1 Samuel 8:6,19,20 “Give us a king to judge us” “that we also may be like all the nations”

“be like all the churches round about us.” “Something is not wrong just because the denominations are doing it.” The reason why they Are Denominations is that they have no real respect for Biblical Authority

Roy Cogdill (deceased), 1965 “Denominationalizing The Church” “And then how long have the churches of Christ been putting on "campaigns for Christ, " "youth forums," "youth camps," and "youth rallies"? How many years have "retreats" and "workshops" and "youth revivals" and "women's meetings" been around? "Youth fellowship" gatherings and "fellowship dinners" are newcomers on the scene also.

Roy Cogdill (deceased), 1965 “Denominationalizing The Church” “These all have accompanied other departures that have marked the inter-marriage of many of the churches with "spiritual Ashdod" and characterize a generation of spiritual offspring that has lost its identity as the children of God. Rather than "glorying" in such things, we should rather be "mourning" because of defiling and corrupting of the Lord's church.”

Men’s & Women’s Retreats 2 Peter 1:3 “Retreats are also popular in Christian churches, and were established in today's form by St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), in his Spiritual Exercises. Ignatius was later to be made patron saint of spiritual retreats by Pope Pius XI in 1922.”

2011 So. Cal. Women’s Retreat What do you suppose these “sessions” and “activities” are all about? “Our goal for this weekend is that God will be glorified & our sisters will be edified.” Are we to conclude that the Edification & Glorifying of God comes at a price? By What Authority?

How are they handling & accounting for the funds they collect? By What Authority?

Acts 2:42 Does This Mean That Fellowship is had: Shopping? Going to a Movie? Reading? Swimming in a public pool where people are immodestly attired? Acts 2:42

“Well, we aren’t the church…” That does not mean the activity is free from Scriptural scrutiny- 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22 “Our goal for this weekend is that God will be glorified and our sisters edified.” Acts 20:32 “the word of His grace, which is able to build you up…” The flyer does not tell us what will be taught in the classes (i.e. ‘sessions’)

There is no Oversight of Such Activities God’s order from the beginning 1 Corinthians 11:3 Reason given – 1 Timothy 2:14 No Oversight- Open Invitation for Satan to Slip in Some of his Teaching Going Outside of Oversight for ‘edification’ & ‘fellowship’ asking for disaster.

Women Become “Preachers” to Audiences of Women “A Leader’s Walk” 1 Thessalonians What ‘Leadership’ Role has Woman been Given by The Lord? 1 Timothy 5:14 Titus 2:3-5 Ephesians 5:23 1 Corinthians 11:3

Why are Women Assuming Leadership Roles Among Themselves to do The Things God Has Assigned Men to do? Preaching the Gospel Leading Singing Leading Public Prayers Yet, Without Men?

Why The Need For “Women’s Retreats?” What Neglected “Need” do They Fulfill? Could it be a “Need” to be More Involved Than The Scriptures Allow in a Setting Where Men Are Present?

Why The Need For “Women’s Retreats?” Should we Conclude There is a Buried Desire to Lead That is at The Root of These Gatherings? Paul Warned About Women Usurping Authority Over Men- 1 Timothy 2:11,12,13,14

Women From a Number of Congregations Are Thrown Together in a Social/Spiritual Situation Without Regard For Soundness in The Faith Why Would Women Who Are Sound in The Faith Want to Have This Kind of Association With Those Who Are in Fellowship with Adulterers and Adulteresses? Won’t Their Participation Indicate Some Level of Acceptance Toward Those Who Are in Fellowship With Sin?

Ephesians 5:11 NKJV 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV 19 “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, … ..those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

“I’m OK & You’re OK” Attitude Start Hearing: “We need to be cautious about making judgments of others, simply based on the fact that it might be something different from what we are accustomed to.” “We need to be careful not to think we are the only ones doing right.”

“I’m OK & You’re OK” Attitude Knowing What is Right & Wrong & Doing it is the Issue. Having ‘fellowship’ with people in doctrinal error involves you in their error- 2 John 9-11 With Such Thinking, Not Long `till Sound Preaching Will no Longer be Welcome at Home Congregations

Roy Cogdill (deceased), 1965 “Denominationalizing The Church” “These all have accompanied other departures that have marked the inter-marriage of many of the churches with "spiritual Ashdod" and characterize a generation of spiritual offspring that has lost its identity as the children of God. Rather than "glorying" in such things, we should rather be "mourning" because of defiling and corrupting of the Lord's church.”

NO! We do NOT Want to be Like The Denominations Round About us. We Have a Profound Reverence For Divine Authority in All we Say And Do (Colossians 3:17) They do not! That is The Very Reason Why They Are Denominations

Must Not Let Ourselves be Caught up in The Excitement of Doing Something Different, Simply Because Others Are Doing it Remember: Matthew 7:13,14 Matthew 7:21-23