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Explore the shift in many churches from doctrine to good works, the danger of neglecting essential teachings, and the balance of faith and actions in Christian life. Discover the risks and solutions to preserving the core of the New Testament beliefs.
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Not what it sounds like –For Many Years, The Church has.. • Been very protective of “church doctrine” • For many years debated it vigorously • Today we are seeing many churches of Christ substituting “good works” for the teachings that made them separate from denominations • Church doctrine has become unimportant to many Christians, it is all about getting people into the pews at all cost. • Must be more tolerant of other’s views
We see congregation after congregation leaving the teachings of condemnation of sinful practices and denominational error and replacing all that with “good works” • Many things in the New Testament are no longer discussed such as Eldership, church organization, instrumental music, homosexual behaviors, giving, and discipline without even mentioning “thus saith the Lord”. • Many Christians are indifferent and they end up losing their young people, families, and whole congregations to denominationalism.
Before the wheels come off .. • Due to uneducated and weak and liberal thinking, Christians need to take a stand for what the New Testament teaches • 1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. • Christian’s are commanded to take a stand and to fight against being moved away from the truth. Jesus is looking to us to be laborers
Paul encouraged the brethern in Phillipi .... • Phil 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. • Christians should have God’s interest as our motivational force working in us seeking to do his good pleasure. • James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
As you can see “good works” are essential but should never … • Supersede, substitute or take the place of faith in preaching and practicing of all that we are commanded to do in the scriptures. • Regardless of what men say or teach there is only one church and time or peoples ideas have not changed that nor will it ever change • Eph 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
New Testament “Good Works”are not a substitute for doctrine • Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. • Man cannot take control of Jesus’ authority
Notice what Paul reminds us of in 1 Cor 15 • 1 Cor 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: • It is all about Christ and not about us, so why should we think we can alter it to fit us
How are “Good Works”Killing the church today ? • They are substituting things like … • …hiring youth ministers to take the responsibility for spiritual training of children instead of the fathers and mothers as God commanded • … responsible for Colleges and Universities • … responsible for feeding the world • … responsible for entertaining the members • … furnishing trips to the youth to keep interest
What makes these churches any different than denominations? Nothing except their own belief that they are ok in the eyes of God • By substituting all of this and other unscriptural activity for “sound doctrine” from the pulpits, Bible classes, gospel meetings and personal work to save sinners and to edify the church, many congregations are slipping back into the world and never realize their apostasy.
Who is to blame for this tragedy today • Elders – who do not feed the flock the word of God • Deacons – who are not careful to maintain sound faith • Preachers who teach what churches want to hear instead of the truth • Brethern within the church who are not satisfied with following the teachings of Christ without wavering
Paul begins Romans with this…Rom 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.
Paul ends Romans the same way16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
