Pressure is applied… By brethren to conform to the practices of many denominational churches within the community. Denominational churches seem to offer much to the community. Denominational churches seem to capture a lot of attention. Denominational churches seem to attract more people. To attract and keep "our share" of the general public. Envious members pressure elders, deacons, preachers, & saints to compete.

“The Lord's Church Vs. Denominational Churches” (1 Timothy 3:15)

Today’s lesson: Compare the Lord’s Church to that of denominational churches. Understand why the Lord's church cannot compete with denominational churches ON THEIR LEVEL.

The Lord's Church is limited by Scriptural Authority to what works it may engage in. 2 Tim. 3:16-17) The Scriptures equip the man of God for EVERY good work. 1 Cor. 2:4-5) Our faith must not stand in human wisdom. 2 Jn. 9-11; 2 Cor. 4:6) We cannot go beyond what is written.

The Lord's Church is limited by Scriptural Authority to what works it may engage in. Social Gospel - a movement in America, chiefly in the early part of the 20th century, stressing the social teachings of Jesus and their applicability to public life. Origin of social gospel can be traced in history to the years 1915-1920, approximately. (dictionary.com/social-gospel)

The Lord's Church is limited by Scriptural Authority to what works it may engage in. Social Gospel - a movement in America, chiefly in the early part of the 20th century, stressing the social teachings of Jesus and their applicability to public life. Origin of social gospel can be traced in history to the years 1915-1920, approximately. (dictionary.com/social-gospel)

The Lord's Church is limited in its attraction to people in the community. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matt 7:13-14 (NKJV) God’s TRUE MESSAGE is considered to be weak and foolish, by many (1 Cor. 18-2:5). The church’s spiritual nature does not appeal to the majority, because it does NOT appeal to carnal minds. (1 Cor. 1:22; 2:13- 15)

The Lord's Church is not authorized to practice a "Social Gospel“. Church benevolence is confined to assisting fellow saints (Acts 2:44; 4:34; 11:29; Rom. 15:23; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:1). The Lord’s church is to focus on equipping one for eternal life; focus on spiritual goals/activities rather than social ones. (1 Cor. 11:22, 34; Cf. Eph. 4:28).

The Lord's Church is limited in its attraction to people in the community. We cannot compromise truth in order to appeal to carnal minds. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 2 Cor 4:2 (NKJV) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ 2 Cor 10:3-5 (NKJV)

The Lord's Church can complete and win in the spiritual realm! These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 Tim 3:14-15 (NKJV) The church has been equipped for spiritual service (Eph. 4:11-16).

The Lord’s Church offers (spiritually) what no other institution can! By preaching the true gospel! But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. Gal 1:8-9 (NKJV) As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 1 Tim 1:3-4 (NKJV)

The Lord’s Church offers (spiritually) what no other institution can! By worshiping in spirit and truth! Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.‘” Matt 15:7-9 (NKJV) “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:24 (NKJV) Limiting music to singing. (Col. 3:16-17; Eph. 5:19) Offering up prayers. (Acts 12:5) Observing the Lord's Supper every 1st day of the week. (Acts 20:7) Preaching/teaching the apostles’ doctrine. (Acts 2:42) Giving upon the 1st day of every week. (1 Cor. 16:2)

Conclusion May we quit pressuring ourselves, the elders, and preachers to “out-do” denominationalists? We are unique, and do not need to compete with others in every realm. The gospel is still the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes!