1. Conservative or Liberal? A Study of Two Attitudes Toward God’s Word - Part 2 -

2. Defining Terms What is “conservative”? − to keep, to save, to preserve (Jude 21) − adhering to, conserving or preserving what is old (Jer. 6:16) − opposing or resisting change & innovation (2 Cor. 11:4; Gal. 1:6-9)

3. Biblical Examples Israelites (Ex. 25:9; 39:42,43) David (1 Chron. 15:1-15) Returning Jews (Ezra 9-10; Neh. 8; 13) Jerusalem church (Acts 15:1 – 16:5) Paul (1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13) John (2 Jn. 9-11) and Jude (Jude 3)

4. Identifying Marks of Conservatism Like Jesus, accepts the full inspiration of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16) Believes the NT is a pattern for today (2 Tim. 1:13) Believes the NT has not changed (1 Pet. 1:25) Seeks to please God not men (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4)

5. Religious Conservatism Today Inspiration accepted Miracles accepted Deity accepted Bible is the very word of God, and an authoritative guide for us today Fixed pattern for the work and worship of the church Appeal to spiritual activities in the church “Christians” are added to the Lord’s church (Acts 2:38,42,47) Conservatism in GeneralConservatism in the Church

6. Danger: Ultra-Conservatism “Ultra-” refers to what is beyond the due limit; extreme It is wrong to loose where God has not loosed (liberalism); and bind where God has not bound (Mt. 16:19; 18:18) “Ultra-conservatism” binds (forbids) where God has not bound (1 Tim. 4:3)

7. Danger: Ultra-Conservatism Two erroneous extremes… Whatever is not specifically forbidden is permitted (liberalism) – a law breaker Whatever is not specifically authorized is forbidden (ultra-conservatism) – a law maker

8. Danger: Ultra-Conservatism Among Churches of Christ No individual Bible classes, no Bible class literature No located preacher, no paid preacher No multiple cups, no PM Lord’s supper No women speaking in Bible class, no women writing articles for publication No man-made song books

9. Danger: Ultra-Conservatism What are the results? Misuses scripture (2 Pet. 3:16) Elevates opinion to scripture (Mt. 15:8-9) Needless division and trouble (Acts 15:24) Sinful factionalism (Gal. 5:20)

10. Are You Liberal, Conservative, or Ultra-Conservative? Goes Onward “Liberal” (“Progressive”) Goes Onward “Liberal” (“Progressive”) Abides In “Conservative” The Doctrine of Christ 2 John 9; 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 4:3 “Ultra- Conservative”

11. “Conservative” Are You Liberal, Conservative, or Ultra-Conservative? Goes Onward “Liberal” (“Progressive”) Loosing Where God Has Not Loosed Goes Onward “Liberal” (“Progressive”) Loosing Where God Has Not Loosed 2 John 9; 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 4:3 “Ultra- Conservative” Binding Where God Has Not Bound