Maintaining The Distinctiveness Of The Lord

MAINTAINING THE DISTINCTIVENESS OF THE LORD’S CHURCH (Curtis A. Cates) --As the church grows, it seems that some have placed it in competition with sectarian groups. --It is as if we are trying to “sell” the church to others, comparing the advantages of our “brand” with other churches which supposedly perform the same function. --However, to compare the Lord’s church with the denominations can be very dangerous

I. The Impression is left that the church is just another denomination

A. Implication that as Ford, Chevrolet, etc. provide transportation, SALVATION can Be found in churches planted by men.

B. HOWEVER:

1. There is just one body, the church (Colossians 1:18) (Ephesians 4:4; 1:23) 2 Which Christ died to save (Ephesians 5:23) “…Christ is the head of the church, He is the savior of the body.”

3. Purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28) (Ephesians 1:7)

C. Therefore, Christ’s church must NOT be compromised by competition with the Churches built by men (Matthew 16:18) (Matthew 15:9) “In vain do they Worship me teaching for commandments the doctrines of men.”

II. Same Impression left by preachers participating in ‘ministerial associations’

A. Though the Bible teaches nothing of “Easter” or “Easter Services” many Preachers today will participate in such WITH the denominations

B. How can we be “distinct” if we are just one of the crowd?

C. How does membership in such an association point to the church established By Christ nearly 2000 years ago?

1. “Come out from among them….” (2 Corinthians 6:17)

III. Impression of being a sect left by accepting sectarian “baptisms”

A. A “baptism” NOT for remission of sins, upon the wrong confession, or to put One into a man-made church is NOT New Testament baptism (Mark 16:16) (Acts 2:38; 22:16)

B. How does “accepting them into fellowship” point out the distinctiveness of the Church of Jesus Christ?

IV. Can compromise distinctiveness by speaking of “sincere, knowledgeable, Devout, Christians in all the various denominations

A. If some in the denominations DID once obey the gospel, they are LOST, no longer Followers of Christ, and must repent and be restored to their first love. If they Continue in man-made churches, they will be lost eternally. (Matthew 15:9) (Galatians 5:4) “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are Justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace.” (2 Peter 2:20-22)

V. Can compromise distinctiveness by abandoning purpose of the church

A. Christ’s bride (church) has the same mission as Christ (Luke 19:10) “For the son Of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

B. To preach the “social gospel”, or to get involved in the entertainment business Is to confuse the church’s divine mission with that of the world

VI. Impression of being a sect is left by compromise with the world

A. Prominence of the church in some places causes many to want to “join” the church

1. Many are being accepted that are not really penitent (refuse to give up Adulterous marriages, etc.)

2. They have NOT given up their worldly demeanor, dress, morals, etc. and Are largely UNTAUGHT CONCLUSION: Let us do all we can to cause the church to grow in number, but NOT at the Cost of purity of doctrine and morals!