They Say & Do NotThey Say & Do NotMatthew 23:1-3

Problem StatedJesus exposed hypocrisy of Pharisees in contextIn some cases, the things taught by them were inherently

wrongIn other cases, their teaching was right, but their actions did

not match the teachingLike situation of Jeremiah 7:30-31

Called temple by name of God, but set idols up there Right name -- Wrong practice Which I commanded not, neither came it into my mind

Same thing is true in principle today

“They Say & Do Not”“They Say & Do Not”

Problem Seen InDenominationalism

They Say, “Must Accept Bible As Truth Of God” & Do Not

They Say, “Must Accept Bible As Truth Of God” & Do Not

The Bible claims to be absolute truth from God Psa. 119:128 2 Pet. 1:20-21 2 Tim. 3:16-17

Call to accept Bible as truth must be put into practice regarding everything the Bible teaches

Yet, many in denomination say right words, but… Write creeds & manuals that contradict Bible teaching Call preacher, “Rev.” or “Father” (Ps. 111:9; Mt. 23:9) Compromise with changing morals (Rom. 1:18-32; etc.) Change worship, work & organization of church

They Say, “Call on the Name of the Lord” & Do Not

They Say, “Call on the Name of the Lord” & Do Not

Denominations speak of “calling on name of the Lord” as if it is merely vocal appeal to Jesus

Bible teaches more to calling on name of Lord: Acts 4:7-12 “Name” = Authority of Christ (Mt. 28:18f) Acts 26:9f Acted against name = Opposing authority Acts 22:16 Called upon name by obeying (Acts 2:38) Col. 3:17 Whatever done in word or deed, do all…

Many preach messages unauthorized by the Lord: Salvation by faith only (Jas. 2:24, 26; Rom. 6:16-18) Total hereditary depravity - inherited sin (Ezek. 18:20) Once saved, always saved (2 Pet. 2:20-22; Heb. 6:4-6)

They Say, “Be Baptized” & Do Not

They Say, “Be Baptized” & Do Not

Bible pattern for baptism authorized by God: Is immersion - baptidzo (Rom. 6:4; Acts 8:38f; Jn. 3:23) Response to believing in Christ (Acts 8:35-36; 8:12-13) For salvation (Mk. 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21) For remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16) Beginning point of new life (Rom. 6:3-11; Jn. 3:5) Puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:10-12) Into body of Christ, church (1 Cor. 12:13; Acts2:41,47) If unauthorized baptism, must baptize right (Acts 19:2f)

Contrast denominational baptism with above...

Bible Baptism -vs- Denom. BaptismBible Baptism -vs- Denom. Baptism

Bible Pattern Immersion Response of Believers For Salvation For Remission of Sins Beginning of New Life Puts into Christ Into Body of Christ, Church Authorized Baptism Required

Denominational Pattern Sprinkling, pouring… Infants on faith of parents Not for salvation (after it) Sins remitted before it Buried after already alive In Christ & later baptized Into denomination chosen Will accept any baptism

They Say & Do NotThey Say & Do Not

Let Us Both Say & DoAs Bible Teaches