It is imperative that we understand the purpose behind our service to God. n Men can blindly...

It is imperative that we understand the It is imperative that we understand the purpose behind our service to God.purpose behind our service to God.

Men can blindly following others without Men can blindly following others without understanding God’s will. understanding God’s will. (Mt 15:8-9, 12-14)(Mt 15:8-9, 12-14)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 15:8Matthew 15:8 'These people draw 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with with their their lips, But their heart is far from lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching Teaching as as doctrines the commandments doctrines the commandments of men.' of men.'


NKJ NKJ Matthew 15:12Matthew 15:12 Then His disciples came Then His disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that the and said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" 13 But He answered and said, "Every saying?" 13 But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 "Let them alone. planted will be uprooted. 14 "Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.“ditch.“


Most people make human relationships Most people make human relationships their priority in choosing their religion.their priority in choosing their religion.


Most people make human relationships Most people make human relationships their priority in choosing their religion.their priority in choosing their religion.

Service to God other than a basis of a living Service to God other than a basis of a living faith in His word is vain. faith in His word is vain. (Mt 6:7-8)(Mt 6:7-8)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 6:7Matthew 6:7 "And when you pray, do "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. do. For they think that they will be heard for For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 "Therefore do not be their many words. 8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.you have need of before you ask Him.


A living faith is filled with purpose and A living faith is filled with purpose and leads you in a different path than worldly leads you in a different path than worldly religion.religion.


It is not uncommon to find the people of It is not uncommon to find the people of God in very small numbers at different God in very small numbers at different times in history! times in history!


It is not uncommon to find the people of It is not uncommon to find the people of God in very small numbers at different God in very small numbers at different times in history! times in history!

Consider how insignificant Daniel appeared Consider how insignificant Daniel appeared in Babylon. Someone might ask: “How in Babylon. Someone might ask: “How

could my families have their social could my families have their social needs met with such an insignificant few?”needs met with such an insignificant few?”


It is not uncommon to find the people of God in It is not uncommon to find the people of God in very small numbers at different times in history! very small numbers at different times in history!

Consider how insignificant Daniel appeared in Consider how insignificant Daniel appeared in Babylon. Someone might ask: “How Babylon. Someone might ask: “How could could my families have their social needs met with my families have their social needs met with such an insignificant few?”such an insignificant few?”

Why were God’s people reduced to a remnant? Why were God’s people reduced to a remnant? (Ezk 6:8-10, 14:22-23)(Ezk 6:8-10, 14:22-23)


NKJ NKJ Ezekiel 6:8Ezekiel 6:8 " Yet I will " Yet I will leave a leave a remnantremnant, so that you may have , so that you may have some some who who escape the sword among the nations, when escape the sword among the nations, when you are scattered through the countries. you are scattered through the countries.


9 "Then those of you who escape will 9 "Then those of you who escape will remember Me among the nations where remember Me among the nations where they are carried captive, because I was they are carried captive, because I was crushed by their adulterous heart which has crushed by their adulterous heart which has departed from Me, and by their eyes which departed from Me, and by their eyes which play the harlot after their idols; they will play the harlot after their idols; they will loathe themselves for the evils which they loathe themselves for the evils which they committed in all their abominations. committed in all their abominations.


10 "And they shall know that I 10 "And they shall know that I am am the the LORD; I have not said in vain that I would LORD; I have not said in vain that I would bring this calamity upon them.“bring this calamity upon them.“


NKJ NKJ Ezekiel 14:22Ezekiel 14:22 "Yet behold, there shall "Yet behold, there shall be be left in it a remnantleft in it a remnant who will be brought who will be brought out, out, both both sons and daughters; surely they sons and daughters; surely they will come out to you, and you will see their will come out to you, and you will see their ways and their doings. Then you will be ways and their doings. Then you will be comforted concerning the disaster that I comforted concerning the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem, all that I have have brought upon Jerusalem, all that I have brought upon it. brought upon it.


23 "And they will comfort you, when you 23 "And they will comfort you, when you see their ways and their doings; and you see their ways and their doings; and you shall know that I have done nothing without shall know that I have done nothing without cause that I have done in it," says the cause that I have done in it," says the LORD GOD.LORD GOD.

What does God expect of a local church?What does God expect of a local church?

The purpose of a local church is to glorify The purpose of a local church is to glorify God by submitting to Him as the Head!God by submitting to Him as the Head!


The purpose of a local church is to glorify The purpose of a local church is to glorify God by submitting to Him as the Head!God by submitting to Him as the Head!

Every Christian must recognize and submit Every Christian must recognize and submit to God’s plan. to God’s plan. (Eph 4:4-6)(Eph 4:4-6)


NKJ NKJ Ephesians 4:4Ephesians 4:4 There is There is one body and one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who who is is above all, and through all, and in above all, and through all, and in you all.you all.


