This generation needs to understand the real danger of apostasy. n Jesus warned of false teachers...

This generation needs to understand the real danger This generation needs to understand the real danger of apostasy.of apostasy.

Jesus warned of false teachers Jesus warned of false teachers (Matt 7:13-15)(Matt 7:13-15)


(Mat 7:13-15 NKJV)(Mat 7:13-15 NKJV) “Enter by the narrow “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide gate; for wide is is the gate and broad the gate and broad is is the way the way that leads to destruction, and there are many that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.who go in by it. {14} {14} “Because narrow “Because narrow is is the the gate and difficult gate and difficult is is the way which leads to life, the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.and there are few who find it. {15} {15} “Beware of “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.wolves.


Paul spent a considerable time in both Paul spent a considerable time in both warning about apostasy and in how it warning about apostasy and in how it might be avoided. might be avoided. (Acts 20:26-32)(Acts 20:26-32)


(Acts 20:26-32 NKJV)(Acts 20:26-32 NKJV) “Therefore I testify “Therefore I testify to you this day that I to you this day that I am am innocent of the blood innocent of the blood of all of all men. {27} men. {27} “For I have not shunned to “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.declare to you the whole counsel of God. {28} {28} “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.God which He purchased with His own blood.


{29} {29} “For I know this, that after my departure “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.sparing the flock. {30} {30} “Also from among “Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.after themselves. {31} {31} “Therefore watch, and “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.to warn everyone night and day with tears.


{32} {32} “So now, brethren, I commend you to “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are inheritance among all those who are sanctified.sanctified.


Apostasy must be avoided in my life. I Apostasy must be avoided in my life. I cannot change what other brethren may do, cannot change what other brethren may do, but I can stand and use my influence for the but I can stand and use my influence for the truth. truth. (2 Tim 4:2-4)(2 Tim 4:2-4)


(2 Tim 4:2-4 NKJV)(2 Tim 4:2-4 NKJV) Preach the word! Preach the word! Be ready Be ready in season in season and and out of seasonout of season. Convince, rebuke, . Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. {3} {3} For the time will come when they will not endure For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrinesound doctrine, but according to their own desires, , but according to their own desires, because because they have itching ears, they will heap up they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;for themselves teachers; {4} {4} and they will turn and they will turn their their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.to fables.


Do not let others frame the issue as being: Do not let others frame the issue as being: “What can we do to heal the problems “What can we do to heal the problems within the restoration movement”. Let the within the restoration movement”. Let the issue be that each one must follow the head issue be that each one must follow the head of the church, Jesus Christ. of the church, Jesus Christ. (Col 2:19)(Col 2:19)


(Col 2:19 NKJV)(Col 2:19 NKJV) and and not holding fast to not holding fast to the Headthe Head, from whom all the body, , from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase ligaments, grows with the increase that is that is from God.from God.


I may have to stand alone from my brethren I may have to stand alone from my brethren in order to stand with God in order to stand with God

The Nature of ApostasyThe Nature of Apostasy

It is gradual.It is gradual.


It is gradual.It is gradual. Our stand for the truth can be immediate, Our stand for the truth can be immediate,

why? why? (Acts 17:11)(Acts 17:11)


(Acts 17:11 NKJV)(Acts 17:11 NKJV) These were more fair- These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily and searched the Scriptures daily to find out to find out whether these things were so.whether these things were so.


Error however wants to avoid the truth. Error however wants to avoid the truth. (John 3:19-21)(John 3:19-21)


(John 3:19-21 NKJV)(John 3:19-21 NKJV) “And this is the “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.because their deeds were evil. {20} {20} “For everyone “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. {21} {21} “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”done in God.”


If our practice becomes our authority, then If our practice becomes our authority, then a gradual change will move us away from a a gradual change will move us away from a reasoned approach to God’s word.reasoned approach to God’s word.


If our practice becomes our authority, then If our practice becomes our authority, then a gradual change will move us away from a a gradual change will move us away from a reasoned approach to God’s word.reasoned approach to God’s word.

Far too many Christians are unable to give Far too many Christians are unable to give “book, chapter, and verse” for the things we “book, chapter, and verse” for the things we do and teach. (Col 3:17) do and teach. (Col 3:17)


If our practice becomes our authority, then a If our practice becomes our authority, then a gradual change will move us away from a gradual change will move us away from a reasoned approach to God’s word.reasoned approach to God’s word.

