1. Comfort Doctrines (7) A teaching which is designed to give comfort and remove the fear of consequences to one who refuses to repent of some sinful activity.

2. Today Comfort Doctrine: “It Doesn’t Matter What We Believe” (2)

3. The Doctrine Explained Many denominations have moved away from exclusiveness and are embracing a concept that we should “agree to disagree”. Doctrinal difference is dismissed as unimportant Last Week

4. Rick Warren, “Pastor”, Saddleback church “the two largest faiths on the planet must work together to combat stereotypes and solve global problems”, and “Some problems are so big you have to team tackle them,” July 4, 2009 Islamic Society Forum Last Week

5. Examples of this doctrine: “I consider myself a Hindu, Christian, Moslem, Jew, Buddhist and Confucian.” — Mahatma Gandhi

6. Examples of this doctrine: “Linking arms with charismatics, pentecostals, and evangelisticals of every stripe, I have joined in the crusade against this outrageous perversion-not only by book and lecture, but also on the airwaves. Sometimes uncomfortable airwaves…” [F. Lagard Smith; “Who Is My Brother”; 1997 Cotswold Publishing; pg. 65]

7. Examples of this doctrine: “…Each time I have walked onto the set of “Pat Robertson’s “700 Club,” for example, I have wondered what in the world I’m doing there. For the sake of the cause, however, I put on a brave face and do the interview… [F. Lagard Smith; “Who Is My Brother”; 1997 Cotswold Publishing; pg. 65]

8. Examples of this doctrine: “…(Christian television is one of the few avenues I have to promote my books and my message to the kind of readers who care about what I’m saying.)...” [F. Lagard Smith; “Who Is My Brother”; 1997 Cotswold Publishing; pg. 65]

9. Examples of this doctrine: “…Despite yawning doctrinal gaps between us, on any number of issues I have common cause with Pat Robertson.” [F. Lagard Smith; “Who Is My Brother”; 1997 Cotswold Publishing; pg. 65]

10. Examples of this doctrine: “The point is that one’s view of baptism contributes significantly to one’s view of fellowship. The more narrow one’s view of baptism, the more narrow the acceptable bound of fellowship...” [F. Lagard Smith; “Who Is My Brother”; 1997 Cotswold Publishing]

11. Examples of this doctrine: “…Or to put it another way, there is an independent relationship between baptism and fellowship: An exclusive view of baptism prompts an exclusive view of fellowship; whereas an inclusive view of fellowship demands a non-exclusive view of baptism.” [F. Lagard Smith; “Who Is My Brother”; 1997 Cotswold Publishing]

12. The Doctrine Explained “Unity in diversity” Ecumenicalism “Grace-Unity Movement” “Attend the church of your choice” Last Week

13. The Doctrine Explained Distinction between matters where we do agree (i.e. social concerns) but keeping doctrinal distinct. I.e. difference between gospel and doctrine Comfort doctrine? Such can lead to one formulating doctrinal beliefs and THEN seeking a church that will validate that belief. Last Week

14. What does the Bible say? Unity is clearly taught in scripture, 1 Cor. 1:10, Jn. 17:20-21,Eph. 4:1-6 Biblical unity is agreement BASED upon TRUTH! Jn.17:17 Last Week

15. What does the Bible say? Agreement of truth produces TRUE unity - 1 Cor. 1:10 1 Cor. 4:17 - Same in every church 2 Pet. 3:16 – Paul & Peter Phil. 2:1-3 – like-minded Gal. 1:2, Rev. 1:11 – letters to more than one congregation Last Week

16. What does the Bible say? 2 Tim. 3:16, 17 – All scripture makes the man of God complete Matt. 7:21-23 – Not enough to say, “Lord”; We must DO! Last Week

17. What does the Bible say? What about false teachers? Ecumenicalism allows for false teachers (& teaching) to be acceptable!

18. What does the Bible say? What about false teachers? Does the Bible tolerate false teachers or teaching? Where? 2 Pet. 2:1-3, 1 Jn. 4:1-3 2 John 9-11 Cf. Acts 18:24-28 – Apollos, What about Paul? While there is some distinction between corrupt false teachers and those honest in teaching error (i.e. motives), NEVER is false teaching or teachers treated as acceptable! BOTH needed correction!

19. What does the Bible say? Is the gospel exclusive? NO! Available to all John 3:16, Rom. 1:16 YES! HOW one is saved & HOW to serve God – 2 Thess. 1:8, Lk. 6:46, Matt. 7:13-14 God expects us to obey Him!

20. What about “core” principles? Sometimes effort is made to distinguish between “core” values and matters of doctrinal disagreement Distinction between “gospel” and “doctrine” Can we dismiss doctrinal matters?

21. What about “core” principles? The gospel IS doctrine – 1 Tim. 1:10-11 What we obey – Rom. 1:5 – the faith Rom. 2:8 – the truth Rom. 6:17 – doctrine Rom. 10:16 – the gospel

22. What about “core” principles? Doctrine is described as: 1 Tim. 1:10-11 – sound 1 Tim. 6:3 – accords with godliness 2 Tim. 3:16 – profitable 2 John 9 – doctrine of Christ Acts 2:42 – apostle’s doctrine Jn. 7:16-17 – of the Father

23. What about “core” principles? WHO determines what is “core” doctrine and what is not? What if someone doesn’t meet our “core” values? Can we reject them? Should they reject us?

24. What about “core” principles? Can we lend fellowship to a church practicing error? Eph. 5:11 2 Cor. 6:14-17

25. Why this “comfort doctrine” is wrong! It is UNscriptural and ANTIscriptural It promotes division – denominationalism It promotes ignorance It removes true Biblical accountability Why contend for the faith?

26. Why this “comfort doctrine” is wrong! It redefines many Biblical terms Grace Fellowship Gospel & Doctrine Who are brethren What is sin

27. TRUE comfort! Comes through knowing and doing God’s will! 1 Thess. 4:18, Rom. 15:4 Comes through TRUE agreement about TRUTH! (cf. Phil. 2:1-2) Seeking those of “like precious faith.”

28. Does what you believe agree with what God teaches?