Category: Apostasy
Subject: Apostasy
The Condition of the Erring
It can be rather unpleasant to correct an erring brother in Christ. If the brother is unrepentant, he may resent any admonition, and even become contentious. Too, others who do not recognize the importance of such correction may object. Such responses may cause hesitation, or even dereliction of duty on the part of the spiritual despite the instruction of the Holy Spirit, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).
As one who is striving to serve God and your fellow man, the next time you feel such a hesitation to fulfill your duty, perhaps it would be good to see the erring one as God sees him. Consider the following:
Lessons Learned from Backsliding Israel
In Jeremiah 3, Jehovah God spoke to the prophet, in the days of Josiah the king, describing the northern kingdom of Israel as “backsliding Israel” because of her idolatry (vs. 6). God called Israel back, but “she did not return” (vs. 7). It is because of this rebelliousness that the ten northern tribes were taken into captivity, and lost their identity.
Now, Judah was in danger of the same end. Consider first that Judah had learned from the idolatry of Israel, “And her treacherous sister Judah saw it.” Ungodly activity of any type can have a corrupting influence upon those who witness it. As Paul told the Corinthians, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). This is an important principle to remember as we do our deeds before men, “Whoever causes on of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).
Invitation: God Was Not Well Pleased
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
1 Corinthians 10:1-5 is used to show how continued faithfulness is necessary for us to be saved eternally.
Sermon: Perilous Times
The lesson is an examination of Paul’s warning of perilous times in 2 Timothy 3:1-9. The description given of ungodliness is explained, and the warnings to “turn away” from “such people” is noted.
Invitation: Itching Ears
Invitation delivered by: Darren Johnson
Darren discusses Paul’s warning that in the last days, some would “heap up to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). He points out the importance of heeding God’s worth, as only truth can save us!
Sermon: Dangers Facing the Church
This sermon was adapted from an old bedsheet sermon chart created by Steve Hudgins years ago. The sermon was preached in two parts, AM and PM. I combined the two into a single recording of about 83 minutes. The sermon discusses 9 dangers facing the church: Ignorance, Neglectfulness, Worldliness, Boastfulness, Compromise, Materialism, Indifference, Doctrinal Error and Apostasy.
Sermon: Are There to be Watchmen in Spiritual Israel Today?
Speaker: Dennis Scroggins
Dennis discusses objections made concerning the marking of error, defense of truth, and the nature of autonomy in this lesson.
In the News: Criticizing the Five Step Plan
I recently was sent an article titled, “Do We Have A Catechism?”, written by Ken Green. The form the article took, and the comments following, indicate that brother Green had posted it to his Facebook page.
Though brother Green gave no specifics in the article, it was critical of the preaching and attitudes of Christians in the past. Notice the following two quotes:
We do not have catechism classes that insist on the rote learning of the proper responses to various questions about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, faith, baptism, worship, and other doctrines. But, by and large, our people have done quite well in memmorizing (sic) things they can recite on a moment’s notice, while, too often, having little understanding of the material and never really growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
But there was a stretch of many years when at least a couple of generations grew up in our churches without hearing much about love, grace and forgiveness and how we’re supposed to treat each other, and it had some devastating effects.
Brother Green took issue with the call made for “distinctive preaching” and said that what was meant is that we should be “reciting the catechism.” It is becoming fairly common to hear a rather dismissive attitude towards the faith and practice of earlier generations of Christians. This is unfortunate.
Continue reading “In the News: Criticizing the Five Step Plan”
Sermon: Move Not the Ancient Landmarks
Wayne Goforth emphasizes the importance of steadfastness with regard to doctrine and scriptural attitudes. He explains why digression has happened in the past, and warns of present indications of such digression repeating.
Invitation: That’s Just Sad
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin uses Hebrews 5:12-ff to point out the sadness of a Christian life that is marred by apathy. He uses this as a call to conviction and committment as the invitation is offered.
Audio: Click Here .
In the News: Church Camp?
The Christian Chronicle is a newspaper that reports on events and activities among institutional churches of Christ. Though it claims not to be, it is also an instrument of digression, often reporting favorably or editorializing upon practices and doctrine without Biblical authority.
One example of this is the editorial in the September 2010 edition of the paper, titled “Church camp: An idea worth exploring” (page 30). The editorial relates the large number of letters that had come in, in response to a the Chronicle’s request that readers share their “favorite church camp memories.”
Class Series – 13 Questions
These are 13 actual questions asked by a Baptist church preacher. His name is David Martin, and he is referred to as the “Pastor” of the Solid Rock Baptist Church, in Bartlett, TN.
The questions appeared in an article written by Martin, entitled, “Common Sense Questions A ‘Church of Christ’ Preacher CANNOT Clearly Answer.” To view the article click here. (Note: This link only gets you to their home page. You will have to look for the article. The site uses frames, and does not allow for a direct link to the article).
While it is doubtful we could answer these questions to his satisfaction, these questions are similar to those commonly asked of us by those in the denominations.
We should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15).
An examination of these questions will challenge us to study; and will doubtless increase our faith. The design of the series is to elicit discussion and encourage home study.
Right click on each item to save it to your hard drive. Resources include Word Documents, PDF Files, and Audio files in the mp3 format.
(Note: We had some problems with our recording system during the series, and missed several lessons, so not all the audio is available. We apologize for this).
Suggestions for Study (Word)
Suggestions for Study (PDF) Continue reading “Class Series – 13 Questions”
Sermon: Estranged from Christ
An exegetical sermon based on the text of Galatians 5:1-6. An explanation of the covenant of circumcision is given, with special emphasis on its value to the Christian. Also, as the language of the text indicates the possibility of a Christian falling into apostasy, that subject is discussed as well.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Trusting in the Finished Work of Christ Alone?
The Calvinistic doctrine of salvation by Faith only is commonly being expressed in our time in the Phrase, “Trusting in the Finished Work of Christ Alone” The phrase intimates not only that obedience is not required of man, but also the impossibility of Apostasy.
It also contradicts plain teaching in Hebrews 11 & 12, and James 2, the texts under consideration in this lesson.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
