The Bible Alone Mormon Baptist Methodist Christian “The seed is the Word of God” (Luke 8:11) Denominationalism necessitates different seeds! Bible + Methodist Discipline Bible + Baptist Manual Bible + Book of Mormon

Deception – Mat. 24:4…Deception – Mat. 24:4… Persecution – Mark 13:9…Persecution – Mark 13:9… Overconfidence – 1 Cor. 10:12…Overconfidence – 1 Cor. 10:12… Drifting away from the truth – Heb. 2:1; Gal. 1:6-9…Drifting away from the truth – Heb. 2:1; Gal. 1:6-9… Carnality – 1 Cor. 1:10-13…Carnality – 1 Cor. 1:10-13… Bitterness – Heb 12:15…Bitterness – Heb 12:15…

Legalism ?Legalism ? Liberalism False Doctrine Emotionalism Materialism Worldliness Apathy

To Define: To Define: * “the attempt to be justified strictly according to a system of law, without God’s grace.” Could this be a danger today? Could this be a danger today? * Yes!! – Some wish to return to the Law of Moses – (Romans & Galatians) * Yes!! - Some want to make their own rules! – (Mat. 15:7-9) * Yes!! – Some like to trust in their own goodness - (Luke 18:11,12, 21) * Yes!! – Even the commands of Christ “can be” approached from a legalistic perspective...

* Legalism does not pertain to the propriety of the practices themselves. * God has ALWAYS condemned the person who is lifted up with pride because of his obedience, who trusts in his own goodness, and who expects to receive God’s favor on the BASIS of those actions! (Luke 17:10) * Those of the liberal persuasion have redefined “legalism” in such a fashion as to shift the meaning from the attitude of being self righteous, to the ACTION of conscientious obedience to all of God’s word.

Were the Pharisee’s guilty of legalism? 4 They were hypocrites – (Mat. 23:4-7,25-28) 4 They gave attention to “SOME” of God’s law and overlooked other aspects of it – (Mat. 23:23,24; Luke 11:42) 4 They went about binding and enforcing human traditions, laws and doctrines beyond the actual teachings of the Law – (Mat. 15:7-9; Mk 7:1-13) 4 They anticipated receiving God’s favor BASED upon who they were and The amount of Law they kept – (John 8:33; Gal. 2:16; 3:10,11)

Were the Pharisee’s guilty of legalism?  They were hypocrites – (Mat. 23:4-7,25-28)  They gave attention to “SOME” of God’s law and overlooked other aspects of it – (Mat. 23:23,24; Luke 11:42)  They went about binding and enforcing human traditions, laws and doctrines beyond the actual teachings of the Law – (Mat. 15:7-9; Mk 7:1-13)  They anticipated receiving God’s favor BASED upon who they were and The amount of Law they kept – (John 8:33; Gal. 2:16; 3:10,11) They were NEVER condemned because they were too zealous about strict obedience to God’s revealed will!!

Danger of Apostasy (1:6-9; 2 Jn 9-11).Danger of Apostasy (1:6-9; 2 Jn 9-11). Public correction (2:11-21).Public correction (2:11-21). Detailed Argument (3:16).Detailed Argument (3:16). Application of Scripture (3:17-25: 4:21).Application of Scripture (3:17-25: 4:21). Necessity of Water Baptism (3:26-27).Necessity of Water Baptism (3:26-27). Stressing Complete Obedience (3:1; 5:7).Stressing Complete Obedience (3:1; 5:7). Condemnation of sin (5:16-21).Condemnation of sin (5:16-21). Correction of sin privately (6:1, 2).Correction of sin privately (6:1, 2). Walk according to THIS rule – (6:16)Walk according to THIS rule – (6:16) “You Are A Legalist”

The desire –The desire –  To (unscripturally) broaden the scope of fellowship!  To FEEL more spiritual!  To be liberated.. (Jude 1:11) The method -The method -  The charge of legalism!  Liberty by rejecting the pattern!  Necessitates a new hermeneutic, (a subjective standard)! ILoveJesus

Cecil Hooks – “Free As Sons” – Chapter 20, ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN Patternism is another facet of legalism, a seeking to find holy, sacramental rituals through which we maintain righteousness and an official, mediatorial organization through which we work our righteousness, and by which we are kept in controlled conformity. It encroaches on our individual freedom in serving God. It would make our individual relationship with God dependent upon an organizational relationship. Disciples are parts of the community of believers, but that fellowship is not an organization.

Cecil Hooks – “Free As Sons” – Chapter 20, ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN

ILoveJesus (Randy Mayeau, Nashville 12/88)

ILoveJesus (Bill Swetmon, Nashville 12/88)

–Direct Command or Statement. Must Examine Context –Approved Apostolic Example. Observation of Approved Activity of first Century Christians. –Necessary Implication. a logical and unavoidable conclusion drawn from statements or propositions. –Direct Command or Statement. Must Examine Context –Approved Apostolic Example. Observation of Approved Activity of first Century Christians. –Necessary Implication. a logical and unavoidable conclusion drawn from statements or propositions. Science of Interpretation

This method is the compilation of all references to the subject under consideration, including direct statements, approved actions, and necessary implications. When all the evidence is compiled and sifted through using the laws of communication, including contextual considerations, then the true meaning and the current application can be understood. This method is the compilation of all references to the subject under consideration, including direct statements, approved actions, and necessary implications. When all the evidence is compiled and sifted through using the laws of communication, including contextual considerations, then the true meaning and the current application can be understood. The Inductive Method Science of Interpretation

 Do all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN (2 Tim. 1:13; Heb. 8:5)  Do not GO BEYOND (1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Jn. 9-11)  Do not ADD TO or TAKE FROM (Pr. 30:5-6; Gal. 3:15; Rev. 22:18-19)

The Consequences:  Institutionalism  Social Gospel (Recreation/ Entertainment)  Gospel/ Doctrine Distinction – (To Broaden Fellowship)  Our Distinctiveness Ridiculed – (Designation/ Teaching/ Practice/ Plea)  The Destruction of The Local Church –  Rejection of The Lord – (Col. 3:17) ILoveJesus

Legalism ? Liberalism False Doctrine Emotionalism Materialism Worldliness Apathy

What Can We Do? Be Aware:Be Aware:  Through Sound Preaching, & Teaching of the Truth! (2 Tim 4:2-4; 2 Pet. 3:17,18) Be Prepared:Be Prepared:  By Watching & Testing – (Mark 13:37; Acts 20:31; 17:11)