 Cor. 11:2-3, Acts. 18:13) • Why did he warn the Ephesians elders? (Acts 20:30) • Why did he tell the Corinthians to not fellowship idols? (1 Cor. 10:14-22)
IF it doesn’t matter, then… • Why was Peter sent to Cornelius (Act 10:9-20) • Why were 12 men baptized again? (Acts 19:1-5) • Why was Cain’s sacrifice rejected? (Genesis 4:4-7)
IF it doesn’t matter, then… • Why do false teachers exist? (2 Peter 2:1-5) • Why do we need to defend our faith? (1 Peter 3:15) • Why do scriptures emphasize one? (Ephesians 4:4-6)
Truly it does matter what we believe! Does it matter to you?