2. Liberalism Good In Some Things
2 Corinthians 8:2 NKJV 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

3. THE CLEAR & PRESENT DANGERS OF LIBERALISM
Liberalism- “Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry. b.Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.”

4. Terms We Hear That Indicate Liberalism
Going Beyond What Is Written-
“We do not have to have authority for everything”
“We do many things for which we do not have authority”
Adding (Not Aiding) Not Walking By Faith – 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:17
Zeal For Numerical Growth & Longing For Religious Relevance-
Religious Results & Pride of Life, Strong Motivators
Resort to Control / Coercion
Matthew 23:15

5. Bible Admonitions Not To Take Liberty In Handling God’s Word
Cain’s deviation from God’s instruction – Genesis 4
Nadab & Abihu substituting fire in offering incense – Leviticus 10
Joshua 1:7,8 “do according to all that is written”
Deuteronomy 5:32,33 “not turn aside to the right hand or to the left”
Matthew 5:18 “not one jot or one title”
Matthew 4:4 “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”

6. Bible Admonitions Not To Take Liberty In Handling God’s Word
Jesus gives us the example – Matthew 4:4-10 “It is written”
Book, Chapter & Verse For All We Do & Say- 1 Peter 4:11
3 John 9 “Transgresses” – “to progress, go onward, run on ahead...all of which is condemned.”
Some say it was ultra conservative thought that could not let go of old way -to Gentile converts it was liberalism to add requirements which Lord had not.

7. DANGERS OF LIBERAL THINKING
Promotes Emotion Over Reason
Favors End Justifies the Means – results driven mentality
Treats Certain Issues as Minor To Keep Fellowship With Some – Compromise on major issues
Begin To Regard Those Who Are Not Always Changing As Loess Than Acceptable – Second Class Christians
Become Habitually Given to Constant Change
Revised Hermeneutic – dismiss examples/inferences
Out Of Balance Preaching – popular/favorable themes

8. EXAMPLES OF LIBERALISM IN DENOMINATIONALISM
Sprinkling for baptism
Lord’s Supper on days other than Sunday & frequencies other than weekly
Women leaders in churches
Taking up collections on days other than Sunday and in ways other than freewill contributions

9. LIBERALISM IN CHURCHES OF CHRIST TODAY
Women giving testimonies, singing solos
Singing with instruments & or hand clapping
Lord’s Supper turned into a meal or made an extension of social meal
Use of dramatic presentations
Elders of one church overseeing another
Recreational functions, secular education, health care, etc.
Fellowship of denominations
Baby dedication services
Church celebrations of holidays

10. EXAMINE OURSELVES 3 John 3,4 “walk in the truth”
2 Corinthians 13:5 “whether you are in the faith”
Jude 3 “contend earnestly for faith”
Jeremiah 6:16 “ask for the old paths”
1 John 2:24 “abide in the Son and in the Father”