Opposition will come against Bible Teaching n Questions can be profitable to cause us look anew at the Bible and make applications to this life.

Opposition will come against Bible Teaching n The problem comes when we allow the n Questions can be profitable to cause us look anew at the Bible and make applications to this life. n As we discern we need to see the difference in good and evil. (Heb 5:12-14)

Opposition will come against Bible Teaching n Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV) - For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

Opposition will come against Bible Teaching n But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Opposition will come against Bible Teaching n But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. n Satan does not label things as “sin” or “evil.” If he does place a label it would be as “good,” and “acceptable to God.” (Isa 5:20-21)

Opposition will come against Bible Teaching n Isaiah 5:20-21 (NKJV) - Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!

Opposition will come against Bible Teaching n We must make these judgments or experience the consequences!

Opposition will come against Bible Teaching n In the last month I have received several questions from our website ( that I decided to use for our question night.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Does Heb. 10:25 include all services, or just the First Day of the Week? Some say that it includes all of the following: Sunday Bible Study, Regular Morning Worship, Sunday Evening, and Wednesday Evening, while others say it should include Ladies Bible Study, Men's Business Meetings,

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Congregational Meetings, all the days of a Gospel Meeting, or any time there is a "church" meeting of any kind.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV) - not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Answer: Hebrews 10:25 is a general statement concerning assemblies of Christians.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Answer: Hebrews 10:25 is a general statement concerning assemblies of Christians. n How does a local church determine the kind and frequency of its assemblies?

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Answer: Hebrews 10:25 is a general statement concerning assemblies of Christians. n How does a local church determine the kind and frequency of its assemblies? n There is a weekly assembly that is required by the Lord (1 Cor 16:2; Acts 20:7)

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NKJV) - On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Acts 20:7 (NKJV) - Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n All assemblies of Christians require some kind of decision making process, or, in other words, a leadership (Heb 13:17).

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) - Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n You cannot have an assembly without a place and time!

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n You cannot have an assembly without a place and time! n There are decisions that a leadership may make that obligate every member to obey.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n You cannot have an assembly without a place and time! n There are decisions that a leadership may make that obligate every member to obey. n A local leadership may have assemblies that are “required” and some that are “optional.”

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n You cannot have an assembly without a place and time! n There are decisions that a leadership may make that obligate every member to obey. n A local leadership may have assemblies that are “required” and some that are “optional.” n The best appeal to Christians concerns their heart and motives. (2 Cor 8:1-5)

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NKJV) - Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Also, should missing Bible Study, Sunday Evening and Wednesday Evening be construed serious enough for disfellowshiping? If so, where is the scriptures for these meetings (there is no question about the morning worship on the First Day of the Week)?

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Answer: Any sin that a person walks in without repentance can subject one to being “marked” by a local church. (2 Thess 3:6).

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (NKJV) - But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n We also should make a distinction concerning how quickly we act (Jude 22-23).

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Jude 1:22-23 (NKJV) - And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n In the cases where I have been a part of such discipline, the individual had completely stopped attending and also recognized that they were in sin.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Also, are we putting ourselves in the same class of people as the Pharisees (making laws where God has not made) and using them as a test of fellowship?

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Answer: Among the sins of the Pharisees was the making of man-made laws

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Answer: Among the sins of the Pharisees was the making of man-made laws n (Mt 15:3-6, 8-9), but their greater sin involved the pride and blindness of their hearts (Mt 23).

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n There is a big difference between a local church making essential decisions concerning the edification of Christians (Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17) and the man-made laws of the Pharisees.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Matthew 15:3-6 (NKJV) - He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n 5But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”—6then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV) - ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Acts 20:28 (NKJV) - Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) - Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n I have known of proud, hard-hearted “Christians” that proclaimed their “rights” to attend only the service that the Lord ’s Supper was offered.

Questions on Hebrews 10:25 n In this case, the one who called others “Pharisees” was actually the “Pharisee” himself.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n How do bad personal experiences influence a preacher to make steps toward a wider fellowship?

