1. “TRENDS” What are we allowing to influence us? Are brethren seeking to change “how we do things”?

2. We need to be concerned about… Positive Preaching Movement Man Centered Worship The Social Gospel

3. “Like the Nations Around Us” ( Why I Am So Concerned)

4. Good Intentions I do NOT question the sincerity of their motives! I do not deny that what they do are good works!

5. Good Intentions Are good intentions enough? Matthew 7:21-23 2 Sam. 6:1-8 - Uzzah Acts 23:1 – Paul Romans 10:1-4 – The Jews Prov. 14:12

6. Success of Such Movements Many are asking, “How do they do it?” “What can we do to be successful like them?” Are some churches of Christ asking these questions? Changing name Rethinking worship Rethinking moral issues Reinventing authority

7. Success of Such Movements Desire to be “like nations around us”? 1 Samuel 8:5, 2-3, 19-20 Was there a proper solution? Are we seeing trends toward such? 2 Pet. 3:16

8. Success of Such Movements God’s view of success! Isaiah 55:8-9 Hosea 14:9 Ephesians 3:10-11

9. Success of Such Movements Is reexamination wrong? NO! It is a MUST! 2 Cor. 13:5 We SHOULD ask, “What are we doing to win more?” But WHY are we asking this? Will we respect God’s will?

10. Losing our Distinction? Jeremiah 6:16 2 Kings 22:8-9 Nehemiah 8:13-18 Restoration is about RESTORING something to its original condition! Are we seeking to restore the New Testament church?

11. Losing our Distinction? Are we STILL willing to set ourselves apart? Matt. 10:34-39, Heb. 4:12 The truth brings a sword Are we seeing an erosion of that distinction?

12. Losing our Distinction? Where are we drawing “the line”? Jeremiah 18:15 Prov. 22:28

13. Losing our Distinction? The need for distinction 1 Cor. 14:7-8 2 Corinthians 6:17 Ephesians 5:25-27 Titus 2:14, 1 Pet. 2:9 NEVER be ashamed of what sets us apart from the world!

14. Another Assault on the Gospel The everlasting gospel - Revelation 14:6 Jude 3, 1 Pet. 1:24-25 Galatians 1:6-9

15. Another Assault on the Gospel Far too many churches are choosing the “less offensive” approach to the Bible. They WATER down the gospel! What did Paul preach? “The whole counsel of God” Acts 20:27

16. Another Assault on the Gospel Revisit 2 Timothy 4:2 When should we preach the gospel? Private or public? Or both? Acts 20:20 For the weak, the “main service” may be your only chance!

17. Why is this Happening? What can we do to prevent these things from influencing us? 1.Preach on authority often! 2.Are we as enthusiastic in our worship as we ought to be? Rev. 3:15, 2:4

18. Why is this Happening? What can we do to prevent these things from influencing us? 3. Worship & serve God with REVERENCE! Heb. 12:28 4. Do NOT allow the wisdom of men to be our influence and motivation - 1 Cor. 2:1-5

19. May we NEVER be ashamed of His gospel OR His church!