Reasons Why… #4 John 3:30-31

John 3:30-31 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.

Reasons Why…

It began with a man. 1. John Smyth organized the first Baptist church in London in 1607. 2. According to “History of the Baptist churches” pg 1, by A.H. Newman, the name Baptist is not what they were first known as in the united states.

It began with a man. At first they preferred to be called “Brethren” or “Disciples of Christ” or “Christians” or “Believers”. i. They did not begin to be called Baptists until 1644.

Which one would I join? 1. There are at least 28 different types of Baptists today. 2. Some are independent Baptist church while others belong to one of three “conventions”.

Which one would I join? The American Baptist Convention The National Baptist Convention of America The National Baptist Convention USA, Inc Southern Baptist Convention.

It’s membership placement procedures. 1. Members are expected to yield to the “by laws” of the local congregation. 7 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.’ ” Matthew 15:7-9

It’s membership placement procedures. 2. Those who wish to place membership must be accepted by a “vote” of the Congregation and then baptized in order to become of member of that congregation. - Members are only “added” to the local congregation, not the Lord’s church.

It teaches error concerning salvation. Baptist believe one is only saved because God has elected that person to be saved before the foundation of the world, a doctrine known as “predestination” (Standard Manual, pg. 57)

It teaches error concerning salvation. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,[a] not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

It teaches error concerning salvation. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4

It teaches error concerning salvation. 2. Baptist teach a person is saved before baptism. Teach that baptism is a “outward sign of an inward working”.

It teaches error concerning salvation. 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37-38

It teaches error concerning salvation. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:26-27

It teaches error concerning salvation. 3. Use mechanical instruments, choirs and sometimes a “praise team” which may include a band. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

It teaches error concerning salvation. 4. Partakes of the Lord’s supper on a monthly or quarterly. Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

Lessons for us Today

Salvation is not possible outside of the Bible. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12

Salvation is not possible outside of the Bible. 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

Is your church in the Bible? 1. What must one do if their “church” isn’t in the Bible? - Abandon that denomination. 2. Only denominations are not found in the Bible. 3. So the question is why be a part of a “church” not found in the Bible?

Conclusion 1. No person should be a part of any group that teaches contrary to God’s Word. 2. The way to heaven simply cannot be found in any church not found in the Bible.