1. Responding to Religious Confusion Luke 6:37-49

3. Luke 6:39-40. We are of our teachers, for better or worse (1 John 4:1) How Bible is viewed/taught reveals why groups differ: - Bible Exclusivity?- Bible Translation? - Bible Entirety?- Bible Literacy? - Bible Inspiration?- Bible Attitude? - Bible Interpretation?- Bible Authority? How other fundamentals are viewed/taught “ “ “ “ Ideally, 1 Bible produces 1 legitimate faith group 1. “How can there be so many faith groups when there is only one Bible?”

4. Luke 6:43-45, 46-48. Good fruits determine “Christian” (Mt. 7:21-23; Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-5; 1 Tim. 4:16; Jn. 8:31; 13:35) What does NOT make a faith group the Lord’s Church: - Self Claims/Consensus- Moral Living - Pop/Historical Status- Heartfelt Sincerity - Charity/Reputation - Testimonials - Adherents/Resources- Willingness to Die What does make a faith group the Lord’s Church: - God decides—let Him. We can (must) recognize fruits - Genuine love, faith & obedience to God’s will 2. “What makes a faith group the Lord’s Church?”

5. Luke 6:45, 49. By their own hearts they hear & do nothing (Mt. 7:13; James 1:13-15; Acts 5:7, 8; Mk. 4:24-25; Lk. 8:18) Majority have always been wrong (except two times) Satan does what he does well to the unstable among us: - Best errors are half-truths; best lures seem edible They allow themselves to be negligent to danger: - “Right” defined by superficial/substandard bases - They suppose a false view of God’s grace - They don’t understand their own free will - They are closed-minded to spiritual assistance 3. “How can so many people be wrong?”

6. Luke 6:37-38, 41-42. Correct error in others after self (1 Cor. 5:1-5; 1 Pt. 4:8; James 5:19-20; 2 Tim. 4:1; Mt. 7:1; Jn. 7:24) Ecumenicalism v. True Christianity - There is such a thing as dangerous sympathy - We are not the Judge, but error is knowable - How this impacts fellowship & relationships Learn the signs of religious confusion & reach out - Be humble, empathic and find common ground - Language to employ & avoid in communication - Reach out to others respectfully & guardedly 4. “How am I supposed to behave towards those in error?”

7. Become A Christian! Hear the gospel (Rom. 10:10) Believe Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24) Repent of sins (Luke 13:3) Confess Christ (Matt. 10:32-33) Be baptized, washing away your sins (Acts 22:16) Live a committed life (Rev. 2:10) Be Restored Back To God! Confess sin (James 5:16) Repent and pray (Acts 8:22) Renew your commitment (Rev. 2:4-5) How to Respond to Religious Conviction: