we need to clearly know the difference between the work of god and the work of men. n the work of...

We need to clearly know the difference between the We need to clearly know the difference between the work of God and the work of men.work of God and the work of men.

The work of God may appear to fail but we The work of God may appear to fail but we would be mistaken. would be mistaken. (Mt 28:18-20)(Mt 28:18-20)


Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) - And Jesus came - And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, always, eveneven to the end of the age.” Amen. to the end of the age.” Amen.


Those who yield their hearts to the authority Those who yield their hearts to the authority of God and call others to do so will be of God and call others to do so will be found in His body, “the church of Christ.”found in His body, “the church of Christ.” (Eph 1:22-23)(Eph 1:22-23)


Ephesians 1:22-23 (NKJV) Ephesians 1:22-23 (NKJV) - And He put - And He put all all thingsthings under His feet, and gave Him under His feet, and gave Him to to bebe head over all head over all thingsthings to the church, 23 to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.fills all in all.


Anyone acquainted with Bible history or Anyone acquainted with Bible history or church history knows that God’s people church history knows that God’s people have historically failed to instill faith in have historically failed to instill faith in their children. their children. (Judges 2:7, 10-12)(Judges 2:7, 10-12)


Judges 2:7 (NKJV)Judges 2:7 (NKJV) - So the people served - So the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord had seen all the great works of the Lord which He had done for Israel. which He had done for Israel.


Judges 2:10-12 (NKJV)Judges 2:10-12 (NKJV) - When all that - When all that generation had been gathered to their generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. 11Then the which He had done for Israel. 11Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; Lord, and served the Baals;


12 and they forsook the Lord God of their 12 and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from from amongamong the gods of the people who the gods of the people who werewere all around them, and they bowed all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger.to anger.


There is one question we must answer: Are There is one question we must answer: Are we really following the Lord?we really following the Lord?


We are going to examine the essence of a We are going to examine the essence of a Biblical faith. What does it mean to trust Biblical faith. What does it mean to trust in God? in God?


We are going to examine the essence of a We are going to examine the essence of a Biblical faith. What does it mean to trust Biblical faith. What does it mean to trust in God? in God?

The people of God often turned from God The people of God often turned from God to things that cannot save! to things that cannot save! (Mt 3:9-10)(Mt 3:9-10)


Matthew 3:9-10 (NKJV) Matthew 3:9-10 (NKJV) - and do not think - and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as ourour father.’ For I say to you that God is father.’ For I say to you that God is able able to raise up children to Abrahamto raise up children to Abraham from these from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.thrown into the fire.


The people of Jeremiah’s day were to learn The people of Jeremiah’s day were to learn a horrible lesson. a horrible lesson. (Jer 7:4, 8-11)(Jer 7:4, 8-11)


Jeremiah 7:4 (NKJV)Jeremiah 7:4 (NKJV) - Do not trust in - Do not trust in these lying words, saying, ‘The temple of these lying words, saying, ‘The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord of the Lord areare these.’ these.’


Jeremiah 7:8-11 (NKJV)Jeremiah 7:8-11 (NKJV) - “Behold, you - “Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. 9Will trust in lying words that cannot profit. 9Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, 10 and other gods whom you do not know, 10 and thenthen come and stand before Me in this house come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, ‘We which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered to do all these abominations’? are delivered to do all these abominations’?


11 Has this house, which is called by My 11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,it,” says ” says the Lord.the Lord.


Many have done this with the name Many have done this with the name “churches of Christ.” What really is the “churches of Christ.” What really is the “church of Christ?” “church of Christ?”

How I became a member of the church How I became a member of the church of Christof Christ

Love for my Lord demanded that I Love for my Lord demanded that I surrender things that divide. surrender things that divide. (Jn 17:20-23)(Jn 17:20-23)


John 17:20-23 (NKJV) John 17:20-23 (NKJV) - “I do not pray for - “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, all may be one, as You, Father, areare in Me, and in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We given them, that they may be one just as We are one: are one:


23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.loved them as You have loved Me.


I was raised in a religious body that had I was raised in a religious body that had good sincere people in it.good sincere people in it.


I was raised in a religious body that had I was raised in a religious body that had good sincere people in it.good sincere people in it.

Why does division exist? What can I Why does division exist? What can I possibly do as a single individual?possibly do as a single individual?


One of my first challenges came as I One of my first challenges came as I examined the Lord’s Supper. examined the Lord’s Supper. (Mt 26:26-28)(Mt 26:26-28)


Matthew 26:26-28 (NKJVMatthew 26:26-28 (NKJV) ) - And as they - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke broke it,it, and gave and gave itit to the disciples and said, to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave the cup, and gave thanks, and gave itit to them, to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.shed for many for the remission of sins.


In the Baptist church I never remember In the Baptist church I never remember partaking of it.partaking of it.


In the Baptist church I never remember In the Baptist church I never remember partaking of it.partaking of it.

Driving home from Samford University I Driving home from Samford University I heard a radio sermon on the subject. The heard a radio sermon on the subject. The early church met on the first day of the early church met on the first day of the week! week! (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:1-2)(Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:1-2)


Acts 20:7 (NKJV)Acts 20:7 (NKJV) - Now on the first - Now on the first dayday of the week, when the disciples came of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. continued his message until midnight.


1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV) - Now - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first dayday of the week let each one of you lay of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I prosper, that there be no collections when I come.come.


I tried to imperfectly practice what I had I tried to imperfectly practice what I had learned. learned.


While attending the University of Alabama While attending the University of Alabama I heard a basic presentation on how Jesus I heard a basic presentation on how Jesus directed men to be saved. directed men to be saved. (Mk 16:15-16)(Mk 16:15-16)


Mark 16:15-16 (NKJV)Mark 16:15-16 (NKJV) - And He said to - And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be he who does not believe will be condemned.condemned.


It was important not to base your It was important not to base your conclusion on just one verse. What did conclusion on just one verse. What did Peter preach? Peter preach? (Acts 2:38)(Acts 2:38)


Acts 2:38 (NKJV) Acts 2:38 (NKJV) - Then Peter said to - Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.gift of the Holy Spirit.


As I examined all the verses on this subject, As I examined all the verses on this subject, I found that whenever baptism and I found that whenever baptism and salvation (forgiveness of sins) are salvation (forgiveness of sins) are mentioned together that baptism always is mentioned together that baptism always is placed before salvation. placed before salvation. (1 Pt 3:20-21)(1 Pt 3:20-21)


1 Peter 3:20-21 (NKJV)1 Peter 3:20-21 (NKJV) - who formerly were - who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while waited in the days of Noah, while thethe ark was ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,


After studying and asking further questions After studying and asking further questions I decided to be baptized into Christ and take I decided to be baptized into Christ and take a stand to be just a Christian. a stand to be just a Christian. (Acts 19:1-4)(Acts 19:1-4)


Acts 19:1-4 (NKJV) Acts 19:1-4 (NKJV) - And it happened, - And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”


3 And he said to them, “Into what then were 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptism.”4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”that is, on Christ Jesus.”


Was I right in doing that? The church I Was I right in doing that? The church I identified with in 1973 would take a identified with in 1973 would take a completely different view 25 years later. completely different view 25 years later. Other churches have too.Other churches have too.

There has been a shift in attitudes There has been a shift in attitudes towards the Bibletowards the Bible

Are we willing to believe all good works Are we willing to believe all good works are found in the scriptures? are found in the scriptures? (2 Tim 3:16-17)(2 Tim 3:16-17)


2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) - All Scripture - All Scripture isis given by inspiration of God, and given by inspiration of God, and isis profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.thoroughly equipped for every good work.


In the 50’s and 60’s these things were In the 50’s and 60’s these things were universally preached by brethren. However universally preached by brethren. However I believe there were serious I believe there were serious inconsistencies in their application.inconsistencies in their application.


In the 50’s and 60’s these things were In the 50’s and 60’s these things were universally preached by brethren. However universally preached by brethren. However I believe there were serious I believe there were serious inconsistencies in their application.inconsistencies in their application.

Which view supports the Bible as Which view supports the Bible as complete? complete? (Col 3:17)(Col 3:17)


Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) - And - And whateverwhatever you do in word or deed, you do in word or deed, dodo all in the name all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.Father through Him.


““The Bible is our guide only as it The Bible is our guide only as it specifically commands or prohibits specifically commands or prohibits things. things. Where the Bible is silent we are Where the Bible is silent we are free to actfree to act, with the only limit being our , with the only limit being our conscience.” conscience.”


