2019 Theme Lights in a Dark World Philippians 2:15

The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism The efforts and aim of promoting unity among all: Churches (e.g. denominations, etc.) World religions and beliefs Very prevalent today A product of political correctness (do not do or say anything that offends anyone) About tolerance The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism Some things to understand: God desires unity (John 17:20-21, Ephesians 4:1-3, Philippians 2:1-2, etc.) We ought to strive to get along with others (Romans 12:17-18, 15:2) We cannot force anyone into obedience The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It is a work of Satan He seeks to divide and separate us from God Even in tempting Eve he sought enmity between God and man The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It promotes ignorance Grow in grace and knowledge – 2 Peter 3:18 Ignorance not good – Acts 17:30-31, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 We are to be grounded so that we are not “tossed to and fro… Ephesians 4:13-15 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2:15 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It promotes ignorance Ecumenicism implies that accuracy of understanding is not important It also exalts the wisdom of man (that redefines the text of God’s word) Therefore the need to learn is optional Why study if you’re satisfied where you are at? The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It promotes immorality and selfish living While not using such terminology, it accommodates various immoral behaviors Man can come to God on his own terms Often ignores controversial subjects Mega-churches and community churches typically embrace this concept The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It promotes immorality and selfish living Ephesians 5:11 – have no fellowship with works of darkness Galatians 2:4-5 – do not yield, even for an hour 2 Corinthians 6:14ff – do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, etc. Will exclude churches they deem “dogmatic” or “legalistic” The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It promotes compromise This is not about matters of liberties (Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8:7-13) Compromises the teaching of God’s word Just as Satan sought to get Jesus to compromise The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It promotes compromise Demands that we set aside our convictions for sake of union and peace WHERE do we draw the line? Who gets to pick where it is? Consider Galatians 1:6-9 2 John 9-11 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It twists the Biblical concept of love Love is important and foundational – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 Often Matthew 22:37-39 is quoted to say, “All we need is love” Is that the message of Jesus? See vs. 40 Consider 1 John 5:2-3 John 14:15 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It promotes intolerance of those who do not accept their views While not always stating so, it is evidenced by actions When one challenges the concept of ecumenism, they are disregarded, often labeled and avoided The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It promotes intolerance of those who do not accept their views Consider when we teach the plan of salvation - Acts 2:38, 22:16, Mark 16:16 We are labeled as teaching water salvation, salvation by meritorious works, rejecting the grace of God, etc. NOTE: We TOO must be careful in labeling others The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It gives a false sense of spiritual security One’s sincerity and integrity is not questioned here It is a simple matter of obedience Satan gave Eve a false sense of security in the garden – Genesis 3:4-5 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It gives a false sense of spiritual security By its very nature it declares in some matters (who gets to choose?) it doesn’t matter what you believe, so you are ok to do what you want Heed Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 10:12 Proverbs 16:25 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It gives a false sense of spiritual security Romans 10:1-3, John 16:2 Give examples of those who were wrong, but thought they were right The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It leads to one’s soul facing spiritual danger If there is a law that God has given us to follow, ecumenism is a danger If we don’t repent and obey, we are going to be lost Acts 17:30-31, Luke 13:3 & 5 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? The mantra of the day The Bible teaches we are to be tolerant! We must love and do good to all, even (especially) those we disagree with Matthew 7:12, 5:44-46 Romans 12:17-21 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? This term has been redefined. Tolerance is defined as the ability or willingness to put up with, without interference, an existing behavior or attitude, even if we do not agree with it Today, the demand is not tolerance but acceptance and approval The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? We are NOT to tolerate error! Galatians 2:4-5 – do not yield even for an hour Ephesians 5:11 2 Thessalonians 3:6 2 John 9-11 1 Corinthians 5:1-11 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? There is only ONE way to heaven John 14:6, Acts 4:12 John 17:17 – there is only ONE way to truth Matthew 7:24-27 – the wise man builds on the solid foundation of the teachings of Jesus The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? We must realize that one day we will stand before God to be judged Acts 17:30-31, Hebrews 9:27 2 Corinthians 5:10 Revelation 20:12, 15 – judged by our works and whether or nor our names are in the Book of Life John 12:48 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

Let us resolve to submit to His will rather than the world!

Is our light shining in this dark world?