1 Answering the Errors of Liberalism Exposing liberalism among churches of Christ.

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Answering the Errors Answering the Errors of Liberalism of Liberalism

Exposing liberalism Exposing liberalism among churches of among churches of ChristChrist

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Ready to Give an Ready to Give an AnswerAnswer

““But sanctify the Lord God in But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” with meekness and fear”

(1 Peter (1 Peter 3:15)3:15)

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Bible Authority:Bible Authority: Acts Acts 1515

Approved example,Approved example, 15:6-1115:6-11

Necessary inference,Necessary inference, 15:1215:12 (14:3)(14:3)

Direct statement,Direct statement, 15:13-1915:13-19

At one time Christians At one time Christians generally agreed with each generally agreed with each other on how to establish other on how to establish Bible authorityBible authority

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Guy N. Woods, Guy N. Woods, 19571957““With much of brother Cogdill’s With much of brother Cogdill’s speech I am in complete speech I am in complete agreement …agreement … No one calls in No one calls in question these matters which he question these matters which he discussed regarding the authority discussed regarding the authority of the scripturesof the scriptures, the all-, the all-sufficiency of the church of our sufficiency of the church of our Lord in the matter of performing Lord in the matter of performing the work which God gave the the work which God gave the church to do.” church to do.” ((Cogdill-Woods DebateCogdill-Woods Debate, p. 26), p. 26)

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LiberalismLiberalism““Not restricted to the literal Not restricted to the literal meaning; free and unconfined”meaning; free and unconfined”

Going beyond / changing God’s Going beyond / changing God’s word word (2 Jno. 9; Rev. 22:18-19)(2 Jno. 9; Rev. 22:18-19)

We continue to need Bible We continue to need Bible authority! authority! Colossians 3:17Colossians 3:17

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A New Way to Interpret A New Way to Interpret Scripture has been Scripture has been AcceptedAccepted

Has changed the way Has changed the way many churches of Christ many churches of Christ view and apply Bible view and apply Bible authorityauthority

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A New Way to Interpret A New Way to Interpret the Bible?the Bible?

““But there isBut there is nono infallible infallible method for interpreting method for interpreting Scripture. There is no Scripture. There is no heaven-given system of heaven-given system of Bible study.”Bible study.” (Rubel Shelly & Randall J. Harris, (Rubel Shelly & Randall J. Harris,

The Second IncarnationThe Second Incarnation, p. 19), p. 19)

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A New Way to Interpret A New Way to Interpret the Bible?the Bible?

““Thus weThus we rejectreject a rigida rigid ‘pattern ‘pattern theology’theology’ that simply proposes that simply proposes to transplant religious-cultural to transplant religious-cultural forms from the Bible to the forms from the Bible to the 20th or 21st century.” 20th or 21st century.” ((Ibid.Ibid., p. , p. 31)31)

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The ResultsThe ResultsFewer & fewer try to defend their Fewer & fewer try to defend their practices by using Bible patterns, practices by using Bible patterns, 2 Tim. 4:3-4 (3:13)2 Tim. 4:3-4 (3:13)

The “silence of the Scriptures” will The “silence of the Scriptures” will increasingly be used to approve increasingly be used to approve practicespractices

Unity in doctrinal & moral Unity in doctrinal & moral diversity will increase & become diversity will increase & become the normthe norm

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Are You an Are You an “Anti”?“Anti”?

““Opposed to a given Opposed to a given proposal, policy, etc.”proposal, policy, etc.”

The chargeThe charge: We are : We are opposed to church opposed to church cooperationcooperation

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No Binding Patterns?!No Binding Patterns?!““So, it becomes necessary So, it becomes necessary to raise the question: is to raise the question: is there anthere an exclusive pattern exclusive pattern of church cooperationof church cooperation taught in the Bible? My taught in the Bible? My answer.answer. NoNo.”.”

(Guy N. Woods, (Guy N. Woods, Cogdill-Woods DebateCogdill-Woods Debate, 196), 196)

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No Binding Patterns?!No Binding Patterns?!

““The Bible doesThe Bible does notnot provide an exclusive provide an exclusive pattern forpattern for evangelismevangelism.”.”(Jackie M. Stearsman, “Church (Jackie M. Stearsman, “Church

Cooperation and Evangelism,” Cooperation and Evangelism,” The The HarvesterHarvester, Feb. 1997), Feb. 1997)

http://www.fsop.net/harvest/1996_97/february.htmhttp://www.fsop.net/harvest/1996_97/february.htm

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Cooperation Among Cooperation Among ChurchesChurches

Preach GospelPreach GospelCC

CC

$$

$$

$$

EVANGELISMEVANGELISMCC

PreacherPreacher PreacherPreacher

Acts 13:1-3; Phil. 4:15-16Acts 13:1-3; Phil. 4:15-162 Cor. 11:82 Cor. 11:8

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PreachPreachGospelGospel

CC

CC

$$

$$

$$

EVANGELISMEVANGELISMCC

PreachePreacherr

PreachePreacherr

MissionarMissionaryy

Society;Society;SponsorinSponsorin

ggChurchChurch

MissionarMissionaryy

Society;Society;SponsorinSponsorin

ggChurchChurch

$$

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ScripturScripture e

Please!Please!

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Relieve NeedRelieve NeedCC

CC

$$

$$

$$

BENEVOLENCEBENEVOLENCECC

Needy Needy SaintsSaints

Needy Needy SaintsSaints

Acts 11:27-30; 1 Cor. 16:1-3Acts 11:27-30; 1 Cor. 16:1-32 Cor. 8:1-4, 13-15; 9:1, 12-14 2 Cor. 8:1-4, 13-15; 9:1, 12-14

Rom. 15:25-27Rom. 15:25-27

$$

15

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RelieveRelieveNeedNeed

CC

CC

$$

$$

$$

BENEVOLENCEBENEVOLENCECC

NeedNeed

NeedNeed

SPONSORINGSPONSORINGCHURCH;CHURCH;

INSTITUTIONINSTITUTION

SPONSORINGSPONSORINGCHURCH;CHURCH;

INSTITUTIONINSTITUTION

$$$$

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ScripturScripture e

Please!Please!

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Scripture Please!Scripture Please!Local church building, Local church building,

supporting & supporting & operating human operating human organizations to do organizations to do its work?its work?

A “Sponsoring Church” that A “Sponsoring Church” that oversees oversees benevolence & benevolence & evangelism for evangelism for many churches?many churches?

One church asking other One church asking other churches churches to support its work?to support its work?

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Liberalism Says…Liberalism Says…

There is There is no binding no binding patternpattern for the work of for the work of the local church…the local church…““Whatever Whatever lovelove for God and man for God and man dictatesdictates, is the , is the law of God for the law of God for the churchchurch.”.” (Cogdell, (Cogdell, The Cogdell-Turner DiscussionThe Cogdell-Turner Discussion, 90), 90)

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Bible Says…Bible Says…

““Hold fast the Hold fast the pattern of pattern of sound wordssound words which you which you have heard from me, in have heard from me, in faith and love which are in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”Christ Jesus.”

(2 Timothy 1:13)(2 Timothy 1:13)

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New Testament Pattern: New Testament Pattern: The Work of the The Work of the Local ChurchLocal Church

Preach the gospel, Preach the gospel, 1 Ths. 1:8; Acts 11:22; Phil. 1:5-71 Ths. 1:8; Acts 11:22; Phil. 1:5-7

Edify the saints, Edify the saints, 1 Cor. 14:26; 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:11-12; Acts 11:22f; 13:1-2Eph. 4:11-12; Acts 11:22f; 13:1-2

Relieve needy saints, Relieve needy saints, Acts Acts 6:1-6; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 6:1-6; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 Tim. 5:16Tim. 5:16

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Local Church is Local Church is Enough Enough

The local church, under The local church, under the oversight of its own the oversight of its own elders, is elders, is fully-equippedfully-equipped to accomplish its God-to accomplish its God-given workgiven work (Acts 14:23; 1 (Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:2)Pet. 5:2)

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The Issue: The Issue: EvangelismEvangelism

May churches of Christ May churches of Christ build & maintain build & maintain missionary societiesmissionary societies to to do the work God gave do the work God gave the local church to do?the local church to do?

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The Pattern: The Pattern: EvangelismEvangelism

Local Local ChurcChurchh

Select areasSelect areas

Select preachersSelect preachers

Provide place, Provide place, supportsupport

FacilitieFacilitiess

1 Ths. 1 Ths. 1:91:9

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The Pattern: The Pattern: EvangelismEvangelism


Select Select areasareasMeMennProvide Provide placeplaceSupport, Support, FacilitiesFacilities

MissionaryMissionarySocietySociety

(President,(President,Board,Board,

Treasury)Treasury)

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The Issue: The Issue: EdificationEdification

May churches of Christ May churches of Christ build & maintain build & maintain collegescolleges to do the work to do the work God gave the local God gave the local church to do?church to do?