““The Bible is our guide only as it specifically The Bible is our guide only as it specifically commands or prohibits things. commands or prohibits things. Where the Where the Bible is silent we are free to actBible is silent we are free to act, with the , with the only limit being our conscience.” only limit being our conscience.”

““The Bible is a complete and sufficient guide. The Bible is a complete and sufficient guide. We must have Bible authority, i.e. Book, We must have Bible authority, i.e. Book, Chapter and Verse, for all that we do.”Chapter and Verse, for all that we do.”


A new generation began to express doubts A new generation began to express doubts in the 50’s and 60’sin the 50’s and 60’s



““Where there is no pattern we have Where there is no pattern we have freedom to act.”freedom to act.”




““I would rather be doing something than I would rather be doing something than nothing.”nothing.”


A new generation began to express doubts in A new generation began to express doubts in the 50’s and 60’sthe 50’s and 60’s


““I would rather be doing something than I would rather be doing something than nothing.”nothing.”

““We will achieve greater results as long as We will achieve greater results as long as brethren will go along.”brethren will go along.”


““Carnal incentives are necessary to Carnal incentives are necessary to attract people so we can teach them. attract people so we can teach them.



Times dictate that we must use these new Times dictate that we must use these new things to reach others.”things to reach others.”




Arguments made todayArguments made today




Arguments made todayArguments made today We live in a rapidly changing culture.We live in a rapidly changing culture.




Arguments made todayArguments made today We live in a rapidly changing culture.We live in a rapidly changing culture. The makeup of the church has changed.The makeup of the church has changed.


The “baby-boomer” generation needs a The “baby-boomer” generation needs a different kind of worship than the “world different kind of worship than the “world war two generation”.war two generation”.



““Because of video games and television we Because of video games and television we must have more than the Bible to keep our must have more than the Bible to keep our young people.”young people.”



““Because of video games and television we Because of video games and television we must have more than the Bible to keep our must have more than the Bible to keep our young people.”young people.”

There are serious problems in how the There are serious problems in how the church is doing its work.church is doing its work.


The “Church of Christ” has stopped The “Church of Christ” has stopped growing and will become extinct.growing and will become extinct.



The “Church of Christ” has fallen into a The “Church of Christ” has fallen into a “blind traditionalism”. We have become “blind traditionalism”. We have become like the Pharisees.like the Pharisees.



The “Church of Christ” has fallen into a The “Church of Christ” has fallen into a “blind traditionalism”. We have become “blind traditionalism”. We have become like the Pharisees.like the Pharisees.

What is common of ALL of these What is common of ALL of these arguments? Their Bible is closed! arguments? Their Bible is closed! (Gal 1:10)(Gal 1:10)


Galatians 1:10 (NKJV)Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) - For do I now - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.would not be a bondservant of Christ.

There is a shift in attitudes towards the work and There is a shift in attitudes towards the work and worship of the churchworship of the church

One of the first steps away from the One of the first steps away from the scriptures in the 50’s and 60’s was the scriptures in the 50’s and 60’s was the refusal to apply the principles of Bible refusal to apply the principles of Bible authority to the work of the church.authority to the work of the church.


One of the first steps away from the One of the first steps away from the scriptures in the 50’s and 60’s was the scriptures in the 50’s and 60’s was the refusal to apply the principles of Bible refusal to apply the principles of Bible authority to the work of the church.authority to the work of the church.

If the subject of worship was discussed, If the subject of worship was discussed, then Bible authority was emphasized. This then Bible authority was emphasized. This was especially true of instrumental music.was especially true of instrumental music.


One of the first steps away from the scriptures in One of the first steps away from the scriptures in the 50’s and 60’s was the refusal to apply the 50’s and 60’s was the refusal to apply the principles of Bible authority to the work of the principles of Bible authority to the work of the church.the church.

If the subject of worship was discussed, then If the subject of worship was discussed, then Bible authority was emphasized. This was Bible authority was emphasized. This was especially true of instrumental music.especially true of instrumental music.

Church sponsored recreation has become the Church sponsored recreation has become the norm in these churches.norm in these churches.


This inconsistency would be clearly seen by This inconsistency would be clearly seen by those who apply Bible authority to the those who apply Bible authority to the question of recreation.question of recreation.



What has been the result? The Bible has What has been the result? The Bible has been ignored so “unity” can prevail.been ignored so “unity” can prevail.



