Topical Sermons Power Point Show
Scripture Reading: Galatians 1:6-12
A Striking Contrast:
New Testament Christianity vs. Man-made Counterfeits
Intro.
1. Those who say we must change do not offer any better alternative than the foundation that has already been laid: Never can & never will, 1 Cor. 3:9-11.
2. Bible pattern exists for NT Christianity, Rom. 6:17-18; 2 Ths. 2:15; Must hold to it, 2 Tim. 1:13.
3. Comparing man-made counterfeits to the New Testament pattern makes a striking & compelling contrast that strengthens faith & calls men out of error, sin & death into salvation, sanctification & truth (Col. 2:22; Jno. 17:17). -Galatians 1:11-12-
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NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY |
MAN-MADE COUNTERFEITS |
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Christ: Founder of the church (Matt. 16:18) |
Human founders of denominations (1 Cor. 3:11) |
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One body, one faith, one baptism (Eph. 4:4-6) |
Many bodies, faiths & baptisms |
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Christ has ALL authority (Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17) |
Authority vested in creeds, councils, etc. |
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Wear the name Christian (Isa. 62:2; Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16) |
Wear names that glorify men, systems & doctrines (1 Cor. 1:10-13) |
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Scriptural name for church (Rom. 16:16) |
Denominational names / designations |
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Preach only one gospel (Jude 3; Gal. 1:8-10; Acts 20:27) |
Preach perverted, different gospels |
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Bible remains same (Matt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:23-25) |
Rewrite and revise creeds |
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Lord adds saved to His church (Acts 2:47) |
“Join” the church (denomination) of your choice |
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Sound doctrine essential to salvation (1 Tim. 4:16; 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13; 3:16) |
Doctrine unimportant if one “honest & sincere” (2 Jno. 9) |
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All Christians are priests (1 Pet. 2:5, 9) |
Clergy and laity (Matt. 23:8-9) |
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God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35) |
“Reverend, Father” (Psa. 111:9) |
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Plurality of elders (pastors) over each church (Acts 14:23; 20:17; Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:1-2) |
One “Pastor” over each church |
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“Faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:20, 26) |
“Faith only” saves (“Grace alone by faith alone”) (Eph. 2:8-9) |
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“You have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4) |
Cannot fall from grace (Heb. 3:12-14) |
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Lord’s Supper each Lord’s Day (Acts 2:42; 20:7) |
According to custom / church preference |
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Baptism is immersion in water (Rom. 6:3-5) |
Sprinkling, pouring water for baptism (Col. 2:12) Holy Spirit baptism (Eph. 4:5) |
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Baptize repentant believers (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38) |
Baptize infants; for the dead |
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Baptized “into Christ” / into His spiritual body, the church (Gal. 3:26-27; 1 Cor. 12:13) |
Accepted by vote of congregation, probation, confirmation, etc. (Acts 2:47) |
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Live soberly, righteously & godly (Tit. 2:11-12; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Jno. 2:15-17) |
Let your conscience guide you (Acts 23:1; 26:9) |
Conclusion:
-New Testament Christianity is possible, practical & powerful today:
1. By conforming our hearts & lives to the NT pattern, 1 Jno. 1:7; Matt. 11:28-30.
2. Not by changing the church to suit our interests & what we feel we need, Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23.