Welcome!Sunday

Bible Classes 9:30 AMWorship 10:30 AM

5:30 PM

Wednesday Bible Classes 7:00 PM

Bibles and copies of sermons are available

Please silence your cell phones

Serving Sunday AM Sunday PM WednesdayUsher Gerald van Fleet Gerald van Fleet Gerald van Fleet

Opening Prayer Anthony Ward Michael Hetzer

Opening/Head Ryan Sollars

CommunionCaleb WhiteSteven Root

Michael Hetzer

Rob Wade

Song Leader Chris Willis Barry Root Chris Willis

Announcement Curt Davis Rob Wade Ryan Sollars

Adult Class Anthony Ward

Invitation Curt Davis

Romans 15:9"For this reason I will confess to You among

the Gentiles, and sing to Your name."

Hymns Invitation

000 - -

Why We Do Not Support

Institutions

The World Says: “What’s the Big Deal”

With having communion anytimeWith using musical instrumentsWith living a Christian life?

Not cursing or using vulgarityNot drinkingModesty and morality

God Says: “Obeying is the Big Deal”

Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:27 "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36

God Says: “Obeying is the Big Deal”

Moses – speak to the rock

Nadab and Abihu – Bring the right fire

The Man of God – Don’t stop anywhere

It is HARD Being DifferentHard enough separating from denominations

Being rejected as insignificantHarder separating from churches of Christ

Being called antis, legalistsOne main separation from liberal churches:

Institutionalism

What is “Institutionalism”Institution: an established organization of people with a specific (benevolent) purpose

Institutionalism: within a church, the direct support of an established organization with work given or appropriated by that church

The Church’s WorkThe

Church

HelpingSaints

2 Corinthians 8:4 …..the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the

saints.

The Church

Benevolence

2 Corinthians 8:4 …..the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the

saints.

The Church’s Work

The Church

Spread the Gospel

Ephesians 4:12 for the equipping of

the saints for the work of ministry….

The Church’s Work

The Church

Evangelism

Ephesians 4:12 for the equipping of

the saints for the work of ministry….

The Church’s Work

The Church

Teaching Saints

Ephesians 4:12 …..for the edifying of

the body of Christ

The Church’s Work

The Church

Edification

Ephesians 4:12 …..for the edifying of

the body of Christ

The Church’s Work

The Church

Benevolence Edification

Evangelism

The Church’s Work

InstitutionalismThe

Church

Benevolence Edification

Evangelism

Agency AgencyAgency

InstitutionalismThe

Church

Benevolence Edification

Evangelism

AgencyAgency

Orphan’s Home

InstitutionalismThe

Church

Benevolence Edification

Evangelism

Agency AgencyMissionary Society

InstitutionalismThe

Church

Benevolence Edification

Evangelism

AgencyAgency

Church Schools

The Benefits of Such a StructureFinancial – a pooling of resources

Social – The encouragement of brethren

Structural – Stronger aiding weaker

Goals could be achieved at greater levels

Brethren ask: “What’s the Big Deal”“It really doesn’t matter”

“It’s not that big a deal”

“It’s just a different tradition”

Three Strikes to InstitutionalismScriptural – God’s permissionHistorical – Looking at the end resultsPractical – Is it really successful

Why Are We a “Non-Institutional” Church?

Why Are We a “Non-Institutional” Church?

ScripturalActs 11:27-29 I Corinthians 16:1-4

New Testament churches used NO organizations to fulfill their obligations

Historical – Innovations to the churchThe institution of oversight:

Bishops -> The Pope

Why Are We a “Non-Institutional” Church?

Historical – Innovations to the churchLiberalism lead to other errors

Denominalization of churches

Why Are We a “Non-Institutional” Church?

“If it is acceptable to use an institution to accomplish a work of the church…..

then….It is acceptable to use an instrument to

accomplish a work of the church”

Luke 7:35 "But wisdom is justified

by all her children."

PracticalInstitutions doing the work of the church:

Are not overseen by EldersAre not bound by Scriptural authorityTrend towards bureaucracy

Why Are We a “Non-Institutional” Church?

PracticalInstitutions doing the work of the church:Churches on the institutional path are hurting

Financially unsustainableWeakened membership

Why Are We a “Non-Institutional” Church?

Following the NT PatternMeans being different from other churches

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9

Following the NT PatternMeans being different from other churches

Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, ….. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

Following the NT PatternGod’s people have always been unique

Being unique has never been popular

Our success is spiritual not carnal

The Invitation of Jesus Christ

The Unbeliever

To BelieveTo Confess ChristTo Repent of SinTo Be Baptized

The Christian

To Turn AgainTo Walk by Faith

To Share Your Burdens