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The Great Apostasy Church built in Jerusalem – 33 AD It was not a denomination It is the Pattern for Us to Follow Apostles warned of departure

Acts 20:28-30 28. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

2 Thes. 2:3-4 Apostasy, defection 3. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” 1 Timothy 4:1 Shall Depart Apostasy

Gradual departure from the faith Organization Doctrines Creeds & Councils

Change in Organization God’s Plan Plurality of Elders & Deacons Bishop & Elder – same Phil. 1:1 “...with the bishops and deacons.”

The Church Changes Eldership Presiding Elder Elders

Presiding Bishops Called Father, (Papa) The Church Changes Presiding Bishops Called Father, (Papa) Eldership

Presiding Bishops compete for Supremacy Rome Constantinople Antioch Jerusalem Alexandria

Rome Wins in 606 AD Boniface III secured from Emperor Phocas a decree acknowledging that the title of “Universal Bishop” Should be reserved exclusively for the Bishop of Rome

Roman Catholic Church Claim Apostolic authority over all believers They authorize changes to name, work and worship of the church.

Change of Doctrines Lord’s Supper After 325 A.D. - sacrifice Sacrament ~ forgiveness Eucharist = giving thanks Transubstantiation = literal body

Special days and Seasons Sacred seasons – more holy Change of Doctrines Special days and Seasons Sacred seasons – more holy Easter – resurrection Epiphany – circumcision Christmas - birth “Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.” Gal. 4:10

Veneration of Saints – worship of people Change of Doctrines Veneration of Saints – worship of people Saint – used for certain people Martyrs – honored / worshipped Mary – prayers to her, images, perpetual virginity “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:” 1 Cor. 1:2

Change of Doctrines Baptism 251 A.D. Novation – pouring Infant baptism Sprinkling / pouring

Change of Doctrines Extreme Unction Purgatory Holy Water Indulgences Latin Mass Celibacy Auricular Confession Instrumental Music

Creeds and Councils 4th Century - Constantine – Emperor Church was protected 325 – Council of Nicea Gradual Fall of Roman Empire Roman Catholic Church gaining power

Creeds and Councils No Need for Creeds or Councils Had the N.T. to follow 2 Tim. 3:16 -17 Nothing needed to be changed Christ is the head – Mt. 28:18

2 Timothy 3:16, 17 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17. that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)

The Great Apostasy Church of 1st century was quite different from church in 14th century Organization, Doctrines Worship, Practices The Church had fallen away

1 Tim. 4:1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” Shall Depart Apostasy =

Jude 3 NKJV “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

The Great Apostasy Protestant Reformation The Restoration Movement

Nelson Chapel Church of Christ 5039 Six Mile Road Maryville, Tn. 37803 www.nelsonchapelchurchofchrist.org March 18, 2018 Sermon by Arthur Pigman 2705 Druid Hill Dr. Maryville, Tn. 37804 art65ann@gmail.com CCL11325562