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The Pattern: The Pattern: EdificationEdification


Select Select curriculumcurriculumSelect teachersSelect teachers

Provides placeProvides place

Provides Provides support, support, FacilitiesFacilities

1 Cor. 14:261 Cor. 14:26

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The Pattern: The Pattern: EdificationEdification


Select Select subjectssubjectsSelect teachersSelect teachers

Provides place,Provides place,

FacilitiesFacilities

CollegeCollege


Treasury)Treasury)

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The Issue: The Issue: BenevolenceBenevolence

May churches of Christ May churches of Christ build & maintain build & maintain benevolent societiesbenevolent societies to to do the work God gave do the work God gave the local church to do?the local church to do?

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Sees need, Sees need, Acts 6Acts 6

Appoints men, Appoints men, Acts Acts 66

Provides place, Provides place, supportsupportCare, facilitiesCare, facilities

The Pattern: The Pattern: BenevolenceBenevolence

Acts 6:1-6Acts 6:1-6

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ChurcChurchh

Sees needSees need

Appoints menAppoints men

Provides place,Provides place,

Support, Support, care, etc.care, etc.

BenevolentBenevolentSocietySociety


Treasury)Treasury)

The Pattern: The Pattern: BenevolenceBenevolence

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Benevolence: Saints Benevolence: Saints ONLYONLY

SINGINGSINGINGEph. 5:19Eph. 5:19

Col. 3:16Col. 3:16

1 Cor. 14:151 Cor. 14:15

Matt. 26:30Matt. 26:30

Jas. 5:13Jas. 5:13

Acts 16:25Acts 16:25

Heb. 2:12Heb. 2:12

SAINTSSAINTSActs 2:44-45Acts 2:44-45

Acts 6:1-6Acts 6:1-6

Acts 11:29-30Acts 11:29-30

Rom. 15:26-27Rom. 15:26-27

1 Cor. 16:11 Cor. 16:1

2 Cor. 8-92 Cor. 8-9

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““Whatever theWhatever the individualindividual ChristianChristian

can do thecan do the local local churchchurch can do.”can do.”

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Fails to Distinguish Fails to Distinguish Individual Action & Church Individual Action & Church ActionAction

Galatians 6:10: Galatians 6:10: Misapplied to Misapplied to approve “general” approve “general”

benevolencebenevolence

James 1:27:James 1:27: Misapplied to Misapplied to approve local church support of approve local church support of

human organizationshuman organizations

- Mark 14:7 -- Mark 14:7 -

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Churches or Individuals?Churches or Individuals?Jno. 15:1-6Jno. 15:1-6 Gal. 6:1-10Gal. 6:1-10 Jas. 1:18-27Jas. 1:18-2722 - branch- branch 11 - man, you- man, you 1818 - us, we- us, we33 - you (pl.)- you (pl.) 22 - you, one- you, one 19-2019-20 - breth., man- breth., man44 - you- you 33 - anyone,- anyone, 2121 - your souls- your souls55 - - you,he,himyou,he,him

himself, himself, hehe

2222 - yourselves- yourselves

66 - anyone, - anyone, hehe

4-54-5 - each one- each one 2323 - anyone, man, - anyone, man, hehe

6-76-7 - him, man- him, man 2424 - he, himself - he, himself manman

88 - he, his- he, his 2525 - he who, one- he who, one

99 - us, we- us, we 2626 - anyone, he- anyone, he

1010 - we, us- we, us 2727 - oneself- oneself

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Scriptural DistinctionScriptural DistinctionMatt. 18:15-17: Matt. 18:15-17: One, one or One, one or

two more, then the churchtwo more, then the church

1 Tim. 5:16:1 Tim. 5:16: Let not the Let not the church church be charged; but the be charged; but the individual individual family member is family member is chargedcharged

Acts 11:22:Acts 11:22: The local church The local church acted, and so did an individualacted, and so did an individual

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Liberalism Says…Liberalism Says…““The local church should The local church should provideprovide benevolentbenevolent reliefrelief toto all menall men regardless of their faith regardless of their faith (to both (to both saintssaints andand sinnerssinners).”).”

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The Liberal The Liberal Argument:Argument:

““Jesus’ compassionate Jesus’ compassionate miracles allow the local miracles allow the local church to relieve the church to relieve the

needs needs of of saintssaints & & sinnerssinners alike.” alike.”