What has been the result? The Bible has What has been the result? The Bible has been ignored so “unity” can prevail.been ignored so “unity” can prevail.

How has the Lord equipped the church? How has the Lord equipped the church? (Eph 4:11‑12)(Eph 4:11‑12)


Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) - And He - And He Himself gave some Himself gave some to beto be apostles, some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,the edifying of the body of Christ,


What is the work of "apostles, prophets, What is the work of "apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers"?evangelists, pastors, and teachers"?


The church is a spiritual institution with a The church is a spiritual institution with a spiritual work.spiritual work.


The church is a spiritual institution with a The church is a spiritual institution with a spiritual work.spiritual work.

Jesus knew that only the power of God’s Jesus knew that only the power of God’s word could change men and build word could change men and build them up! them up! (Jn 6:44-45, 26-27)(Jn 6:44-45, 26-27)


John 6:44-45 (NKJV) John 6:44-45 (NKJV) - No one can come - No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. the Father comes to Me.


John 6:26-27 (NKJV) John 6:26-27 (NKJV) - Jesus answered them - Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”Him.”


When you view carnal incentives as a work When you view carnal incentives as a work of the church there will and a downward of the church there will and a downward spiral that will end with a worldly church. spiral that will end with a worldly church. (Acts 20:32; 1 Tim 4:1-4)(Acts 20:32; 1 Tim 4:1-4)


Acts 20:32 (NKJV)Acts 20:32 (NKJV) - “So now, brethren, I - “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. who are sanctified.


1 Timothy 4:1-4 (NKJV)1 Timothy 4:1-4 (NKJV) - Now the Spirit - Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, conscience seared with a hot iron,


3 forbidding to marry, 3 forbidding to marry, and commandingand commanding to to abstain from foods which God created to be abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God creature of God isis good, and nothing is to good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;thanksgiving;


In the 60’s compromises in worship it In the 60’s compromises in worship it began with youth in “Rallies” and began with youth in “Rallies” and “Retreats”“Retreats”


In these audiences it was less likely that the In these audiences it was less likely that the young people would object.young people would object.



““Youth Ministers” thought something Youth Ministers” thought something special was needed to “keep” the young. special was needed to “keep” the young.



““Youth Ministers” thought something Youth Ministers” thought something special was needed to “keep” the young. special was needed to “keep” the young.

May things would go on out of sight of the May things would go on out of sight of the majority of older members.majority of older members.



““Youth Ministers” thought something special Youth Ministers” thought something special was needed to “keep” the young. was needed to “keep” the young.

May things would go on out of sight of the May things would go on out of sight of the majority of older members.majority of older members.

Brethren decided to use “what works” to add Brethren decided to use “what works” to add excitement to worship.excitement to worship.


Today what began among the young has Today what began among the young has now entered into the whole congregation.now entered into the whole congregation.



The “Pep Rally” atmosphere has come to The “Pep Rally” atmosphere has come to the assembly.the assembly.



The “Pep Rally” atmosphere has come to The “Pep Rally” atmosphere has come to the assembly.the assembly.

Choirs are now being used (There are called Choirs are now being used (There are called singing groups). Some churches are putting singing groups). Some churches are putting hidden microphones on the best singers! hidden microphones on the best singers! What does God hear?What does God hear?


Hand clapping is taught with the singing.Hand clapping is taught with the singing.


Hand clapping is taught with the singing.Hand clapping is taught with the singing. Sermons and other events are commonly Sermons and other events are commonly

applauded.applauded.


Sitting under the tent at the Red River, New Sitting under the tent at the Red River, New Mexico, Family Encampment June 22-26, Mexico, Family Encampment June 22-26, 1996, ….. The raucous, hand clapping, joking, 1996, ….. The raucous, hand clapping, joking, laughing, casually-dressed crowds and laughing, casually-dressed crowds and speakers bore no resemblance to New speakers bore no resemblance to New Testament Christians in demeanor nor doctrine. Testament Christians in demeanor nor doctrine. My reaction was one of profound sadness and My reaction was one of profound sadness and righteous anger for what heretics are doing to righteous anger for what heretics are doing to the body of Christ….the body of Christ….


…….predictable patterns emerged in all of the .predictable patterns emerged in all of the speeches. speeches.