Far too many Christians are unable to give Far too many Christians are unable to give “book, chapter, and verse” for the things we do “book, chapter, and verse” for the things we do and teach. (Col 3:17) and teach. (Col 3:17)

Traditions become law this way. Example: Traditions become law this way. Example: Reader’s Digest Article, “Ever Wonder Why?”.Reader’s Digest Article, “Ever Wonder Why?”.


It would be a blessing if we were able to see It would be a blessing if we were able to see the end of a thing at its beginning. This the end of a thing at its beginning. This would be especially valuable regarding would be especially valuable regarding moral or ethical behavior. For instance, if a moral or ethical behavior. For instance, if a person could see at the time he takes his person could see at the time he takes his first social drink that he would end up being first social drink that he would end up being an alcoholic, he probably would gracefully an alcoholic, he probably would gracefully decline the drink. decline the drink.


If he could see himself as the alcoholic losing If he could see himself as the alcoholic losing his job, abusing his wife and family, the break his job, abusing his wife and family, the break up of his home, the loss of his self-respect and up of his home, the loss of his self-respect and his respect in the community, the loss of his his respect in the community, the loss of his health, perhaps committing a crime or killing health, perhaps committing a crime or killing someone in an auto accident—I say, if he someone in an auto accident—I say, if he could see this as the end of the seemingly could see this as the end of the seemingly innocent social drink, he would not imbibe. innocent social drink, he would not imbibe.


However, like so many other things, However, like so many other things, someone else is always the alcoholic.someone else is always the alcoholic.


Some gradual steps (Taken from Donnie Some gradual steps (Taken from Donnie Rader’s book pp. 9-10)Rader’s book pp. 9-10)


A Change in AttitudeA Change in Attitude


A Change in AttitudeA Change in Attitude Talk about new ideas without suggesting Talk about new ideas without suggesting

that we practice it.that we practice it.


A Change in AttitudeA Change in Attitude Talk about new ideas without suggesting Talk about new ideas without suggesting

that we practice it.that we practice it. Slowly introduce some practice that is Slowly introduce some practice that is

either not wrong within itself or is either not wrong within itself or is questionable and will lead in the direction questionable and will lead in the direction of a departure.of a departure.


When the time is right, introduce the full When the time is right, introduce the full innovation.innovation.


It reflects the current cultureIt reflects the current culture. . (Col 2:8)(Col 2:8)


(Col 2:8 NKJV)(Col 2:8 NKJV) Beware lest anyone cheat Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.according to Christ.


What are the current trends in our culture?What are the current trends in our culture?


The role of women?The role of women?


The role of women?The role of women? Any absolute standards?Any absolute standards?


The role of women?The role of women? Any absolute standards?Any absolute standards? Are relationships and feelings more Are relationships and feelings more

important than principle?important than principle?



important than principle?important than principle? How did the Roman Catholic church get its How did the Roman Catholic church get its

form of government?form of government?



important than principle?important than principle? How did the Roman Catholic church get its How did the Roman Catholic church get its

form of government?form of government? The change came gradually.The change came gradually.


From the political structure of the Roman From the political structure of the Roman empire.empire.


As society changes its thinking and As society changes its thinking and practice, the denominational world changes practice, the denominational world changes its thinking and practice. In time some of its thinking and practice. In time some of the "liberal minded" brethren will change the "liberal minded" brethren will change their convictions and ultimately their their convictions and ultimately their practice. All of this means that the pressure practice. All of this means that the pressure is increased on God's people to likewise is increased on God's people to likewise change with the times.change with the times.


We may begin to feel that we have to keep We may begin to feel that we have to keep up with the moods and the swings in up with the moods and the swings in society. If we don't, we could risk losing society. If we don't, we could risk losing some prospects who will be attracted by the some prospects who will be attracted by the wave of "progression."wave of "progression."


It has no rules.It has no rules. (2 Cor 4:1-2; 2 Peter 2:1-3, 19)(2 Cor 4:1-2; 2 Peter 2:1-3, 19)


(2 Pet 2:1-3 NKJV)(2 Pet 2:1-3 NKJV) But there were also false But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, denying the Lord who bought them, and and bring bring on themselves swift destruction.on themselves swift destruction. {2} {2} And And many will follow their destructive ways, many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.blasphemed.


{3} {3} By covetousness they will exploit you By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.destruction does not slumber.