Matthew 4:23; 25:35-40Matthew 4:23; 25:35-40

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The Liberal The Liberal Argument:Argument:““Jesus not only releases but Jesus not only releases but compels the modern church to compels the modern church to find incrementally more find incrementally more effective ways to feed the effective ways to feed the hungry, cloth the needy, hungry, cloth the needy, minister to the outcasts, and minister to the outcasts, and provide homes for the provide homes for the homeless…homeless…

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The Liberal The Liberal Argument:Argument:“…“…Literacy programs, soup Literacy programs, soup kitchens, drug dependency kitchens, drug dependency programs, and prison programs, and prison outreaches need no other outreaches need no other justification than that, in such justification than that, in such activities, the church takes on activities, the church takes on both the heart and demeanor both the heart and demeanor of the one she calls Lord and of the one she calls Lord and Master.” Master.” (Shelly/Harris, 29)(Shelly/Harris, 29)

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Answering the ErrorAnswering the ErrorOur inability to work miracles does Our inability to work miracles does not mean we are not compassionate!not mean we are not compassionate! Purpose of miracles,Purpose of miracles, Jno. 5:36; 10:38Jno. 5:36; 10:38

Not every sick person was healed in Not every sick person was healed in the New Testament, the New Testament, 2 Tim. 4:202 Tim. 4:20

Individuals stand before Christ on Individuals stand before Christ on the day of judgment the day of judgment (2 Cor. 5:10)(2 Cor. 5:10)

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The Liberal Argument:The Liberal Argument:

2 Cor. 9:13:2 Cor. 9:13: ALL MENALL MEN ““We are told that local We are told that local

churches relieved the needs of churches relieved the needs of all men”all men”

““We are told that local We are told that local churches sent funds to relievechurches sent funds to relieve all men all men in Jerusalem, not just in Jerusalem, not just needy saints”needy saints”

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Answering the ErrorAnswering the Error

Translation of “men” Translation of “men” supplied by translators of KJV supplied by translators of KJV & NKJV& NKJV

pantas:pantas: “all of a like kind, “all of a like kind, everything”everything”

Humanity does not adhere to Humanity does not adhere to the word (the word (context determinescontext determines “all” of what)“all” of what)

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The Context:The Context:SaintsSaints (Jerusalem & all (Jerusalem & all

others)others) 2 Cor. 8:42 Cor. 8:4 – to the saints – to the saints 2 Cor. 9:12 Cor. 9:1 – to the saints – to the saints 2 Cor. 9:122 Cor. 9:12 – needs of saints – needs of saints 2 Cor. 9:13 (Rom. 15:27)2 Cor. 9:13 (Rom. 15:27) – –

Sharing (Sharing (fellowshipfellowship) ) (Eph. 5:11; 2 (Eph. 5:11; 2 Jno. 10-11)Jno. 10-11)

2 Cor. 9:142 Cor. 9:14 – Recipients – Recipients prayedprayed for sending churchesfor sending churches

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2 Corinthians 9:132 Corinthians 9:13Money RAISED for saints,Money RAISED for saints, 1 Cor. 1 Cor. 16:1; Rom. 15:2616:1; Rom. 15:26

Money SENT to saints,Money SENT to saints, Rom. 15:25Rom. 15:25

Money RECEIVED by saints,Money RECEIVED by saints, Rom. Rom. 15:3115:31

Money SUPPLIED NEEDS of saints,Money SUPPLIED NEEDS of saints, 2 Cor. 9:122 Cor. 9:12

DID PAUL MISUSE THESE FUNDS?!DID PAUL MISUSE THESE FUNDS?!

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““The local church The local church maymay buildbuild and/orand/or supportsupport human human organizationsorganizations to do to do its benevolent and its benevolent and evangelistic work.”evangelistic work.”

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The Liberal Argument:The Liberal Argument:Church-supported Church-supported

benevolent benevolent organizations:organizations: ““The end justifies the means”The end justifies the means”

““The The church has a primary mission to church has a primary mission to perform and work to do - saving souls perform and work to do - saving souls and keeping them saved. Butand keeping them saved. But any any activityactivity that will contribute to thatthat will contribute to that endend which is not of itself sinful, iswhich is not of itself sinful, is permissiblepermissible for the church to engage for the church to engage in,in, as long as it is done with that end as long as it is done with that end in viewin view……

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““The end justifies the The end justifies the means”means”““Furthermore, the church canFurthermore, the church can use use any means and methods any means and methods thatthat it it sees fitsees fit toto accomplish this accomplish this endend so so long as those means and methods long as those means and methods are not in and of themselves are not in and of themselves sinful.” sinful.” (Gaston Cogdell, p. 91-92)(Gaston Cogdell, p. 91-92)

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The end The end does notdoes not justify the justify the means, means, Rom. 3:8Rom. 3:8The “end” of helping the needy The “end” of helping the needy is is met by doing God’s will in met by doing God’s will in God’s God’s way, way, Heb. 13:21Heb. 13:21God’s word (not good God’s word (not good intentions) intentions) tells us what is tells us what is “good” in His sight, “good” in His sight, 2 Tim. 2 Tim. 3:16-173:16-17

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Church-supported benevolent Church-supported benevolent organizationsorganizations ““No instructions to local No instructions to local church”church”

““There are There are no instructionsno instructions in the in the scriptures as to scriptures as to howhow the church is the church is to carry on its work of to carry on its work of evangelization and benevolence.”evangelization and benevolence.” (Gaston Cogdell, p. 95)(Gaston Cogdell, p. 95)

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Church-supported Church-supported benevolent benevolent organizationsorganizations

““No instructions to the No instructions to the church”church”

““Helping the needy is a matter of Helping the needy is a matter of faith; the faith; the howhow to do this work is in to do this work is in the realm of human judgment.” the realm of human judgment.” (Perry B. Cotham, (Perry B. Cotham, Anti-ismAnti-ism, ,

The 18 The 18thth Annual Mid-West Lectures, 2000) Annual Mid-West Lectures, 2000)

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Answering the ErrorAnswering the ErrorIssue is Issue is whatwhat organization; organization; not not

howhow!!A method (how; an aid) must first A method (how; an aid) must first

be be approved in Scripture, approved in Scripture, 1 Cor. 1 Cor. 10:2310:23

Local churchLocal church is the organization is the organization authorized to help meet benevolent authorized to help meet benevolent

needs among the saintsneeds among the saintsBible is silentBible is silent about about another another organization organization to be built, funded and/or to be built, funded and/or operated by operated by the local church!the local church!

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Church-supported benevolent Church-supported benevolent organizations:organizations: James 1:27James 1:27 ““Pure religion allows a church Pure religion allows a church to build, fund &/or maintain to build, fund &/or maintain organizations (orphan’s homes, organizations (orphan’s homes, etc.) as method of etc.) as method of benevolence”benevolence”

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Context of Context of James 1:27James 1:27 Individual Christian, not the Individual Christian, not the

collective action of a local collective action of a local churchchurch

Remember, the individual & Remember, the individual & the the local church are not local church are not the same the same thing!thing!

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James 1:26-27James 1:26-27

““Visit”Visit”Fatherless Fatherless and widowsand widows

•Bridle tongueBridle tongue

•Not deceive Not deceive himselfhimself

•Keep himself Keep himself unspottedunspotted

The Same The Same PersonPerson 54

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Sponsoring Church Sponsoring Church Arrangement Arrangement in Evangelismin Evangelism

““Philippi was sponsoring Philippi was sponsoring church in Macedonia (Phil. church in Macedonia (Phil. 4:15-16)”4:15-16)”Acts 18:5Acts 18:5 - Historical setting- Historical setting2 Cor. 11:82 Cor. 11:8 - Wages from churches- Wages from churches““Philippi the ‘accounting’ church Philippi the ‘accounting’ church for other churches”for other churches”

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Contradicts Paul, Contradicts Paul, Phil. 4:15-16Phil. 4:15-16““No church…you only…you sent…”No church…you only…you sent…”Destroys independence & Destroys independence & autonomyautonomy

Whose work is itWhose work is it:: The giving church? The giving church? The sponsoring church?The sponsoring church?

Who exercises oversightWho exercises oversight:: The giving The giving church? The sponsoring church?church? The sponsoring church?