1) The speakers believe in the direct 1) The speakers believe in the direct operation of the Holy Spirit. operation of the Holy Spirit.



1) The speakers believe in the direct 1) The speakers believe in the direct operation of the Holy Spirit. operation of the Holy Spirit.

2) They believe and preach a 2) They believe and preach a subjective/experiential religion.subjective/experiential religion.


……. Full of himself, Shipp made joke after . Full of himself, Shipp made joke after joke while relating a string of personal joke while relating a string of personal experiences and saying the Holy Spirit experiences and saying the Holy Spirit delayed a man's flight in Oklahoma City so delayed a man's flight in Oklahoma City so Shipp could talk with him. The climax of Shipp could talk with him. The climax of his clown-act in this three-ring liberal circus his clown-act in this three-ring liberal circus was the evening he had the audience "give was the evening he had the audience "give God a standing ovation." God a standing ovation."


audience "give God a standing ovation." audience "give God a standing ovation." Like sheep plunging into a canyon after a Like sheep plunging into a canyon after a blind leader, the audience arose and clapped blind leader, the audience arose and clapped for God -- all except those of us from for God -- all except those of us from Arapaho, Oklahoma. Arapaho, Oklahoma. (Baling Up The Liberals, Jerry C. Brewer - (Baling Up The Liberals, Jerry C. Brewer - Seek the Old Paths)Seek the Old Paths)


Many churches are merging with churches Many churches are merging with churches within the Christian church denomination within the Christian church denomination and are now using instrumental music in and are now using instrumental music in their worship.their worship.


Many churches are merging with churches Many churches are merging with churches within the Christian church denomination within the Christian church denomination and are now using instrumental music in and are now using instrumental music in their worship.their worship.

The push to have women lead in the The push to have women lead in the worship is now taking place.worship is now taking place.

The church that introduced me to the gospel The church that introduced me to the gospel

– then and now– then and now

I came to realize that the call to be I came to realize that the call to be undenominational was not taken seriously.undenominational was not taken seriously.



I came to realize that the call to be I came to realize that the call to be undenominational was not taken seriously.undenominational was not taken seriously.

After leaving the Baptist church I tried to After leaving the Baptist church I tried to apply what I learned to resolving apply what I learned to resolving differences among brethren! differences among brethren! (2 Tim 3:16-17)(2 Tim 3:16-17)



2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) ) - All Scripture - All Scripture isis given by inspiration of God, and given by inspiration of God, and isis profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.thoroughly equipped for every good work.



I tried to take all the verses on a given I tried to take all the verses on a given subject and stay within whatever subject and stay within whatever that teaches. that teaches. (Col 3:17, 2 Jn 9)(Col 3:17, 2 Jn 9)



Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) - And - And whateverwhatever you do in word or deed, you do in word or deed, dodo all in the name all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.Father through Him.



2 John 9 (NKJV) 2 John 9 (NKJV) - Whoever transgresses - Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.the Son.



I was shocked to find that brethren were I was shocked to find that brethren were fearful of such a study. Many became angry fearful of such a study. Many became angry because I simply asked to study over an because I simply asked to study over an open Bible.open Bible.



I was shocked to find that brethren were I was shocked to find that brethren were fearful of such a study. Many became angry fearful of such a study. Many became angry because I simply asked to study over an because I simply asked to study over an open Bible.open Bible.

The most difficult decision I ever made The most difficult decision I ever made spiritually was to leave that church.spiritually was to leave that church.



The most difficult decision I ever made The most difficult decision I ever made spiritually was to leave that church.spiritually was to leave that church.

25 years later I was shocked to hear that the 25 years later I was shocked to hear that the University church in had invited Tony University church in had invited Tony Campolo to be a keynote speaker in their Campolo to be a keynote speaker in their “Youth in Action” program. “Youth in Action” program.



I was stunned to hear the preachers there I was stunned to hear the preachers there were making the very arguments that I were making the very arguments that I had heard from the Baptist church. had heard from the Baptist church.



I was stunned to hear the preachers there I was stunned to hear the preachers there were making the very arguments that I were making the very arguments that I had heard from the Baptist church. had heard from the Baptist church.

Even today members from the Baptist Even today members from the Baptist church are welcomed into their membership church are welcomed into their membership with no challenges to their baptism.with no challenges to their baptism.