(2 Pet 2:19 NKJV)(2 Pet 2:19 NKJV) While they promise While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.bondage.


If there is any rule it is this: “What will If there is any rule it is this: “What will brethren go along with today?”brethren go along with today?”


If there is any rule it is this: “What will If there is any rule it is this: “What will brethren go along with today?”brethren go along with today?”

Deception is at its heart. Be careful about Deception is at its heart. Be careful about flattery.flattery.


It gives great emphasis to the flesh.It gives great emphasis to the flesh. (2 Peter 2:19; 1 Cor 2:3-5; 2 Cor 10:10)(2 Peter 2:19; 1 Cor 2:3-5; 2 Cor 10:10)


(2 Pet 2:19 NKJV)(2 Pet 2:19 NKJV) While they promise While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.bondage.


(1 Cor 2:3-5 NKJV)(1 Cor 2:3-5 NKJV) I was with you in I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. {4} {4} And my speech and my preaching And my speech and my preaching were were not with persuasive words of human not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,and of power, {5} {5} that your faith should not that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.of God.


(2 Cor 10:10 NKJV)(2 Cor 10:10 NKJV) “For “For his his letters,” they letters,” they say, say, “are “are weighty and powerful, but weighty and powerful, but his his bodily presence bodily presence is is weak, and weak, and his his speech speech contemptible.”contemptible.”


At the same time the Bible may be appealed At the same time the Bible may be appealed to!to!


At the same time the Bible may be appealed At the same time the Bible may be appealed to!to!

Even an outward admission of things we Even an outward admission of things we have believed may be admitted, for now.have believed may be admitted, for now.


In the 50’s proponents of apostasy admitted In the 50’s proponents of apostasy admitted we need Bible authority.we need Bible authority.



Now that a new completely untaught Now that a new completely untaught generation has arisen, their real beliefs may generation has arisen, their real beliefs may come forth.come forth.



Now that a new completely untaught Now that a new completely untaught generation has arisen, their real beliefs may generation has arisen, their real beliefs may come forth.come forth.

Our desire for flashy preachers who preach Our desire for flashy preachers who preach quickly is a sign of worldliness that will quickly is a sign of worldliness that will destroy us.destroy us.


It preys upon our real weaknessesIt preys upon our real weaknesses. . (Heb 12:15; Gal 5:15)(Heb 12:15; Gal 5:15)


(Gal 5:15 NKJV)(Gal 5:15 NKJV) But if you bite and But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!consumed by one another!


(Heb 12:15 NKJV)(Heb 12:15 NKJV) looking carefully lest looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;trouble, and by this many become defiled;


Many times they can actually see problems Many times they can actually see problems that need attention among us.that need attention among us.



Sadly their “cure” is worse than the disease.Sadly their “cure” is worse than the disease.



Sadly their “cure” is worse than the disease.Sadly their “cure” is worse than the disease. Some put confidence in these me by their Some put confidence in these me by their

ability to ability to accuratelyaccurately diagnose a problem diagnose a problem and tell us what we should and tell us what we should becomebecome. Sadly . Sadly brethren do not ask if his “solutions” will brethren do not ask if his “solutions” will get them there!get them there!


When we have needless bickering and When we have needless bickering and worldliness in the church, we will see men worldliness in the church, we will see men weakened by this and thus he will be more weakened by this and thus he will be more likely to follow a man who appeals to the likely to follow a man who appeals to the flesh.flesh.


When we have needless bickering and When we have needless bickering and worldliness in the church, we will see men worldliness in the church, we will see men weakened by this and thus he will be more weakened by this and thus he will be more likely to follow a man who appeals to the likely to follow a man who appeals to the flesh.flesh.

Here is a situation that isn't hypothetical. It Here is a situation that isn't hypothetical. It is common, thus Worthy of our attention.is common, thus Worthy of our attention.


• • In a local church where there is a history In a local church where there is a history of objection to the sponsoring church of objection to the sponsoring church arrangement and other unauthorized arrangement and other unauthorized innovations, innovations, war war breaks out. Brethren "bite breaks out. Brethren "bite and devour one another," and the ugly/ and devour one another," and the ugly/ result is "envy and self-seeking . . . result is "envy and self-seeking . . . confusion and every evil thing" (Gal. 5:15; confusion and every evil thing" (Gal. 5:15; Jas. 3:16). Jas. 3:16).