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Sponsoring Church Sponsoring Church Arrangement Arrangement in Benevolencein Benevolence

““Jerusalem was a sponsoring Jerusalem was a sponsoring church (Acts 11:27-30)”church (Acts 11:27-30)”Relief to brethren in Relief to brethren in JudeaJudea ( (11:2911:29))Sent to the elders (Sent to the elders (11:30; Acts 11:30; Acts 12:2512:25))

They conclude funds were sent to They conclude funds were sent to the Jerusalem elders, who the Jerusalem elders, who distributed the relief throughout all distributed the relief throughout all of Judeaof Judea

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Answering the ErrorAnswering the ErrorPaul was unknown to brethren Paul was unknown to brethren

in in Judea before relief of Judea before relief of Acts 11Acts 11 – – Gal. 1:18-24 (v. 22)Gal. 1:18-24 (v. 22)

Acts 26:20Acts 26:20 – Paul preached – Paul preached “throughout all the region of Judea”“throughout all the region of Judea”

before going to the Gentiles. before going to the Gentiles. WhenWhen??

This relief trip…to elders in Judea!This relief trip…to elders in Judea!Last stop: Jerusalem – Last stop: Jerusalem – Acts 12:25Acts 12:25

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Church-Sponsored Social and Church-Sponsored Social and Recreational Activities:Recreational Activities:““For the church to For the church to turn asideturn aside from its from its divine work to furnish divine work to furnish amusementamusement andand recreationrecreation is to is to pervertpervert its mission. It is its mission. It is to to degrade its missiondegrade its mission. Amusement and . Amusement and recreation should stem from the recreation should stem from the homehome rather than the church. The church, like rather than the church. The church, like Nehemiah, has a great work to do; and it Nehemiah, has a great work to do; and it should not come down on the plains of should not come down on the plains of Ono to amuse and entertain.”Ono to amuse and entertain.”

(B.C. Goodpasture, (B.C. Goodpasture, Gospel AdvocateGospel Advocate, May 20, 1948), May 20, 1948)

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Church-Sponsored Social and Church-Sponsored Social and Recreational Activities:Recreational Activities:

““Building recreation rooms and Building recreation rooms and providing and supervising providing and supervising recreational activities at the recreational activities at the expense of the church is a expense of the church is a departuredeparture from the simple gospel from the simple gospel plan as revealed in the New plan as revealed in the New Testament.” Testament.”

((Gospel Advocate Annual CommentaryGospel Advocate Annual Commentary, 1951, p. , 1951, p. 229)229)

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Church-Sponsored Social Church-Sponsored Social Activities and Activities and Acts 2:42-46Acts 2:42-46

““Early Christians ate Early Christians ate together”together”““Therefore, the local church Therefore, the local church can arrange & provide such can arrange & provide such social gatherings today.”social gatherings today.”

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Answering the ErrorAnswering the ErrorActs 2:42Acts 2:42 - Lord’s Supper, not a - Lord’s Supper, not a meal to satisfy hungermeal to satisfy hunger

Acts 2:46Acts 2:46 – The church met in the – The church met in the temple to worship & learntemple to worship & learn

Acts 2:46Acts 2:46 – Meals – Meals “from house to “from house to house”house” – Not a “fellowship hall” – Not a “fellowship hall”

Homes & church-provided Homes & church-provided facilities facilities are two different are two different things!things!

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Church-Sponsored Social Church-Sponsored Social ActivitiesActivities and and 1 Cor. 1 Cor.

11:17-2211:17-22““Paul was rebuking abuse Paul was rebuking abuse of Lord’s Supper, not of Lord’s Supper, not banning church-provided banning church-provided social activities.”social activities.”

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Answering the ErrorAnswering the Error11:2011:20 – Purpose of coming – Purpose of coming

together: Eat Lord’s Suppertogether: Eat Lord’s Supper

11:2211:22 – Perversion rebuked – Perversion rebuked

11:3411:34 – Solution: Remove – Solution: Remove meals meals from your meetings! from your meetings! (11:22, 34)(11:22, 34)

Churches have assumed works Churches have assumed works the Lord did not authorize!the Lord did not authorize!

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LiberalismLiberalismTakes one away from the Takes one away from the word of God & thus, away word of God & thus, away from God from God (2 John 9)(2 John 9)

Bible patternsBible patterns for the for the workwork and and organizationorganization of the of the church are revealed & church are revealed & settled in Scripture, settled in Scripture, 2 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (1:13)Timothy 3:16-17 (1:13)

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God’s Word is TruthGod’s Word is Truth

““Buy the truth and do not sell Buy the truth and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” and understanding.”

(Proverbs (Proverbs 23:23)23:23)

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Bible AuthorityBible Authority““And whatever you do in And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Father through Him.”

(Colossians (Colossians 3:17)3:17)

1 Answering the Errors of Liberalism Exposing liberalism among churches of Christ.

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Transcript of 1 Answering the Errors of Liberalism Exposing liberalism among churches of Christ.