2019 Theme Lights in a Dark World Philippians 2:15

The Darkness Around Us Tolerance Redefined

The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism The efforts and aim of promoting unity among all whether among churches (e.g. denominations, etc.) or world religions and belief A product of political correctness (do not do or say anything that offends anyone) About tolerance The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism Some things to understand: God desires unity (John 17:20-21, Ephesians 4:1-3, Philippians 2:1-2, etc.) We ought to strive to get along with others (Romans 12:17-18, 15:2) The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It is a work of Satan It promotes ignorance – accuracy in understanding not important, even detrimental It promotes immorality and selfishness – man can come to God on his own terms It promotes compromise Distorts Biblical love It can promote intolerance of those who do not conform The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism It gives a false sense of spiritual security One’s sincerity and integrity is not questioned here It is a simple matter of obedience Satan gave Eve a false sense of security in the garden – Genesis 3:4-5 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism The ultimate danger of ecumenism - It leads to one’s soul facing spiritual danger Because it is perceived to be truthful, many think they are ok when they are not The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism The ultimate danger of ecumenism - It leads to one’s soul facing spiritual danger The Bible is clear that good intentions are not enough! Paul had good intentions – Acts 23:1, 26:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:12-13 Uzzah – 2 Samuel 6:6-8 Warnings of those who thought they were alright, but they were wrong Romans 10:1-3 John 16:2 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism Other thoughts on ecumenism Consider how much better the world would be IF we were united in Jesus John 17:20-21 This was actually the goal of the restoration movement – apply scripture as it is taught Doctrinal error is always the product of men setting aside truth The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism Other thoughts on ecumenism The challenge of ecumenism is how some of its components are rooted in truths Our need to love Matthew 22:37-39 Do not judge unworthily – Matthew 7:1-5 Be respectful in matters of liberty – Romans 14 We should desire peace – Romans 14:19, 12:18 The problem is the subjective interpretation of these truths The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism Other thoughts on ecumenism TRUE unity comes when we speak the same thing – 1 Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 2:2, Ephesians 4:3 When we are in sin we CANNOT ignore it We need to repent Acts 17:30-31, Luke 13:3 & 5 Acts 3:19 The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism Other thoughts on ecumenism IF, there is a God whose laws we are to follow (and there is), then ecumenism is a danger and part of the darkness of this world The Darkness Around Us Ecumenism

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? Tolerance is defined as the ability or willingness to put up with, without interference, an existing behavior or attitude, even if we do not agree with or like it Today, the demand is not tolerance but acceptance and approval as if it is not wrong The Darkness Around Us TOLERANCE

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? The mantra of the day to those who call for ecumenism And if one is not tolerant (by their standard) they are often treated with contempt, sometimes hatefully. Labeling, innuendo, faulty judgments & interpretations “The intolerance of the preachers of tolerance” The Darkness Around Us TOLERANCE

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? The Bible teaches we are to be tolerant! We must love and do good to all, even (especially) those we disagree with Matthew 7:12, 5:44-46 Romans 12:17-21 The Darkness Around Us TOLERANCE

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? We are to be tolerant We cannot force the truth on anyone! Matthew 15:13-14, Luke 9:51-56 We are to persuade, not force (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:11) The Darkness Around Us TOLERANCE

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? We are to be tolerant Endurance in the face of trials Matthew 5:39, 2 Timothy 2:10 Bear with the weaknesses of the weak – Romans 15:1-2 Serve others to win them - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NONE of these actions involve compromising God’s word The Darkness Around Us TOLERANCE

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? We are NOT to tolerate error! John 17:17 – God’s word is our only truth Galatians 2:4-5 – do not yield even for an hour Ephesians 5:11 The Darkness Around Us TOLERANCE

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? We are NOT to tolerate error! 2 Thessalonians 3:6 2 John 9-11 - doctrinal 1 Corinthians 5:1-11 – behavior The Darkness Around Us TOLERANCE

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? There is only ONE way to heaven John 14:6, Acts 4:12 Matthew 7:24-27 – to build on any other foundation is foolishness Rooted in obedience – Matthew 7:21-23, Hebrews 5:9 The Darkness Around Us TOLERANCE

The darkness of ecumenism What about tolerance? We must realize that one day we will stand before God to be judged Revelation 20:12, 15 – judged by our works and whether or nor our names are in the Book of Life John 12:48 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 The Darkness Around Us TOLERANCE

Let us resolve to submit to His will rather than the world!

Is our light shining in this dark world?