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Answer: It is not just preachers that are affected by this. Bitterness, when allowed into the heart, will destroy faith over time (Heb 12:14-15)

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Hebrews 2:14-15 (NKJV) - Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n In my experience this has been the primary cause of apostasy within those I have known.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n In my experience this has been the primary cause of apostasy within those I have known. n Uncontrolled anger can indeed bring you under the control of Satan. (Eph 4:25-26)

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Ephesians 4:25-26 (NKJV) - Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Reactionary Apostasy - Here is a situation that isn't hypothetical. It is common, thus Worthy of our attention.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n In a local church where there is a history of objection to the sponsoring church arrangement and other unauthorized innovations, war breaks out. Brethren "bite and devour one another," and the ugly/ result is "envy and self-seeking... confusion and every evil thing" (Gal. 5:15; Jas. 3:16). There is a division, perhaps followed by another; snide, sarcastic remarks. Preachers are fired, elders resign, members are agitated and a cold sterile atmosphere takes hold.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n In the midst of this turmoil, as impatience and disgust turns into bitterness there are some who just quit. They join a nearby liberal church, enter into the mainstream of Protestant denominationalism or entirely give up the matter of religion. Though I'm not altogether satisfied with this description, I'm going to call this: reactionary apostasy.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Reactionary apostasy is usually accompanied by a statement some thing like these: "I'm fed up with conservative churches of Christ," or "There has got to be something wrong with 'conservative church of Christ' religion." --- Warren E. Berkley

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n What book would someone have read if they really thought the true practice of the 1st century Lord’s Supper was a common meal that was shared during the service?

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Answer: It would not be the Bible that encouraged that view. The scriptures teach the very opposite (1 Cor 11:17-22, 34)!

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 (NKJV) - Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n 20Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n 1 Corinthians 11:34 (NKJV) - But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n There are at least 2 popular books that teach these things, “Come to the Table: Revisioning the Lord's Supper” by Mark Hicks and “Radical Restoration” by LaGard Smith. (See Terry Benton’s review of “Radical Restoration” at: eLiberty/message/74 eLiberty/message/74 eLiberty/message/74

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n I believe that this and other faddish positions are a product of associations rather than careful Bible study (1 Cor 15:33)

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV) - Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Should someone think a false teacher is only a person who has insincere motives in their teaching?

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Answer: I believe that a false teacher commonly has both heart issues and doctrinal issues. Sometime the scriptures address both (Jude), and sometime just the doctrine is addressed (Rev 2:14-15).

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Revelation 2:14-15 (NKJV) - But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n We can have discussions about what the scriptures mean when we use the term “false teacher.”

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n We can have discussions about what the scriptures mean when we use the term “false teacher.” n We need to be clear about what to do when false doctrine is freely allowed to be taught under the banner of “openness.” That spirit is not openness by rather one of pride (1 Cor 5:1; 2 Cor 11:1-4, 18-21)

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n 1 Corinthians 5:1 (NKJV) - It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife!

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 (NKJV) - Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted— you may well put up with it!

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n 2 Corinthians 11:18-21 (NKJV) - Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. 19 For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! 20 For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. 21 To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Should we think that non-instrumental music in worship is a logical and natural conclusion from the N.T.?

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Answer: I do believe that opposition to instrumental music is a natural outcome of an understanding of the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the completeness of the scriptures (Luke 6:46; Jn 12:48; Col 3:17)

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Luke 6:46 (NKJV) - “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n John 12:48 (NKJV) - He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) - 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.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Please follow the outlines and discussion from our current study of the local church at: ct.htm ct.htm ct.htm

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Considering men that have moved away from the faith, which you have known personally, what were the warning signs in their public preaching? I would like to call them veiled subtleties that leave you uneasy after hearing the sermons.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Answer: There are several symptoms that I have observed. All of these are a natural product of pride.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n A magnifying and glorying over the faults of brethren.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n A magnifying and glorying over the faults of brethren. n Quickly writing off others as unworthy of study and therefore to be avoided.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n When Satan's “grace” is involved, there will be quick judgments about others. Many are quickly labeled as unworthy of study, particularly if they have displayed a strong faith and knowledge of God’s word. However, those who are struggling and separated from other Christians are often approached in private about these new views (2 Peter 2:1).

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n 2 Peter 2:1 (NKJV) - But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n A lack of honesty concerning their true beliefs.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Those who are motivated by Satan's wisdom have learned to lie. They have as their goal to bring as many into their party as possible and in any way they can. If a false impression about their own beliefs would keep a knowledgeable Christian from questioning them and thus give them more time to work behind the scenes, then they will do that very thing. If they can misrepresent what another Christian believes so they can pull another Christian into their group, then they will do that too (Gal 4:17).

