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-

NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

MAN-MADE COUNTERFEITS

Christ: Founder of the church (Matt. 16:18)

Human founders of denominations (1 Cor. 3:11)

One body, one faith, one baptism (Eph. 4:4-6)

Many bodies, faiths & baptisms

Christ has ALL authority (Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17)

Authority vested in creeds, councils, etc.

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)

Scriptural name for church (Rom. 16:16)

Denominational names / designations

Preach only one gospel (Jude 3; Gal. 1:8-10; Acts 20:27)

Preach perverted, different gospels

Bible remains same (Matt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:23-25)

Rewrite and revise creeds

Lord adds saved to His church (Acts 2:47)

“Join” the church (denomination) of your choice

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)

All Christians are priests (1 Pet. 2:5, 9)

Clergy and laity (Matt. 23:8-9)

God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35)

“Reverend, Father” (Psa. 111:9)

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

“Faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:20, 26)

“Faith only” saves (“Grace alone by faith alone”) (Eph. 2:8-9)

“You have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4)

Cannot fall from grace (Heb. 3:12-14)

Lord’s Supper each Lord’s Day (Acts 2:42; 20:7)

According to custom / church preference

Baptism is immersion in water (Rom. 6:3-5)

Sprinkling, pouring water for baptism (Col. 2:12)

Holy Spirit baptism (Eph. 4:5)

Baptize repentant believers (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38)

Baptize infants; for the dead

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)

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.