1. P ART 4

2. Introduction : 1. Matthew 28:18-20: Christ proclaimed His authority: we must submit to receive salvation

3. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

4. Introduction : 2. To understand and apply the authority of Christ: I. Authority to Christ Expressed in Scripture II. Authority of Christ as Savior III. Authority of Christ in Local Church IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ

5. A. Unchanging Truth of Gospel : Seed of Kingdom Like seed, the original gospel always produces New Testament Christians Luke 8:11 Seed of Kingdom Matt. 28:18-20 Unchanging Truth of Gospel Acts 2:38, 47 Original Baptism, Church of Christ THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST

6. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ A. Unchanging Truth of Gospel: Seed of Kingdom Like seed, the original gospel always produces New Testament Christians Watermelon seed Tomato seedGospel seed New Testament Christians, members of the church of Christ

7. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ B. Christ Warned of Gradual Departures Apostasy : Lawless Spirit of “the Man of Sin” ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3-7 ) THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST

8. “ Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4

9. “ Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things ? And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.” 2 Thessalonians 2:5-7

10. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ C. Christ’s Warning Became Tragic Reality Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism

11. 2 nd -3 rd Century: Apostasy in local organization  Elevate one bishop to “ presiding bishop ” Bishops Deacons All Saints Presiding Bishop Bishops Deacons All Saints Presiding Bishop

12. Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism 2 nd -3 rd Century: Apostasy in local organization  Large churches oversee the small ones

13. 2 nd -3 rd Century : Apostasy in local organization  Large churches oversee small ones B ISHOPS D EACONS A LL S AINTS Presiding Bishop Local Church

14. Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism 2 nd -3 rd Century: Apostasy in local organization  Large churches oversee programs for churches in a city, region or province

15. Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism 2 nd -3 rd Century: Apostasy in local organization  Large churches oversee programs for churches in a city, region or province  Bishop of large city church elevated to “ Metropolitan Bishop ” or “ Archbishop ”  In 606 Boniface III of Rome “ Universal Bishop ”

16. Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism 2 nd -3 rd Century: Church councils met to settle doctrine, and write creeds.

17. Local Church 2 nd -3 rd Century: Church councils met to settle doctrine, write creeds Church Council  Bishops from churches meet  Debate, vote on doctrine  Write creeds to bind churches

18. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ C. Christ’s Warning Became Tragic Reality Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism * 3 rd and 4 th Century : Easter and Christmas * Adapted from Paganism

19. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ C. Christ’s Warning Became Tragic Reality Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism * 5 th Century : Incense and candles in worship

20. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ C. Christ’s Warning Became Tragic Reality Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism * 6 th Century : Crucifix

21. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ C. Christ’s Warning Became Tragic Reality Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism * 7 th Century : Purgatory

22. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ C. Christ’s Warning Became Tragic Reality Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism * 9 th Century : Holy Water

23. Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism 7 th and 11 th Century: Development of Papal Power 12 th Century: Instrumental Music in Worship 14 th Century: Sprinkling declared equal to immersion

24. Steps of Apostasy Created Roman Catholicism 16 th Century: Claims of holy relics (sold) 16 th Century: Persecute heretics from Catholicism 19 th Century: Pope declared infallible in doctrine 19 th Century: Immaculate conception of Mary 20 th Century: Corporeal assumption of Mary 21 st Century: ???????????????

25. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ D. Basic Doctrines of Catholicism Catholic Church through its Hierarchy Conveys Salvation THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST

26. D. Basic Doctrines of Catholicism S ACRAMENTS as Vehicles of Grace – Baptism: Any mode, baby or adult – Confirmation: Profess faith, receive H.S. – Penance: Sin after baptism absolved – Mass: Sacrifice of Christ, Transubstantiation – Extreme Unction: Last anointing – Orders: Divine power and grace for office – Matrimony: Union under church law

27. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ A. Unchanging Truth of Gospel : Seed of Kingdom Like seed, the original gospel always produces New Testament Christians Luke 8:11 Seed of Kingdom Matt. 28:18-20 Unchanging Truth of Gospel Acts 2:38, 47 Original Baptism, Church of Christ THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST

28. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ A. Unchanging Truth of Gospel: Seed of Kingdom Like seed, the original gospel always produces New Testament Christians Watermelon seed Tomato seedGospel seed New Testament Christians, members of the church of Christ

29. IV. Gradual Departures from the Authority of Christ F. All things We Preach and Practice Must Be Authorized by the New Testament Book, chapter and verse General or specific terms Statement, Example or Implication Divine silence forbids, excludes, prohibits Speak Where the Bible Speaks be silent where the Bible is silent Original Church of Christ under His Authority

30. Invitation: 1. John 14:6 : Christ proclaimed his authority: We must submit to receive salvation THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST

31. “ Jesus said to him, " I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. ” John 14:6