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DefendingDefendingthe Indefensiblethe Indefensible
Examining proof-texts Examining proof-texts of liberalism of liberalism
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LiberalismLiberalism
““Not restricted to the literal Not restricted to the literal meaning; free and unconfined”meaning; free and unconfined”
Going beyond / changing God’s Going beyond / changing God’s word (word (2 Jno. 9; Rev. 22:18-192 Jno. 9; Rev. 22:18-19))
Continue to need scriptural Continue to need scriptural authority! –authority! – Colossians 3:17Colossians 3:17
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A “New A “New Hermeneutic”Hermeneutic”
Has changed the way Has changed the way many in churches of many in churches of Christ view and apply Christ view and apply Bible authorityBible authority
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Bible Authority:Bible Authority: Acts Acts 1515
Approved example,Approved example, 15:6-15:6-1111
Necessary inference,Necessary inference, 15:1215:12 ((14:314:3))
Direct statement,Direct statement, 15:13-1915:13-19
At one time Christians At one time Christians generally agreed with thisgenerally agreed with this
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Guy N. Woods, Guy N. Woods, 19571957““With much of brother Cogdill’s With much of brother Cogdill’s speech I am in complete speech I am in complete agreement …agreement … No one calls in No one calls in question these matters which he question these matters which he discussed regarding the authority discussed regarding the authority of the scripturesof the scriptures, the all-, the all-sufficiency of the church of our sufficiency of the church of our Lord in the matter of performing Lord in the matter of performing the work which God gave the the work which God gave the church to do.” church to do.” ((Cogdill-Woods DebateCogdill-Woods Debate, p. 26), p. 26)
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A New A New HermeneuticHermeneutic
““But there isBut there is nono infallible method for infallible method for interpreting Scripture. interpreting Scripture. There is no heaven-There is no heaven-given system of Bible given system of Bible study.”study.”
(Rubel Shelly & Randall J. Harris, (Rubel Shelly & Randall J. Harris, The Second IncarnationThe Second Incarnation, p. 19), p. 19)
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A New A New HermeneuticHermeneutic
““Thus weThus we rejectreject a rigida rigid ‘pattern theology’‘pattern theology’ that that simply proposes to simply proposes to transplant religious-transplant religious-cultural forms from the cultural forms from the Bible to the 20th or 21st Bible to the 20th or 21st century.”century.” ((Ibid.Ibid., p. 31), p. 31)
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A New A New HermeneuticHermeneutic
““Our hermeneutic is Our hermeneutic is thereforetherefore theologicaltheological andand ChristocentricChristocentric.”.”
((Ibid.Ibid., 28, 28))
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A New A New HermeneuticHermeneutic““Is the activity or methodology Is the activity or methodology under contemplationunder contemplation consistent with the person and consistent with the person and work of Jesus Christwork of Jesus Christ? If we do ? If we do this,this, willwill thethe peoplepeople who see itwho see it thinkthink we revealwe reveal Christ? Will Christ? Will we be doingwe be doing what people what people would expect to see Christ would expect to see Christ doingdoing in this situation?”in this situation?” ((Ibid.Ibid., , 29)29)
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Broad Broad ConsequencesConsequences““This principle hasThis principle has broad broad consequencesconsequences for ecclesiology. It for ecclesiology. It says, for example, thatsays, for example, that the church the church need not have either explicit need not have either explicit mandate or permission for mandate or permission for everything it wishes to doeverything it wishes to do. The . The church may confidently ground its church may confidently ground its activities of compassion and activities of compassion and service in the character of its service in the character of its head.” head.” ((Ibid.Ibid., 29), 29)
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The ResultsThe ResultsFewer will attempt to defend Fewer will attempt to defend their practices using Bible their practices using Bible patterns –patterns – 2 Tim. 4:3-4 (3:13)2 Tim. 4:3-4 (3:13)Silence of the Scriptures will Silence of the Scriptures will increasingly be used to increasingly be used to approve practicesapprove practicesEcumenism (unity in doctrinal Ecumenism (unity in doctrinal & moral diversity) will increase& moral diversity) will increase
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Are You an “Anti”?Are You an “Anti”?
““Opposed to a given Opposed to a given proposal, policy, etc.”proposal, policy, etc.”The chargeThe charge: We are : We are opposed to church opposed to church cooperationcooperation
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No Binding Patterns?!No Binding Patterns?!““So, it becomes necessary So, it becomes necessary to raise the question: is to raise the question: is there anthere an exclusive pattern exclusive pattern of church cooperationof church cooperation taught in the Bible? My taught in the Bible? My answer.answer. NoNo.”.”
(Guy N. Woods, (Guy N. Woods, Cogdill-Woods DebateCogdill-Woods Debate, 196), 196)
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No Binding Patterns?!No Binding Patterns?!
““The Bible doesThe Bible does notnot provide an exclusive provide an exclusive pattern forpattern for evangelismevangelism.”.”(Jackie M. Stearsman, “Church (Jackie M. Stearsman, “Church
Cooperation and Evangelism,” Cooperation and Evangelism,” The The HarvesterHarvester, Feb. 1997), Feb. 1997)
http://www.fsop.net/harvest/1996_97/february.htmhttp://www.fsop.net/harvest/1996_97/february.htm
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Cooperation Among Cooperation Among ChurchesChurches
Preach GospelPreach GospelCC
CC
$$
$$
$$
EVANGELISMEVANGELISMCC
PreacherPreacher
Acts 13:1-3; Phil. 4:15-16Acts 13:1-3; Phil. 4:15-162 Cor. 11:82 Cor. 11:8
15
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Cooperation Among Cooperation Among ChurchesChurches
PreachPreachGospelGospel
CC
CC
$$
$$
$$
EVANGELISMEVANGELISMCC
PreachePreacherr
MissionarMissionaryy
Society;Society;SponsorinSponsorin
ggChurchChurch
$$
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ScripturScripture e
Please!Please!
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Cooperation Among Cooperation Among ChurchesChurches
Relieve NeedRelieve NeedCC
CC
$$
$$
$$
BENEVOLENCEBENEVOLENCECC
Local Local Church Church (elders)(elders)
Acts 11:27-30; 1 Cor. 16:1-3Acts 11:27-30; 1 Cor. 16:1-32 Cor. 8:1-4, 13-15; 9:1, 12-14 2 Cor. 8:1-4, 13-15; 9:1, 12-14
Rom. 15:25-27Rom. 15:25-27
$$
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Cooperation Among Cooperation Among ChurchesChurches
RelieveRelieveNeedNeed
CC
CC
$$
$$
$$
BENEVOLENCEBENEVOLENCECC
NeedNeed
SPONSORINGSPONSORINGCHURCH;CHURCH;
INSTITUTIONINSTITUTION
$$$$
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ScripturScripture e
Please!Please!
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Scripture Please!Scripture Please!Church support & maintain Church support & maintain
human human organizations to do organizations to do its work?its work?
Sponsoring church overseeing Sponsoring church overseeing benevolence & evangelism benevolence & evangelism
for for many churches?many churches?
One church soliciting other One church soliciting other churches to support its work?churches to support its work?
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Liberalism Says…Liberalism Says…There is There is no binding no binding patternpattern for the work for the work of the local church…of the local church…““Whatever Whatever lovelove for God and man for God and man dictatesdictates, is the , is the law of God for the law of God for the churchchurch.”.” - - Cogdell, Cogdell, The Cogdell-Turner The Cogdell-Turner DiscussionDiscussion, 90), 90)
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NT Pattern: NT Pattern: Work of the Local Work of the Local ChurchChurch
Preach the gospel -Preach the gospel - 1 Ths. 1 Ths. 1:8; Acts 11:22; Phil. 1:5-71:8; Acts 11:22; Phil. 1:5-7
Edify the saints -Edify the saints - 1 Cor. 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:11-12; Acts 11:22f; 14:26; Eph. 4:11-12; Acts 11:22f; 13:1-213:1-2
Relieve needy saints –Relieve needy saints – Acts Acts 6:1-6; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 6:1-6; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 Tim. 5:16Tim. 5:16
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Local Church All-Local Church All-Sufficient Sufficient
The local church, under The local church, under the the oversight of its own oversight of its own
elders, is elders, is fully-fully-equippedequipped to to accomplish its God-given accomplish its God-given
workwork (Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. (Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:2)5:2)
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The issue: The issue: EvangelismEvangelism
May churches of Christ May churches of Christ build & maintain build & maintain missionary societies to missionary societies to do the work God gave do the work God gave the local church to do?the local church to do?
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The issue: The issue: EvangelismEvangelism
ChurcChurchh
Select areasSelect areas
Select preachersSelect preachers
Provide place, Provide place, supportsupport
FacilitieFacilitiess
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The issue: The issue: EvangelismEvangelism
ChurcChurchh
Select Select areasareasMeMennProvide Provide placeplaceSupport, Support, FacilitiesFacilities
MissionaryMissionarySocietySociety
(President,(President,Board,Board,
Treasury)Treasury)
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The issue: The issue: EdificationEdification
May churches of Christ May churches of Christ build & maintain build & maintain colleges to do the work colleges to do the work God gave the local God gave the local church to do?church to do?
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The issue: The issue: EdificationEdification
ChurcChurchh
Select Select curriculumcurriculumSelect teachersSelect teachers
Provides placeProvides place
Provides Provides support, support, FacilitiesFacilities
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The issue: The issue: EdificationEdification
ChurcChurchh
Select Select subjectssubjectsSelect teachersSelect teachers
Provides place,Provides place,
facilitiesfacilities
CollegeCollege
(President,(President,Board,Board,
Treasury)Treasury)
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The issue: The issue: BenevolenceBenevolence
May churches of Christ May churches of Christ build & maintain build & maintain benevolent societies to benevolent societies to do the work God gave do the work God gave the local church to do?the local church to do?
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ChurcChurchh
Sees need, Acts 6Sees need, Acts 6
Appoints men, Acts Appoints men, Acts 66
Provides place, Provides place, supportsupportCare, facilitiesCare, facilities
The issue: The issue: BenevolenceBenevolence
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ChurcChurchh
Sees needSees need
Appoints menAppoints men
Provides place,Provides place,
Support, Support, care, etc.care, etc.
BenevolentBenevolentSocietySociety
(President,(President,Board,Board,
Treasury)Treasury)
The issue: The issue: BenevolenceBenevolence
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Benevolence: Saints Benevolence: Saints ONLYONLY
SINGINGSINGINGEph. 5:19Eph. 5:19
Col. 3:16Col. 3:16
1 Cor. 14:151 Cor. 14:15
Matt. 26:30Matt. 26:30
Jas. 5:13Jas. 5:13
Acts 16:25Acts 16:25
Heb. 2:12Heb. 2:12
SAINTSSAINTSActs 2:44-45Acts 2:44-45
Acts 6:1-6Acts 6:1-6
Acts 11:29-30Acts 11:29-30
Rom. 15:26-27Rom. 15:26-27
1 Cor. 16:11 Cor. 16:1
2 Cor. 8-92 Cor. 8-9
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Liberalism Says…Liberalism Says…
Whatever theWhatever the individualindividual ChristianChristian can do can do thethe churchchurch can docan do
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Fail to Distinguish Fail to Distinguish Individual Action & Church Individual Action & Church
ActionAction Galatians 6:10: Galatians 6:10: Misapplied Misapplied
to to okay general benevolenceokay general benevolence
James 1:27:James 1:27: Misapplied to Misapplied to okay church support of okay church support of human organizationshuman organizations
- Mark 14:7 -- Mark 14:7 -
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Churches or Individuals?Churches or Individuals?Jno. 15:1-6Jno. 15:1-6 Gal. 6:1-10Gal. 6:1-10 Jas. 1:18-27Jas. 1:18-2722 - branch- branch 11 - man, you- man, you 1818 - us, we- us, we33 - you (pl.)- you (pl.) 22 - you, one- you, one 19-2019-20 - breth., man- breth., man44 - you- you 33 - anyone,- anyone, 2121 - your souls- your souls55 - - you,he,himyou,he,him
himself, himself, hehe
2222 - yourselves- yourselves
66 - anyone, - anyone, hehe
4-54-5 - each one- each one 2323 - anyone, man, - anyone, man, hehe
6-76-7 - him, man- him, man 2424 - he, himself - he, himself manman
88 - he, his- he, his 2525 - he who, one- he who, one
99 - us, we- us, we 2626 - anyone, he- anyone, he
1010 - we, us- we, us 2727 - oneself- oneself
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Scriptural DistinctionScriptural DistinctionMatt. 18:15-17: Matt. 18:15-17: One, one or One, one or
two more, the churchtwo more, the church
1 Tim. 5:16:1 Tim. 5:16: Let not the Let not the church church be charged, but the be charged, but the individual individual family member is family member is chargedcharged
Acts 11:22:Acts 11:22: The church The church acted, acted, and so did an individualand so did an individual
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Liberalism Says…Liberalism Says…
The local church The local church should provideshould provide benevolentbenevolent reliefrelief toto all all menmen (saints & sinners)(saints & sinners)
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The Argument:The Argument:
Jesus’ compassionate Jesus’ compassionate miracles allow the local miracles allow the local church to relieve the church to relieve the needs of needs of saintssaints & & sinnerssinners alikealike
Matthew 4:23; 25:35-40Matthew 4:23; 25:35-40
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The Argument:The Argument:““Jesus not only releases but Jesus not only releases but compels the modern church compels the modern church to find incrementally more to find incrementally more effective ways to feed the effective ways to feed the hungry, cloth the needy, hungry, cloth the needy, minister to the outcasts, and minister to the outcasts, and provide homes for the provide homes for the homeless…homeless…
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The Argument:The Argument:“…“…Literacy programs, soup Literacy programs, soup kitchens, drug dependency kitchens, drug dependency programs, and prison programs, and prison outreaches need no other outreaches need no other justification than that, in such justification than that, in such activities, the church takes on activities, the church takes on both the heart and demeanor both the heart and demeanor of the one she calls Lord and of the one she calls Lord and Master.” Master.” (Shelly/Harris, 29)(Shelly/Harris, 29)
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Defending the Defending the IndefensibleIndefensible
Confirming miracles, Confirming miracles, Jno. Jno. 5:36; 10:385:36; 10:38
Not all were healed, Not all were healed, 2 2 Tim. Tim. 4:204:20
Individuals stand in Individuals stand in judgment, judgment, not churchesnot churches
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The Argument:The Argument:
2 Cor. 9:13:2 Cor. 9:13: ALL MENALL MEN Are told that churches Are told that churches relieved the needs of relieved the needs of all menall men
Are told that churches sent Are told that churches sent funds to relievefunds to relieve all men all men in in Jerusalem, not just needy Jerusalem, not just needy saintssaints
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Defending the Defending the IndefensibleIndefensible
Translation – “men” supplied Translation – “men” supplied by translators of KJV & NKJVby translators of KJV & NKJV
Pantas:Pantas: “all of a like kind, “all of a like kind, everything”everything”
Humanity does not adhere to Humanity does not adhere to the word (the word (context determinescontext determines))
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The Context:The Context:SaintsSaints (Jerusalem & all (Jerusalem & all
others)others) 2 Cor. 8:42 Cor. 8:4 – to the saints – to the saints 2 Cor. 9:12 Cor. 9:1 – to the saints – to the saints 2 Cor. 9:122 Cor. 9:12 – needs of saints – needs of saints 2 Cor. 9:13 (Rom. 15:27)2 Cor. 9:13 (Rom. 15:27) – –
Sharing (Sharing (fellowshipfellowship) ) (Eph. 5:11; 2 (Eph. 5:11; 2 Jno. 10-11)Jno. 10-11)
2 Cor. 9:142 Cor. 9:14 – Recipients – Recipients prayedprayed for sending churchesfor sending churches
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2 Corinthians 9:132 Corinthians 9:13Money RAISED for saints,Money RAISED for saints, 1 Cor. 1 Cor. 16:1; Rom. 15:2616:1; Rom. 15:26
Money SENT to saints,Money SENT to saints, Rom. 15:25Rom. 15:25
Money RECEIVED by saints,Money RECEIVED by saints, Rm. Rm. 15:3115:31
Money SUPPLIED NEEDS of saints,Money SUPPLIED NEEDS of saints, 2 Cor. 9:122 Cor. 9:12DID PAUL MISAPPLY THESE DID PAUL MISAPPLY THESE
FUNDS?!FUNDS?!
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Liberalism Says…Liberalism Says…The local church mayThe local church may buildbuild &/or&/or supportsupport human organizationshuman organizations to do its benevolent to do its benevolent & evangelistic work& evangelistic work
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The Argument:The Argument:Church-supported benevolent Church-supported benevolent
organizationsorganizations The end justifies the meansThe end justifies the means
““The The church has a primary mission to church has a primary mission to perform and work to do - saving souls perform and work to do - saving souls and keeping them saved. Butand keeping them saved. But any any activityactivity that will contribute to thatthat will contribute to that endend which is not of itself sinful, iswhich is not of itself sinful, is permissiblepermissible for the church to engage for the church to engage in,in, as long as it is done with that end in as long as it is done with that end in viewview……
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The Argument:The Argument:The end justifies the meansThe end justifies the means
““Furthermore, the church canFurthermore, the church can use use any means and methods any means and methods thatthat it sees it sees fitfit toto accomplish this accomplish this endend so long as so long as those means and methods are not in those means and methods are not in and of themselves sinful.”and of themselves sinful.”
(Gaston Cogdell, p. 91-92)(Gaston Cogdell, p. 91-92)
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Defending the Defending the IndefensibleIndefensible
The end does not justify the The end does not justify the means – means – Rom. 3:8Rom. 3:8
The “view in mind” must be The “view in mind” must be “good” “good” in God’s sight – in God’s sight – Heb. Heb. 13:2113:21
That is defined by God’s word, That is defined by God’s word, not not our good intentions! – our good intentions! – 2 Tim. 2 Tim. 3: 3: 16-1716-17
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The Argument:The Argument:Church-supported benevolent Church-supported benevolent
organizationsorganizations No instructions to the churchNo instructions to the church
““There are There are no instructionsno instructions in the in the scriptures as to scriptures as to howhow the church is the church is to carry on its work of to carry on its work of evangelization and benevolence.”evangelization and benevolence.” (Gaston Cogdell, p. 95)(Gaston Cogdell, p. 95)
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The Argument:The Argument:Church-supported Church-supported
benevolent benevolent organizationsorganizations No instructions to the No instructions to the churchchurch
““Helping the needy is a matter of Helping the needy is a matter of faith; the faith; the howhow to do this work is in to do this work is in the realm of human judgment.” the realm of human judgment.” (Perry B. Cotham, (Perry B. Cotham, Anti-ismAnti-ism, ,
The 18The 18thth Annual Mid-West Lectures, 2000) Annual Mid-West Lectures, 2000)
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Defending the Defending the IndefensibleIndefensible
A method (expedient) must first A method (expedient) must first be authorized – be authorized – 1 Cor. 10:231 Cor. 10:23
Local churchLocal church is the organization is the organization authorized to meet such needs authorized to meet such needs among the saintsamong the saints
Bible silentBible silent re. re. another another organizationorganization to be built, funded to be built, funded and/or and/or operated by the local operated by the local church!church!
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The Argument:The Argument:Church-supported benevolent Church-supported benevolent
organizations:organizations: James 1:27James 1:27 Pure religion allows a church to Pure religion allows a church to build, fund &/or maintain build, fund &/or maintain organizations (orphan’s homes, organizations (orphan’s homes, etc.) as method of benevolenceetc.) as method of benevolence
54
Defending the Defending the IndefensibleIndefensible
Context of Context of James 1:27James 1:27 Individual Christian, not the Individual Christian, not the
collective action of the collective action of the local local churchchurchRemember, individual & Remember, individual & church church are not the same are not the same thing!thing!
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James 1:27James 1:27
VisitVisitFatherless Fatherless
and widowsand widows
•Bridle tongueBridle tongue
•Not deceive Not deceive himselfhimself
•Keep himself Keep himself unspottedunspotted
The Same ManThe Same Man
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The Argument:The Argument:Sponsoring Church Sponsoring Church
Arrangement Arrangement in Evangelismin Evangelism Philippi was sponsoring Philippi was sponsoring church in Macedonia - Phil. church in Macedonia - Phil. 4:15-164:15-16Acts 18:5Acts 18:5 - Historical setting- Historical setting2 Cor. 11:82 Cor. 11:8 - Wages from churches- Wages from churchesPhilippi the “accounting” church for Philippi the “accounting” church for other churchesother churches
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Defending the Defending the IndefensibleIndefensible
Contradicts Paul – Contradicts Paul – Phil. 4:15-16Phil. 4:15-16““No church…you only…you No church…you only…you sent…”sent…”Destroys independence & Destroys independence & autonomyautonomy
Whose work is itWhose work is it:: Giving church? Giving church? Sponsoring church?Sponsoring church?
Who exercises oversightWho exercises oversight:: Giving Giving church? Sponsoring church?church? Sponsoring church?
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The Argument:The Argument:Sponsoring Church Arrangement Sponsoring Church Arrangement
in Benevolencein Benevolence Jerusalem was sponsoring Jerusalem was sponsoring church – Acts 11:27-30church – Acts 11:27-30Relief to brethren in Judea (Relief to brethren in Judea (11:2911:29))Sent to the elders (Sent to the elders (11:30; Acts 11:30; Acts 12:2512:25))
Conclusion: Funds sent to Jerusalem Conclusion: Funds sent to Jerusalem elders, who distributed the reliefelders, who distributed the relief
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Defending the Defending the IndefensibleIndefensible
Paul was unknown to brethren Paul was unknown to brethren in in Judea before relief of Judea before relief of Acts 11Acts 11 – – Gal. 1:18-24 (v. 22)Gal. 1:18-24 (v. 22)
Acts 26:20Acts 26:20 – Paul preached – Paul preached “throughout all the region of Judea”“throughout all the region of Judea”
before going to the Gentiles. before going to the Gentiles. WhenWhen??
This relief trip…to elders in Judea!This relief trip…to elders in Judea!Last stop: Jerusalem – Last stop: Jerusalem – Acts 12:25Acts 12:25
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Church-sponsored Social and Church-sponsored Social and Recreational Activities:Recreational Activities:““For the church to For the church to turn asideturn aside from its from its divine work to furnish divine work to furnish amusementamusement andand recreationrecreation is to is to pervertpervert its mission. It is its mission. It is to to degrade its missiondegrade its mission. Amusement and . Amusement and recreation should stem from the recreation should stem from the homehome rather than the church. The church, like rather than the church. The church, like Nehemiah, has a great work to do; and it Nehemiah, has a great work to do; and it should not come down on the plains of should not come down on the plains of Ono to amuse and entertain.”Ono to amuse and entertain.”
(B.C. Goodpasture, (B.C. Goodpasture, Gospel AdvocateGospel Advocate, May 20, 1948), May 20, 1948)
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Church-sponsored Social and Church-sponsored Social and Recreational Activities:Recreational Activities:
““Building recreation rooms and Building recreation rooms and providing and supervising providing and supervising recreational activities at the recreational activities at the expense of the church is a expense of the church is a departuredeparture from the simple from the simple gospel plan as revealed in the gospel plan as revealed in the New Testament.”New Testament.”
((Gospel Advocate Annual CommentaryGospel Advocate Annual Commentary, 1951, p. 229), 1951, p. 229)
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The Argument:The Argument:
Church-sponsored Social Church-sponsored Social Activities and Activities and Acts 2:42-46Acts 2:42-46
The early Christians ate The early Christians ate together together
The church can facilitate The church can facilitate such such social gatherings social gatherings todaytoday
63
Defending the Defending the IndefensibleIndefensible
Acts 2:42Acts 2:42 - Lord’s Supper, not a - Lord’s Supper, not a meal to satisfy hungermeal to satisfy hunger
Acts 2:46Acts 2:46 – Church met in the – Church met in the temple to worship & learntemple to worship & learnActs 2:46Acts 2:46 – Meals – Meals “from house to “from house to
house”house” – Not a fellowship hall! – Not a fellowship hall!
Homes & church-provided Homes & church-provided facilities facilities are two different are two different things!things!
64
The Argument:The Argument:
Church-sponsored Social Church-sponsored Social ActivitiesActivities & & 1 Cor. 11:17-1 Cor. 11:17-
2222Paul was rebuking abuse Paul was rebuking abuse of Lord’s Supper, not of Lord’s Supper, not banning church-provided banning church-provided social activitiessocial activities
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Defending the Defending the IndefensibleIndefensible
11:2011:20 – Purpose of coming – Purpose of coming together: Eat Lord’s Suppertogether: Eat Lord’s Supper
11:2211:22 – Perversion rebuked – Perversion rebuked
11:3411:34 – Solution: Remove – Solution: Remove meals meals from your meetings! from your meetings! (11:22, 34)(11:22, 34)
Churches have assumed a work Churches have assumed a work the Lord did not authorize!the Lord did not authorize!
66
LiberalismLiberalismTakes one away from the Takes one away from the word of God & thus, away word of God & thus, away from God (from God (2 John 92 John 9))
Bible patternsBible patterns for for workwork and and organizationorganization of the church of the church are revealed & settled in are revealed & settled in Scripture – Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16-2 Timothy 3:16-1717
67
TruthTruth
““Buy the truth and do not Buy the truth and do not sell it, Also wisdom and sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and instruction and understanding.”understanding.”
(Proverbs 23:23)(Proverbs 23:23)
68
Bible AuthorityBible Authority
““And whatever you do in And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”Father through Him.”
(Colossians 3:17)(Colossians 3:17)