Where Will It Stop???

 Apostasy begins with a change in attitude –  Apostasy is fueled by a change in conviction -  Apostasy demands a change in the application of Scripture.  Apostasy often reacts to criticism in a negative way, further hardening the heart. Where Will It Stop??? In its early stages, apostasy is difficult to recognize. Once it begins, apostasy is VERY difficult to stop.

 Children of Israel (Judges 2:7-10; 2 Chronicles 36:15,16)  The danger of apostasy faced in the early church (Acts 20:29-32; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,7)  Apostasy occurred (Revelation 2,3)  Recent history and today… Where Will It Stop??? In its early stages, apostasy is difficult to recognize. Once it begins, apostasy is VERY difficult to stop.

– 1.Emphasizing style over substance – Romans 16:17,18; Matthew 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:14,15; 1 Corinthians 4:6 2.Preaching less Bible and more touchy-feely stuff... 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:2 – (Traditions; new hermeneutic; love over commands) 3.De-emphasizing Biblical authority – (Traditions; new hermeneutic; love over commands) 2 John 9-11; Colossians 3:17; Leviticus 10:1,2 Apostasy Begins With a Change in Attitude

– 4.Equates boldness, confidence, and an uncompromising spirit with arrogance, while equating a soft, uncertain and compromising spirit with humility – Acts 4:29; 5:29; 28:31; Galatians 2:5; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Apostasy Begins With a Change in Attitude

5. Can’t understand the Bible alike (much less obey it alike) – Ephesians 3:3-5; 5:17; John 14:15; John 7:20,21 6. Reorganization and refocus of the church’s work (becoming socially -centered) - 1 Timothy 3:15 7. Subjective worship styles (becoming entertainment- centered) - John 4:24; Colossians 3:16,17 8. Plan of salvation is relative (de-emphasis on obedience and overemphasis on grace; some in denominations will be saved) - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-6; Ephesians 2:8-10 Apostasy Is Fueled by Change in Conviction

9.Accepting denominationalism (viewing the church as another denomination) – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Ephesians 1:3; 4: Moral compromise – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:3-11; Galatians 5:19-21 Apostasy Is Fueled by Change in Conviction

1.Clamoring for a new hermeneutic – rejection of “CENI” 2.Rejection of “Patternism” – “A love letter” – 2 Timothy 1:13; Hebrews 8:5; Matthew 12:7,8 3.Fellowship to be extended to those who teach, preach, and practice error - 1 Corinthians 8; Romans 14 ILoveJesus Apostasy Demands a Change in the Application of Scripture

Where in Corinthians,..., does Paul disfellowship, [sic] the Corinthians or tell them he is going to over their failure of "getting it"? The fact of the matter is there is no congregation among the Churches of Christ that I am aware of (including Highland and Woodmont Hills) that is as messed up as Corinth. Paul excludes the immoral... and this is a process that occurred [sic] for several years. At the end of the century when Clement of Rome writes to the Corinthian church... they are STILL having [sic] issues. Shalom, Bobby Valentine Milwaukee, Would Paul have continued to fellowship them if they had refused to comply with his instructions??? Apostasy Demands a Change in the Application of Scripture

1) The Corinthian church was in absolute chaos... ethically and doctrinally 2) There is only one person disfellowshipped by Paul in that Corinthian congregation, and it was not over doctrinal reasons 3) The TRUTH is that in chapter 8 we have folks who were "unclear" to say the least on the doctrine of monothesism (i.e., ONLY ONE GOD), and yet Paul did not write a chapter on the folly or ignorance of paganism. Rather, he chastised those who "knew the TRUTH of the matter" for destroying one Christ died for. Thus Paul fellowshipped those who believed idols were "real." This is amazing. Bobby Valentine Milwaukee, WI Would Paul have continued to fellowship them if they refused to comply with his instructions??? Apostasy Demands a Change in the Application of Scripture

1.Diversion Tactics - If we identify error and its source, we’re charged with:  Personal Attacks  Traditionalism  Phariseeism  Legalism  Sectarianism 2.The REAL bad guys – (according to the apostates), are those who expose them!!! Apostasy Often Reacts to Criticism in a Negative Way

Some among us are dreaming of the day when the "watchmen in Israel" cease to sound the trumpets at the sight of approaching danger and present evils!!! Pray that day never comes!!!! Conclusion

Where Will It Stop??? In its early stages, apostasy is difficult to recognize. Once it begins, apostasy is VERY difficult to stop.  Apostasy begins with a change in attitude –  Apostasy is fueled by a change in conviction -  Apostasy demands a change in the application of Scripture.  Apostasy often reacts to criticism in a negative way, further hardening the heart.

Where Will It Stop???