I asked in 1996 “Should I have left the I asked in 1996 “Should I have left the Baptist church?” to an Abilene Christian Baptist church?” to an Abilene Christian University discussion list. NO ONE University discussion list. NO ONE thought that I should have and many thought that I should have and many ridiculed me for doing so.ridiculed me for doing so.



I asked in 1996 “Should I have left the I asked in 1996 “Should I have left the Baptist church?” to an Abilene Christian Baptist church?” to an Abilene Christian University discussion list. NO ONE University discussion list. NO ONE thought that I should have and many thought that I should have and many ridiculed me for doing so.ridiculed me for doing so.

Are we not far behind? Are we not far behind?



In recent months I have known several to In recent months I have known several to have left faithful churches and become a have left faithful churches and become a part of the University church and others like part of the University church and others like it.it.



I have witnessed the arguments and I have witnessed the arguments and attitudes of some as they openly attitudes of some as they openly participate in on-line discussion groups and participate in on-line discussion groups and post in their blogs.post in their blogs.

How can we continue to practice simple New How can we continue to practice simple New Testament Christianity?Testament Christianity?

We must let out focus be upon God and not We must let out focus be upon God and not upon the writings of men! (Ex. Preachers upon the writings of men! (Ex. Preachers luncheon, internet outlines)luncheon, internet outlines)



There is nothing wrong in asking for and There is nothing wrong in asking for and insisting upon “the truth.”insisting upon “the truth.”



There is nothing wrong in asking for and There is nothing wrong in asking for and insisting upon “the truth.”insisting upon “the truth.”

Some may be like Pilate and deny any such Some may be like Pilate and deny any such possibility. possibility. (Jn 18:38)(Jn 18:38)


John 18:38 (NKJV)John 18:38 (NKJV) - Pilate said to Him, - Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.them, “I find no fault in Him at all.


Are we like Pilate or like Jesus? “Everyone Are we like Pilate or like Jesus? “Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice” who is of the truth hears my voice” (Jn 18:37)(Jn 18:37)


It is not “legalism” or “traditionalism” to It is not “legalism” or “traditionalism” to pursue a principled life based upon pursue a principled life based upon definitive answers found in the word of definitive answers found in the word of God.God.


It is not “legalism” or “traditionalism” to It is not “legalism” or “traditionalism” to pursue a principled life based upon pursue a principled life based upon definitive answers found in the word of definitive answers found in the word of God.God.

New Testament Christians would have been New Testament Christians would have been startled that anyone would ever question the startled that anyone would ever question the need to seek the truth about all things God need to seek the truth about all things God revealed. revealed.


Consider how the Apostle John described Consider how the Apostle John described Christians in Christians in 2 John.2 John.


““all those who have known the truth” all those who have known the truth” (1:1)(1:1)


““all those who have known the truth” all those who have known the truth” (1:1)(1:1) ““the truth which abides in us and will be the truth which abides in us and will be

with us forever” with us forever” (1:2)(1:2)


““all those who have known the truth” all those who have known the truth” (1:1)(1:1) ““the truth which abides in us and will be the truth which abides in us and will be

with us forever” with us forever” (1:2)(1:2) ““I rejoiced greatly that I have found I rejoiced greatly that I have found somesome of of

your children walking in truth, as we your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father” received commandment from the Father” (1:4)(1:4)


““all those who have known the truth” all those who have known the truth” (1:1)(1:1) ““the truth which abides in us and will be with the truth which abides in us and will be with

us forever” us forever” (1:2)(1:2) ““I rejoiced greatly that I have found I rejoiced greatly that I have found somesome of of

your children walking in truth, as we received your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father” commandment from the Father” (1:4)(1:4)

John plainly wrote that we need to know if John plainly wrote that we need to know if “we are of the truth.”“we are of the truth.” (1 Jn 3:19) (1 Jn 3:19)


1 John 3:19 (NKJV)1 John 3:19 (NKJV) - And by this we - And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.assure our hearts before Him.


We must not be afraid of open challenges We must not be afraid of open challenges and controversy.and controversy.


We must not be afraid of open challenges We must not be afraid of open challenges and controversy.and controversy.

When leaving liberalism I attempted to get When leaving liberalism I attempted to get others to open the Bible and discuss others to open the Bible and discuss differences, nearly everyone refused and differences, nearly everyone refused and often with anger.often with anger.


People who do not fight for the truth will People who do not fight for the truth will not have it over time. not have it over time. (Jn 3:19-21)(Jn 3:19-21)


John 3:19-21 (NKJV)John 3:19-21 (NKJV) - And this is the - And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. deeds should be exposed.


21 But he who does the truth comes to the 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”that they have been done in God.”


Are we hearing these basic truths from our Are we hearing these basic truths from our pulpits?pulpits?


Are we hearing these basic truths from our Are we hearing these basic truths from our pulpits?pulpits?

Here is a recent e-mail from a brother: Here is a recent e-mail from a brother:


I sorted through my collection of papers and I sorted through my collection of papers and found your series on “Institutionalism--found your series on “Institutionalism--Then and Now An Overview”, which you Then and Now An Overview”, which you preached at the Lacey’s Spring preached at the Lacey’s Spring congregation several years ago. I did this congregation several years ago. I did this after hearing some sermons this past week. after hearing some sermons this past week. My questions are as follows: My questions are as follows:


2.) What book would someone have read if 2.) What book would someone have read if they really thought the true practice of the they really thought the true practice of the 1st century Lord’s Supper was a common 1st century Lord’s Supper was a common meal that was shared during the service?meal that was shared during the service?


2.) What book would someone have read if 2.) What book would someone have read if they really thought the true practice of the they really thought the true practice of the 1st century Lord’s Supper was a common 1st century Lord’s Supper was a common meal that was shared during the service?meal that was shared during the service?

3.) Should someone think a false teacher is 3.) Should someone think a false teacher is only a person who has insincere motives in only a person who has insincere motives in their teaching?their teaching?


4.) Should we think that non-instrumental 4.) Should we think that non-instrumental music in worship is a logical and natural music in worship is a logical and natural conclusion from the N.T.? conclusion from the N.T.?


When was the last time you hear a lesson on When was the last time you hear a lesson on instrumental music?instrumental music?


When was the last time you hear a lesson on When was the last time you hear a lesson on instrumental music?instrumental music?

It is not enough to verbally oppose these It is not enough to verbally oppose these things. We must take a stand and that will things. We must take a stand and that will involve fellowship! involve fellowship!


Who do I really want to have fellowship Who do I really want to have fellowship with?with?


Who do I really want to have fellowship Who do I really want to have fellowship with?with?

While some say they want to be right with While some say they want to be right with God, they in fact want to please God, they in fact want to please men.men. (Gal 1:10)(Gal 1:10)


Galatians 1:10 (NKJV)Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) - For do I now - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.would not be a bondservant of Christ.


While we may fool men, God knows our While we may fool men, God knows our heart!heart!



I have talked with men about what was I have talked with men about what was right and what they needed to do. right and what they needed to do.



I have talked with men about what was I have talked with men about what was right and what they needed to do. right and what they needed to do.

Even though they have agreed with me, I Even though they have agreed with me, I have often heard the refusal to stand have often heard the refusal to stand rationalized like this: “It is hard to do what rationalized like this: “It is hard to do what is right!”is right!”


While we may fool men, God knows our heart!While we may fool men, God knows our heart! I have talked with men about what was right I have talked with men about what was right

and what they needed to do. and what they needed to do. Even though they have agreed with me, I have Even though they have agreed with me, I have

often heard the refusal to stand rationalized like often heard the refusal to stand rationalized like this: “It is hard to do what is right!”this: “It is hard to do what is right!”

What will heaven be like?What will heaven be like?


It will be filled with men of faith who at It will be filled with men of faith who at times had to stand alone. times had to stand alone. (Heb 11:32-38)(Heb 11:32-38)


Hebrews 11:35 (NKJV)Hebrews 11:35 (NKJV) - received their - received their dead raised to life again. Others were dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.they might obtain a better resurrection.


Have you heard of these men? Sethur? Have you heard of these men? Sethur? Gaddiel? Palti? Shaphat? Nahbi?Gaddiel? Palti? Shaphat? Nahbi?


Have you heard of these men? Sethur? Have you heard of these men? Sethur? Gaddiel? Palti? Shaphat? Nahbi?Gaddiel? Palti? Shaphat? Nahbi?

How about these men? Caleb? Joshua?How about these men? Caleb? Joshua?

we need to clearly know the difference between the work of god and the work of men. n the work of...

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