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n Galatians 4:17 (NKJV) - They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n A heart filled with anger and bitterness.

Questions concerning steps to a compromised fellowship n We must know the difference between these philosophies. From my personal experience, I have found most that have used God's grace as a weapon have hearts that are filled with anger and bitterness. Sadly, if given time, they will fill their disciples with this same spirit. Keep your eyes open and see if it is God or Satan that is behind these teachings. rningTheGraceOfGodIntoACarnalWeapon.ht m rningTheGraceOfGodIntoACarnalWeapon.ht m rningTheGraceOfGodIntoACarnalWeapon.ht m

Questions about denominational baptism n Yet I do think it is possible that there are those Baptists who believe baptism to be a part of salvation -- even if the preacher who is baptizing them doesn't. Does the "baptizer’s” heart have anything to do with the one being baptized's salvation? n Yet I do think it is possible that there are those Baptists who believe baptism to be a part of salvation -- even if the preacher who is baptizing them doesn't. Does the "baptizer’s” heart have anything to do with the one being baptized's salvation?

Questions about denominational baptism n Yet I do think it is possible that there are those Baptists who believe baptism to be a part of salvation -- even if the preacher who is baptizing them doesn't. Does the "baptizer’s” heart have anything to do with the one being baptized's salvation? n Yet I do think it is possible that there are those Baptists who believe baptism to be a part of salvation -- even if the preacher who is baptizing them doesn't. Does the "baptizer’s” heart have anything to do with the one being baptized's salvation? n Before one can be baptized one must:

Questions about denominational baptism n Yet I do think it is possible that there are those Baptists who believe baptism to be a part of salvation -- even if the preacher who is baptizing them doesn't. Does the "baptizer’s” heart have anything to do with the one being baptized's salvation? n Yet I do think it is possible that there are those Baptists who believe baptism to be a part of salvation -- even if the preacher who is baptizing them doesn't. Does the "baptizer’s” heart have anything to do with the one being baptized's salvation? n Before one can be baptized one must: n Have heard the word of the Lord. (Acts 16:31-33)

Questions about denominational baptism n Have believed in Jesus as the Son of God. (Mark 16:15-16)

Questions about denominational baptism n Have believed in Jesus as the Son of God. (Mark 16:15-16) n Have repented of their sins. (Acts 2:38)

Questions about denominational baptism n Have believed in Jesus as the Son of God. (Mark 16:15-16) n Have repented of their sins. (Acts 2:38) n Have confessed with the mouth that Jesus is Lord. (Rom 10:9-10)

Questions about denominational baptism n Have believed in Jesus as the Son of God. (Mark 16:15-16) n Have repented of their sins. (Acts 2:38) n Have confessed with the mouth that Jesus is Lord. (Rom 10:9-10) n If even one of these steps are left out the one being baptized has gotten wet. He has yet to receive scriptural baptism.

Questions about denominational baptism n I do not know of any requirement for the one doing the baptism.

Questions about denominational baptism n I do not know of any requirement for the one doing the baptism. n How I can know for sure what is in one’s heart?

Questions about denominational baptism n I do not know of any requirement for the one doing the baptism. n How I can know for sure what is in one’s heart? n There are human doctrines in denominations that make it impossible for one to know that they have a scriptural baptism (Ex. Apostolic succession and an “authorized clergy)

Questions about denominational baptism n I do realize that all the examples we have in the New Testament are of believers doing the baptizing. Is that a necessary inference? n I do realize that all the examples we have in the New Testament are of believers doing the baptizing. Is that a necessary inference?

Questions about denominational baptism n These are examples. I would only seek out a Christian, but, as we have already noted, we cannot know for sure!

Questions about denominational baptism n These are examples. I would only seek out a Christian, but, as we have already noted, we cannot know for sure! n I personally was baptized in the Baptist church and later concluded that it was insufficient (Acts 19:1-5)

Questions about denominational baptism n Let us place our focus upon God and not upon men. (Rom 3:4; Gal 1:10)

Questions about denominational baptism n Romans 3:4 (NKJV) - Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”

Questions about denominational baptism n Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.