Welcome! www.SunsetChurchofChrist.net Bibles and copies of sermons are available Please silence your cell phones Sunday Bible Classes 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM 5:30 PM Wednesday Bible Classes 7:00 PM www.SunsetChurchofChrist.net

Acts 3: Apostles Working The nature of Apostolic miracles - Different characteristics than Jesus’ The purpose of being in the Temple

Acts 3: Peter’s Sermon Jesus was a prophetic promise People killed Jesus, God raised Him The healed man: Perfect health In the name of Jesus Jesus can come until Apokatahistamei (20)

Acts 3: Peter’s Sermon Jesus was a prophetic promise People killed Jesus, God raised Him The healed man Jesus and Moses Jesus and Samuel

Welcome! www.SunsetChurchofChrist.net Bibles and copies of sermons are available Please silence your cell phones Sunday Bible Classes 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM 5:30 PM Wednesday Bible Classes 7:00 PM www.SunsetChurchofChrist.net

Lamentations 3:21-33 Scripture Reading Hymns - Invitation Red Songbook Supplemental

Is it time for change? Note on UMC meeting in Portland (May 10-20) in which they will decide whether or not to change their stance on marriage (currently, one man and one woman) “No controversial issue has ever been resolved by appeal to the Bible.”

Changes in the Last Century Moving to electric lighting Addition of the overhead projection Creation of church sponsored schools Ending of support of evangelistic institutions Adding a second worship service Using new translations of the Bible Ending of segregation of congregations Changes among churches that are “primitive Christianity” in the last century. Some are righteous, some are error, and some are morally irrelevant.

Today: Changes Among Brethren Moving from two services to one Moving Bible studies from Wednesday to Thursday Revising five steps to being saved Changing the name “Church of Christ” Moving to electronic Bibles / Songbooks Reconsidering CENI method of authority Reexamining five aspects to worship From time to time brethren express their interest in changing things we have been doing. Sometimes change results in good things (imagine using oil lamps in the building). Sometimes it is not.

Fundamentals of Change Some Change is Necessary Some Change is Allowed Some Change is Sinful How can we know?

Asking the Right Questions Change for perfection? Change for the sake of change? Contention: When is change necessary? When is change appropriate? Here is the important question A matter of contention by misunderstanding: Some brethren accept the overhead but reject powerpoint Some brethren accept electronic bibles but not electrinoc song books Some brethren say “if I cant see the error, is there an error”?

The Problem with Change for the Sake of Change It reflects a carnal attitude It is contrary to the mind of God It usually results in weakness or error Ga 5:24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Reflection of a Carnal Mind Change for change’s sake: To “energize” or “enliven” thoughts To denigrate the “old paths” Example of Mao’s rejection of advice – a symbol of his desire to change

Contrary to the Mind of God Jeremiah 6:16 Proverbs 22:28 Proverbs 23:10 Proverbs 24:21 Jer 6:16 Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' Pr 24:21 ¶ My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those given to change; Da 7:25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time. Pr 22:28 ¶ Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set. Pr 23:10 ¶ Do not move the ancient boundary Or go into the fields of the fatherless,

Understanding Authority “Traditional” changes may be appropriate Expediency Changes to the fundamentals of Christ Doctrinal

Worship and Edification Expedient Change Gospel Meeting schedules Times of worship Means of singing Translations of Bible Projection devices Expedients To Worship and Edification

Authoritative Necessity Necessary Change Ending support of institutions Ending church segregation Teaching on evidences Authoritative Necessity

Unchanging Patterns of Scripture Five steps to being saved Acts 9:4 Acts 11:14 Hebrews 6:1-2 Ac 9:6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do." Ac 11:14 'who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.‘ Heb 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Unchanging Patterns of Scripture Five steps to being saved The identity “Church of Christ” 1 Corinthians 12:27 Ephesians 4:12 Romans 12:5 1Co 12:27 ¶ Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it. Eph 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; Ro 12:5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Unchanging Patterns of Scripture Five steps to being saved The identity “Church of Christ” The CENI method of authority Hebrews 6:1-2 1 Corinthians 4:6 Heb 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 1Co 4:6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.

Unchanging Patterns of Scripture Five steps to being saved The identity “Church of Christ” The CENI method of authority The five aspects to worship 2 Timothy 3:16-17 2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Unchanging Patterns of Scripture Five steps to being saved The identity “Church of Christ” The CENI method of authority The five aspects to worship Unauthorized Departure From the Pattern 2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Thinking About Change When we consider change: 1. is it for expediency or carnality? 2. Is it a matter of expediency or authority? At the root of unsupportable change: A heart that does not seek the Lord! Some have added more significant changes to the list

Repentance: Changing Ourselves "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent” Acts 17:30

Are You Ready to Change Hear the Word of God - Romans 10:17 Believe on Jesus Christ - Romans 10:10 Confess Jesus as Lord - Romans 10:9 Repent from sin - Acts 2:38 Be Baptized for forgiveness of sin - Acts 22:16