There is a division, perhaps followed by There is a division, perhaps followed by another; snide, sarcastic remarks. Preachers another; snide, sarcastic remarks. Preachers are fired, elders resign, members are are fired, elders resign, members are agitated and a cold sterile atmosphere takes agitated and a cold sterile atmosphere takes hold.hold.


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


Reactionary apostasy is usually Reactionary apostasy is usually accompanied by a statement some thing like accompanied by a statement some thing like these: "I'm fed up with conservative these: "I'm fed up with conservative churches of Christ," or "There has got to be churches of Christ," or "There has got to be something wrong with 'conservative church something wrong with 'conservative church of Christ' religion." of Christ' religion."


Reactionary apostasy is usually Reactionary apostasy is usually accompanied by a statement some thing like accompanied by a statement some thing like these: "I'm fed up with conservative these: "I'm fed up with conservative churches of Christ," or "There has got to be churches of Christ," or "There has got to be something wrong with 'conservative church something wrong with 'conservative church of Christ' religion." of Christ' religion."

Reactionary Apostasy, Reactionary Apostasy, Warren E. Berkley, Warren E. Berkley, Guardian of Truth, 2/1/90, p. 67Guardian of Truth, 2/1/90, p. 67

The Arguments of ApostasyThe Arguments of Apostasy

Their arguments will be the same Their arguments will be the same arguments used by all falsehood of all time.arguments used by all falsehood of all time.



These will not be new, but simply packaged These will not be new, but simply packaged differently.differently.




The use of The use of false premisesfalse premises..




The use of The use of false premisesfalse premises.. ““I would rather be doing something than I would rather be doing something than

nothing!” nothing!” (Col 3:17)(Col 3:17)


(Col 3:17 NKJV)(Col 3:17 NKJV) And And whatever whatever you do in you do in word or deed, word or deed, do do all in the name of the Lord all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.through Him.


““I have know people who believed like you I have know people who believed like you and they were rude and had a bad attitude. and they were rude and had a bad attitude. Because of that I will not study with you.” Because of that I will not study with you.” (Rom 3:4)(Rom 3:4)


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


Answer:Answer: Is this the only possibility? Is this the only possibility?


Answer:Answer: Is this the only possibility? Is this the only possibility? Can we not do something and also have Can we not do something and also have

Bible authority for our practices?Bible authority for our practices?


If people judged Jesus by the actions of If people judged Jesus by the actions of Judas, would they have listened to Him? Judas, would they have listened to Him? (Matt 27:4-5)(Matt 27:4-5)


(Mat 27:4-5 NKJV)(Mat 27:4-5 NKJV) saying, “I have sinned saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What said, “What is that is that to us? You see to us? You see to it!” to it!” {5} {5} Then he threw down the pieces of silver Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.hanged himself.


The use of The use of hypothetical situationshypothetical situations..


The use of The use of hypothetical situationshypothetical situations.. ““If 70 orphans were placed on the church If 70 orphans were placed on the church

door step, then what would you do?”door step, then what would you do?”


The use of The use of hypothetical situationshypothetical situations.. ““If 70 orphans were placed on the church If 70 orphans were placed on the church

door step, then what would you do?”door step, then what would you do?” Answer:Answer: Did the Sadducees use of a Did the Sadducees use of a

hypothetical situation disprove the hypothetical situation disprove the resurrection? resurrection? (Mark 12:18-27)(Mark 12:18-27)


(Mark 12:18-27 NKJV)(Mark 12:18-27 NKJV) Then Then some some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him; and they asked Him, saying:came to Him; and they asked Him, saying: {19} {19} “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, and leaves man’s brother dies, and leaves his his wife wife behind, and leaves no children, his brother behind, and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother.for his brother.


{20} {20} “Now there were seven brothers. The “Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring.offspring. {21} {21} “And the second took her, “And the second took her, and he died; nor did he leave any offspring. and he died; nor did he leave any offspring. And the third likewise.And the third likewise. {22} {22} “So the seven “So the seven had her and left no offspring. Last of all the had her and left no offspring. Last of all the woman died also.woman died also.


{23} {23} “Therefore, in the resurrection, when “Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.”seven had her as wife.” {24} {24} Jesus answered Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?Scriptures nor the power of God? {25} {25} “For “For when they rise from the dead, they neither when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.angels in heaven.


