Apostate Churches and Teachers- Recognizing Them ( I Timothy 4:1-3)
DANIEL A OLIVA/10/23/2022
" Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." KJV
INTRODUCTION
A. " There are more than 45,000 denominations globally.
1. Followers of Jesus span the globe. But the global body of more than 2 billion Christians is separated into thousands of denominations."-
Center for the Study of Global Christianity
2. All claim to be seekers and doers of God's will. Which one is the RIGHT church? Let us know the TRUTH as Jesus said in John 8:32
B. To recognize the " apostate churches and teachers," we shall notice-
1. The New Testament or Original Church of the Lord
2.The Organization of the so-called Christian Groups today
3. Some Teachings of these so-called Christian Groups
DISCUSSION
A. The New Testament or Original Church of the Lord
1. Jesus established His own church in Jerusalem, circa 33AD, Matthew 16:18
2. Although, Jesus established only ONE church, there were LOCAL congregations in various places in the Roman World, Romans 16:16
3. They were all independent, autonomous churches with Christ as the Universal Head, Matthew 28:18
- the local congregations were under the elders and deacons
- Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1 and Titus 1:5
4. There was NO earthly headquarters and NO single person as the UNIVERSAL head!
B. The Organization of the so-called Christian Groups today
1. Most, if not all, were started 600 years after Christ established His one and only CHURCH in Jerusalem, 33AD
2.Most, if not all, have EARTHLY headquarters and ONE PERSON or a GROUP with various names, titles
- use of Father, Reverend, Patriarch and other designations
3. In other words, their local branches or congregations are NOT autonomous/independent
4. Their collections/contributions go to their headquarters or central churches
C. Some of The Erroneous Doctrines of so-called Christian Groups
1. They deny the Deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit
a. Philippians 2:5-8 ( Jesus was equal with God)
b. Acts 5:3,5 ( Lying to the Holy Spirit was lying to God)
2. They are led by " the man of sin" in II Thessalonians 2:3-9
a. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything called "god"
b. He will set up himself in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God
c. By Satan's power, he will show counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders to deceive people
3. They use instruments in praising God in their songs
a. Early Christians did not use musical instruments in praising God
b. Colossians 3:16
c. Hebrews 13:15
d. Ephesians 5:19
e. This is called " acapella" singing
4. The Lord's Supper ( Communion) is done every first day of the week
a. Instituted by Jesus Himself, Matthew 26:26-29
b. Done on the 1st day of the week, Acts 20:7
c. Paul instructed the church in Corinth to observe that, I Corinthians 11:23-29
CONCLUSION
A. There are other ways of recognizing apostate churches and teachers today.
1. The true seeker of God's words has to dig deep into the Bible.
2. " Study to show thyself approved unto God. A workman does not have to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of God," 2 Timothy 2:15
B. But first things first, Matthew 6:33
1. Believe and be baptized to be saved, Mark 16:16
2. Repent and be baptized to be forgiven of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38
3. Christ is inviting you NOW to come to Him, Matthew 11:28-30
4. Now is the TIME, today is the DAY of SALVATION, 2 Corinthians 6:2