1. DOES IT REALLY MATTER WHAT WE BELIEVE?
Problems Christians Face

2. Does it really matter what we believe?
A problem we often face – ecumenism.
There are different degrees of this belief.
But does it really matter?
Tonight, we answer this question

3. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Why was Cain’s sacrifice rejected?
Genesis 4:3-7
First act of worship
While not mentioned, it was clearly implied

4. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Why did God take away the Old Law?
Hebrews 10:9
Continued emphasis in the NT
Matthew 5:17-18 – Jesus fulfilled
Colossians 2:14 – nailed to the cross
It matters HOW we use the OT

5. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Why did Jesus call traditions of men vain worship?
Matthew 15:8-9
Jewish leaders had corrupted the law – Honor your parents, bound ceremonial washings (Mark 7:1-4)
They rejected God’s ways to follow their own
It DOES matter!

6. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Why did Paul need to change religions?
Galatians 1:13-14
Recall, it was from God. Paul zealously followed it – Acts 26:4-5
But that changed on the road to Damascus – Acts 26:12-19, 9:18, 22:16

7. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Why did Paul need to change religions?
Acts 23:1, 1 Timothy 1:12-15
Sincerity is not enough!
Paul was sincere, but he needed to change.
IT DOES matter.

8. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Why did Paul persuade men?
2 Corinthians 5:11
That was his mission – Acts 18:13, 19:8, 26, 28:23-24
He knew a day of judgment was coming
Endured much to win some – 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
The price he paid shows it matters

9. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Why was Peter sent to Cornelius?
Acts 10:1-2
Cornelius was a very good man, but he needed to obey the gospel (Acts 11:14)
The account– Acts 10:3-23
He was baptized – Acts 10:47-48, 2:38
What he believed mattered!

10. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Why was Apollos corrected?
Acts 18:24-28
He taught accurately the way of the Lord
But he knew only the baptism of John
Aquila and Priscilla corrected him
He changed
What he taught mattered! Even the details! Matthew 7:21-23

11. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Why were 12 men baptized again into Christ?
Acts 19:1-5
Paul in Ephesus speaks with disciples
Baptized for the wrong reason
When taught the WHOLE truth, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
If it doesn’t matter, why correct them?

12. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Why were 12 men baptized again into Christ?
Acts 19:1-5
Many denominations teach baptism for the wrong reason. When one learns the truth, does it matter how he responds?
NOTE: The text does NOT say, “baptized again”, rather they were baptized for the right reason – Acts 2:38, 22:16

13. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Other considerations:
Why continued warnings of false teachers? Acts 20:29-31, 2 Peter 2:1-3
Why warned against idols? 1 Corinthians 10:14, 20-22
Why the need to defend? 1 Peter 3:15

14. IF it doesn’t matter what we believe, then:
Other considerations:
Why are we challenged to test teachings? 1 John 4:1
Why does scripture emphasize ONE? Ephesians 4:4-6, John 17:20-21
Why does it matter how we handle God’s word? 2 Timothy 2:15

15. Are you willing to accept what He tells you to do?