{26} {26} “But concerning the dead, that they “But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the Moses, in the burning burning bush bush passage, passage, how how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am am the God of the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?Jacob’? {27} {27} “He is not the God of the “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.”therefore greatly mistaken.”


The use of The use of false parallelsfalse parallels..


Your position is just like:Your position is just like:


Your position is just like:Your position is just like: the “one -cup” group.the “one -cup” group.


Your position is just like:Your position is just like: the “one -cup” group.the “one -cup” group. The Pharisees.The Pharisees.


Your position is just like:Your position is just like: the “one -cup” group.the “one -cup” group. The Pharisees.The Pharisees. A Denomination.A Denomination.


Your position is just like:Your position is just like: the “one -cup” group.the “one -cup” group. The Pharisees.The Pharisees. A Denomination.A Denomination. ““Legalism”Legalism”


Your position is just like:Your position is just like: the “one -cup” group.the “one -cup” group. The Pharisees.The Pharisees. A Denomination.A Denomination. ““Legalism”Legalism” Answer: This does present a basis for study, Answer: This does present a basis for study,

but what do these groups believe?but what do these groups believe?


Sadly, most use other groups as a basis for Sadly, most use other groups as a basis for prejudice. prejudice. (John 7:48-49)(John 7:48-49)



Appeals to Appeals to emotionemotion..



Appeals to Appeals to emotionemotion.. But it does good.But it does good.



Appeals to Appeals to emotionemotion.. But it does good.But it does good. If I do not believe as you do, will I go to If I do not believe as you do, will I go to

hell?hell?



Appeals to Appeals to emotionemotion.. But it does good.But it does good. If I do not believe as you do, will I go to If I do not believe as you do, will I go to

hell?hell? You will have to withdraw from me!You will have to withdraw from me!


Answer: Can we do evil that good may Answer: Can we do evil that good may come? come? (Rom 3:8)(Rom 3:8)


(Rom 3:8 NKJV)(Rom 3:8 NKJV) And And why why not not say, say, “Let “Let us do evil that good may come”?; as we are us do evil that good may come”?; as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.that we say. Their condemnation is just.


What is a good work? What is a good work? (2 Tim 3:16-17)(2 Tim 3:16-17)


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


The issue of the judgment or fellowship are The issue of the judgment or fellowship are other issues.other issues.


The issue of the judgment or fellowship are The issue of the judgment or fellowship are other issues.other issues.

Appeals concerning Appeals concerning inconsistency.inconsistency.


We do many things which we have no Bible We do many things which we have no Bible authority for. authority for.



If you are consistent with this then you will If you are consistent with this then you will have to give up:have to give up:




Song booksSong books




Song booksSong books Church buildingsChurch buildings




Song booksSong books Church buildingsChurch buildings A water fountain.A water fountain.


Answer:Answer: Let us humbly study every Let us humbly study every objection!objection!



Some use this as a “hit and run” tactic, they Some use this as a “hit and run” tactic, they do not want to study.do not want to study.



Some use this as a “hit and run” tactic, they Some use this as a “hit and run” tactic, they do not want to study.do not want to study.

Even if we do have 100% agreement, can Even if we do have 100% agreement, can we work to apply these principles as much we work to apply these principles as much as possible?as possible?


Answer:Answer: Let us humbly study every objection! Let us humbly study every objection! Some use this as a “hit and run” tactic, they do Some use this as a “hit and run” tactic, they do

not want to study.not want to study. Even if we do have 100% agreement, can we Even if we do have 100% agreement, can we

work to apply these principles as much as work to apply these principles as much as possible?possible?

If I cannot find authority for a practice, I will If I cannot find authority for a practice, I will give it up! Will you?give it up! Will you?


Appeals concerning Appeals concerning “Great” men.“Great” men. (John 7:48)(John 7:48)


(John 7:48 NKJV)(John 7:48 NKJV) “Have any of the rulers “Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?or the Pharisees believed in Him?


Brother “So and So” does not believe this.Brother “So and So” does not believe this.


Brother “So and So” does not believe this.Brother “So and So” does not believe this. You are not mature enough to correct me on You are not mature enough to correct me on

this question.this question.


Brother “So and So” does not believe this.Brother “So and So” does not believe this. You are not mature enough to correct me on You are not mature enough to correct me on

this question.this question. Answer:Answer: If you lived in Jesus’ day, would If you lived in Jesus’ day, would

you have believed in Him?you have believed in Him?


What do all of these arguments have in What do all of these arguments have in common? The Bible is left out!common? The Bible is left out!

Overcoming ApostasyOvercoming Apostasy

By Having a Strong LeadershipBy Having a Strong Leadership (Titus 1:9-16)(Titus 1:9-16)


(Titus 1:9-16 NKJV)(Titus 1:9-16 NKJV) holding fast the holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.exhort and convict those who contradict. {10} {10} For there are many insubordinate, both For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,of the circumcision,


{11} {11} whose mouths must be stopped, who whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.dishonest gain. {12} {12} One of them, a prophet One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans of their own, said, “Cretans are are always always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” {13} {13} This This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,


{14} {14} not giving heed to Jewish fables and not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the commandments of men who turn from the truth.truth. {15} {15} To the pure all things are pure, but To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.conscience are defiled. {16} {16} They profess to They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.every good work.


In local churches it is rare for men to take a In local churches it is rare for men to take a stand.stand.



Far too many do nothing when great wrong Far too many do nothing when great wrong is done.is done.



Far too many do nothing when great wrong Far too many do nothing when great wrong is done.is done.

I recently have been reading a book called I recently have been reading a book called “The crowd”. Without leaders, the crowd is “The crowd”. Without leaders, the crowd is in charge! The crowd listens to the world. in charge! The crowd listens to the world.

(John 19:6, 15; Gal 2:11-14)(John 19:6, 15; Gal 2:11-14)


(John 19:6 NKJV)(John 19:6 NKJV) Therefore, when the Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, Him, crucify crucify Him!” Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify and crucify Him, Him, for I find no fault in Him.”for I find no fault in Him.”


(John 19:15 NKJV)(John 19:15 NKJV) But they cried out, But they cried out, “Away with “Away with Him, Him, away with away with Him! Him! Crucify Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”“We have no king but Caesar!”


(Gal 2:11-14 NKJV)(Gal 2:11-14 NKJV) Now when Peter had Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed;face, because he was to be blamed; {12} {12} for for before certain men came from James, he before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.fearing those who were of the circumcision.


{13} {13} And the rest of the Jews also played the And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.carried away with their hypocrisy. {14} {14} But But when I saw that they were not straightforward when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before before them them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?


ByBy Building a proper Foundation Building a proper Foundation (Matt 7:24-25)(Matt 7:24-25)


(Mat 7:24-25 NKJV)(Mat 7:24-25 NKJV) “Therefore whoever “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:house on the rock: {25} {25} “and the rain “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.fall, for it was founded on the rock.


The whole battle will be won or lost The whole battle will be won or lost depending upon where you fight!depending upon where you fight!



Will it be an issue of Bible Authority or Will it be an issue of Bible Authority or personalities, or “what will the brethren personalities, or “what will the brethren allow?”allow?”



Will it be an issue of Bible Authority or Will it be an issue of Bible Authority or personalities, or “what will the brethren personalities, or “what will the brethren allow?”allow?”

If brethren would with one heart determine If brethren would with one heart determine to follow Col 3:17, then all issues will be to follow Col 3:17, then all issues will be solved.solved.


Do we try to solve our problems or ignore Do we try to solve our problems or ignore them?them?


By A Careful study of History.By A Careful study of History.


By A Careful study of History.By A Careful study of History. Let us not assume that history will be Let us not assume that history will be

authoritative. Only the Bible can show us authoritative. Only the Bible can show us the truth.the truth.


Let us not forget that history repeats itself. Let us not forget that history repeats itself. It seems that man never learns from history. It seems that man never learns from history. If we would but notice the steps that led to If we would but notice the steps that led to other apostasies, problems in the other apostasies, problems in the denominational churches and problems denominational churches and problems among our "liberal" brethren, it might help among our "liberal" brethren, it might help prevent the same from happening to us. prevent the same from happening to us.


Some of the things we see and hear about Some of the things we see and hear about the role of women (among us) were the the role of women (among us) were the very things that were introduced a few years very things that were introduced a few years ago among others that have led to women ago among others that have led to women taking official roles in some churches as taking official roles in some churches as elders, deacons or preachers.elders, deacons or preachers.


When God's people lost sight of what When God's people lost sight of what happened in the missionary society issue, happened in the missionary society issue, that set the stage for similar problems over that set the stage for similar problems over benevolent societies and the sponsoring benevolent societies and the sponsoring church arrangement. The same can happen church arrangement. The same can happen in principle with the role of women if we in principle with the role of women if we lose sight of what has happened in the past.lose sight of what has happened in the past.


