1. 2019 Theme
Lights in a Dark World
Philippians 2:15

2. The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

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

25. Is our light shining in this dark world?