Category: Institutionalism
Subject: Institutionalism
Sermon: Is the Church the Only Bride of Christ?
Ian Tilley discusses the issue which divided brethren in the first half of the 20 century, with warnings for us today.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
An Example of the Social Gospel
An example of the social gospel being implemented among institutional churches of Christ appeared in my email inbox the other day. It is from India, and is being bankrolled by numerous sponsoring churches in America.
The author of the email is Mani Padigipalli, an Indian preacher and doctor. He reports the following: “After four years of hard work and difficult inspections from the federal government, we are all set to send bi-vocational workers into different countries in the world. Yes, you read it right—we are all set to send workers into the world from India.” (Note: their initial efforts will be in several Arab countries. They have targeted workers that speak Hindi and Urdu, and are familiar with Islamic culture. Continue reading “An Example of the Social Gospel”
Sermon: The Controversy Over Institutionalism
Lesson 3 of 5 in Lecturshipe Series: Controversy Among the People of God
Speaker: Brantley Gallman
This lesson examines the Institutional issues that divided the Lord’s church in the middle of the 20th century. Such division remains today.
Sermon: 150 Years of Controversy
Lesson 2 of 5 in Lectureship Series: Controversy Among the People of God
Speaker: Stan Cox
This lesson examines controversies that have troubled God’s people in the last 150 years. This is especially an examination of the Lord’s church in recent history, here in America. Issues discussed include the Missionary Society, Instrumental Music, Premillennialism & the Grace/Unity movement.
Sermon: Some Identifying Marks of the Lord’s Church
The description given of the Lord’s church in the New Testament differs markedly from the denominations today. His church, however, exists and is identifiable in our time.
Sermon: Engaging the Community
In the first century the church did not pander to the community, desperately seeking relevance or acceptance. Instead, the church proclaimed the gospel, infuriating some and saving others.
Baptists Fire Football Coach!
Baylor University, (a university associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas), is the largest Baptist University in the world. The university football team competes in the Big 12 conference, and finished last season with the 13th ranked team in the nation.
On Thursday, a scandal broke, when reporters uncovered institutional efforts to squelch the investigation of sexual assault claims made against players on the football team. Art Briles, the head coach of the football team, was allegedly aware of the cover-up, and was summarily dismissed from his position.
Sermon: Antipathy Towards Autonomy
A recent petition that circulated online addressing members of the church of Christ contains language that is so sectarian it clearly indicates the impact institutionalism has had upon God’s people.
This sermon examines the language and sentiments used in that petition, contrasting them with God’s word.
Sermon: Institutionalism
The following sermon was preached in two parts, in the AM and PM services.
The practice of Institutionalism has caused a large and unfortunate division among God’s people. Those who practice it violate the authority of scripture.
The lesson discusses the dangers of 4 aspects of the Institutional question, showing the contrast between such practices and the pattern established in scripture. These four aspects are:
- The church support of human institutions.
- The sponsoring church arrangement.
- The concept of unlimited church benevolence.
- The practice of the Social Gospel.
Audio (Part 1)
Audio (Part 2)
From the Preacher’s Pen: A Presumptuous Invitation
This past week we received in the mail an invitation to join with other churches in the area in an effort to increase evangelism in our community. The invitation was from a human organization whose purpose was to teach our members how to evangelize, and to explain to churches how the work could be done most effectively. It was suggested that we send an “Advanced coordinator,” an “Event coordinator”, and a “Youth coordinator”, but emphasized the need for every church to at least send a contact person to the seminar they would be holding.
The absurdity of this request is evident. How can a human organization instruct the God created institution in how to do the work God gave it to do? The fact that such an organization did not exist in the first century, and that such designations as the above “coordinators” is unknown to scripture shows just how truly misguided is this invitation. It is eminently unscriptural, and without Divine approval.
That doesn’t mean, however, that as a congregation of God’s people we are sufficiently active and effective in sharing the gospel message with our community. It takes diligent effort and a sharpening of the Spirit’s sword to accomplish the work God has given for US to do in this town. If we don’t do it, it will not be done. God has granted to us a “great and effective door” (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:9). Will you do your part by walking through, and teaching others about the Christ?
“Crossing the Rubicon”
In 1967, Fanning Yater Tant wrote an editorial in The Gospel Guardian titled, On the Banks of the Rubicon. The title was taken from the common phrase “crossing the Rubicon,” referring to a small river crossed by Julius Caesar in defiance of the Roman senate. His treasonous action could have no result other than victory or death. The phrase is used to refer to an irrevocable action or an event from which there could be no turning back.
The editorial appeared in a special issue of the magazine dealing with institutional issues, specifically the sponsoring church arrangement. As Tant wrote, the issue was intended to exhort brethren to “turn their backs once and forever on the enticing, exciting, and deadly! country that lies across the Rubicon, the country of ‘denominational Christianity.’”
From the Preacher’s Pen: The Social Gospel – Alive and Well
In the last issue of The Christian Chronicle, which claims to be an “International newspaper for Churches of Christ” I found information about the following:
- Two different “ministries” to help people write resumes, and find employment.
- A congregation in Great Falls, Montana that welcomes visitors on Sunday nights by taking them a freshly baked apple pie the next day. The same congregation has an annual picnic and Olympics, complete with the ubiquitous sack race.
- Help wanted ads for positions like “Family Life Minister”, “Youth Minister”, and one church that wants to combine the two for a “Youth/Family Life Minister”.
- A dinner ($25 per ticket) sponsored by the White’s Ferry Road church of Christ in West Monroe, LA with Missy Robertson, (from Duck Dynasty) as featured speaker.
The social gospel is alive and well. The churches that began back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, to embrace the idea that the church’s purpose and work includes secular entertainment and social engineering have continued to conceive and implement ever more outlandish and silly ideas. It has reached the point where they never even ask the question “is it authorized?” They no longer consider the admonition of the apostle Paul, given in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to god the Father through Him.” We must be ever vigilant in our efforts to submit to God’s will.
Progressive VS Conservative
Webster’s Dictionary defines progressive as, (a) of, relating to, or characterized by progress; (b) making use of or interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities. In relation to politics and societal trends, a progressive is interested in change. He wants to try new ideas, take advantage of new technologies, and is always trying to make the world a better place by replacing old ideas and ways with new ones.
One antonym of progressive, as supplied by Webster, is the word conservative. Again, speaking politically and societally, the conservative is wary of change. He embraces the way things have been done in the past, declaring them tried and true. He does not believe that change is for the better, and rejects new ideas and technologies as merely novel, fearing unknown consequences should they be adopted.
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.
Sermon: Let Not the Church Be Burdened
Sermon by Wayne Goforth
The First lesson in our Fall Gospel Meeting. Wayne uses the text of 1 Timothy 5:16 to argue against all of the additions of Institutionalism. The work of the church is limited to Evangelism, Edification and a limited scope of benevolence. To add to these is to burden the church, and is unacceptable to God.