Among some of the "ultra-liberal" churches Among some of the "ultra-liberal" churches of Christ it is being advocated that it is of Christ it is being advocated that it is proper to have women deacons, women proper to have women deacons, women elders and even women preachers. There is elders and even women preachers. There is evidence that this is already being practiced evidence that this is already being practiced (The Spiritual Sword, (The Spiritual Sword, Jan. 1991). But, we Jan. 1991). But, we ask, did this happen overnight? Or, were ask, did this happen overnight? Or, were there some steps that lead to this extreme?there some steps that lead to this extreme?


Back in the '60s and early '70s some of the Back in the '60s and early '70s some of the "liberal" brethren were having ladies "liberal" brethren were having ladies lectureships and women speakers for lectureships and women speakers for special women's days. special women's days. Women Professing Women Professing GodlinessGodliness, Donnie V. Rader, p.9, Donnie V. Rader, p.9


Back in the '60s and early '70s some of the Back in the '60s and early '70s some of the "liberal" brethren were having ladies "liberal" brethren were having ladies lectureships and women speakers for lectureships and women speakers for special women's days. special women's days. Women Professing Women Professing GodlinessGodliness, Donnie V. Rader, p.9, Donnie V. Rader, p.9

By considering problems before they By considering problems before they arise.arise.


What will we tolerate? If the false doctrine What will we tolerate? If the false doctrine may be tolerated and brethren allowed to may be tolerated and brethren allowed to practice what they wish then the battle is practice what they wish then the battle is lost!lost!


The scenario likely to develop will be like The scenario likely to develop will be like this: a congregation will be faced with a test this: a congregation will be faced with a test case of someone in a second marriage case of someone in a second marriage following a divorce for some reason other following a divorce for some reason other than fornication. Such an individual comes than fornication. Such an individual comes to be baptized or restored, without any to be baptized or restored, without any intention of leaving his second mate. intention of leaving his second mate.


The test case will force the issue; the different The test case will force the issue; the different positions which brethren hold will be discussed and positions which brethren hold will be discussed and the church will divide. Already this has happened in the church will divide. Already this has happened in several cases and it is likely to be repeated, not several cases and it is likely to be repeated, not because brethren of ill temper are bound and because brethren of ill temper are bound and determined not to get along with one another, but determined not to get along with one another, but because of the prevalent divorce in our society because of the prevalent divorce in our society spilling over into the church, where brethren with spilling over into the church, where brethren with

different beliefs face the issue. - different beliefs face the issue. - When Apostasy When Apostasy Occurs, Mike Willis Occurs, Mike Willis


This is why it is important that we This is why it is important that we understand the limits of fellowship. If the understand the limits of fellowship. If the marriage question is to be put into Romans marriage question is to be put into Romans 14, then all is lost.14, then all is lost.



Principles to follow.Principles to follow.



Principles to follow.Principles to follow. Know the word of God.Know the word of God.



Principles to follow.Principles to follow. Know the word of God.Know the word of God. Be experienced in dealing with and solving Be experienced in dealing with and solving

problems God’s way.problems God’s way.


Be prepared to deal with the trends within Be prepared to deal with the trends within the religious world.the religious world.



Where will the church be in the next 30 Where will the church be in the next 30 years? (Acts 20:26-32)years? (Acts 20:26-32)




Let us all humbly examine our hearts and Let us all humbly examine our hearts and be built up in the truth of God!be built up in the truth of God!




Let us all humbly examine our hearts and be Let us all humbly examine our hearts and be built up in the truth of God!built up in the truth of God!

Let us teach the truth and prepare as many as Let us teach the truth and prepare as many as we can.we can.


Be prepared to deal with the trends within the Be prepared to deal with the trends within the religious world.religious world.

Where will the church be in the next 30 years? Where will the church be in the next 30 years? (Acts 20:26-32)(Acts 20:26-32)

Let us all humbly examine our hearts and be built Let us all humbly examine our hearts and be built up in the truth of God!up in the truth of God!

Let us teach the truth and prepare as many as we Let us teach the truth and prepare as many as we can.can.

When the time comes, STAND!When the time comes, STAND!

This generation needs to understand the real danger of apostasy. n Jesus warned of false teachers...

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