This plan can be easily given up by a local This plan can be easily given up by a local church. church. (Acts 20:26-32)(Acts 20:26-32)


NKJ NKJ Acts 20:26Acts 20:26 "Therefore I testify to you "Therefore I testify to you this day that I this day that I am am innocent of the blood of all innocent of the blood of all men.men. 27 "For I have not shunned to declare to 27 "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 "Therefore you the whole counsel of God. 28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. which He purchased with His own blood.


29 "For I know this, that after my departure 29 "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 "Also from among sparing the flock. 30 "Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 "Therefore watch, and after themselves. 31 "Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. to warn everyone night and day with tears.


32 "So now, brethren, I commend you to 32 "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are inheritance among all those who are sanctified.sanctified.


Consider how we view the Bible and what a Consider how we view the Bible and what a local church is to do.local church is to do.


There is a revolution going on among There is a revolution going on among churches of Christ where brethren are churches of Christ where brethren are rejecting the necessity of having rejecting the necessity of having authority before we teach or practice a authority before we teach or practice a thing. thing.


There is a revolution going on among There is a revolution going on among churches of Christ where brethren are churches of Christ where brethren are rejecting the necessity of having rejecting the necessity of having authority before we teach or practice a authority before we teach or practice a thing. thing.

Jesus life was focused on “doing the will of Jesus life was focused on “doing the will of the Father who sent Me.” the Father who sent Me.” (Jn 5:19-21, 30)(Jn 5:19-21, 30)


NKJ NKJ John 5:19John 5:19 Then Jesus answered and said Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 "For the Son also does in like manner. 20 "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. marvel.


21 "For as the Father raises the dead and 21 "For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to gives life to them, them, even so the Son gives life even so the Son gives life to whom He will.to whom He will.

NKJ NKJ John 5:30John 5:30 "I can of Myself do "I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.sent Me.


There was not a single thing Jesus did There was not a single thing Jesus did without the fellowship and authority of the without the fellowship and authority of the Father. Father. (Jn 8:28-29)(Jn 8:28-29)


NKJ NKJ John 8:28John 8:28 Then Jesus said to them, Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am will know that I am He, He, and and that that I do I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29 "And He who Me, I speak these things. 29 "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.“please Him.“


Jesus’ light was delivered in the form of Jesus’ light was delivered in the form of words. They were recorded for us to see words. They were recorded for us to see

and respond to. Jesus showed us the and respond to. Jesus showed us the response He expects! response He expects! (Jn 12:46-50)(Jn 12:46-50)


NKJ NKJ John 12:46John 12:46 "I have come "I have come as as a light a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 "And if should not abide in darkness. 47 "And if anyone hears My words and does not anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the come to judge the world but to save the world. world.


48 "He who rejects Me, and does not 48 "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges receive My words, has that which judges him -- the word that I have spoken will him -- the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 "For I have not judge him in the last day. 49 "For I have not spoken on My own spoken on My own authority; authority; but the Father but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. should say and what I should speak.


50 "And I know that His command is 50 "And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”speak.”


Local church must have bible authority for Local church must have bible authority for its teachings and practices.its teachings and practices.


Local church must have bible authority for Local church must have bible authority for its teachings and practices.its teachings and practices.

In the Old Testament the example of Nadab In the Old Testament the example of Nadab and Abihu teaches this. and Abihu teaches this. (Lev 10:1-3)(Lev 10:1-3)


NKJ NKJ Leviticus 10:1Leviticus 10:1 Then Nadab and Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. 2 So which He had not commanded them. 2 So fire went out from the LORD and devoured fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. them, and they died before the LORD.


3 And Moses said to Aaron, "This is what 3 And Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke, saying: 'By those who the LORD spoke, saying: 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be And before all the people I must be glorified.' " So Aaron held his peace.glorified.' " So Aaron held his peace.


The New Testament also recognizes this The New Testament also recognizes this point. point. (Heb 7:12-14; 2 Jn 9-11)(Heb 7:12-14; 2 Jn 9-11)


NKJ NKJ Hebrews 7:12Hebrews 7:12 For the priesthood For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. 14 For the altar. 14 For it is it is evident that our Lord evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.spoke nothing concerning priesthood.


NKJ NKJ 2 John 1:92 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses and Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.


By limiting ourselves to only what God has By limiting ourselves to only what God has revealed we allow our teaching and revealed we allow our teaching and practice to glorify God. practice to glorify God. (1 Pt 4:11; Col 3:17)(1 Pt 4:11; Col 3:17)


NKJ NKJ 1 Peter 4:111 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, If anyone speaks, let him let him speak speak as the oracles of God. If anyone as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, ministers, let him do it let him do it as with the ability as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.forever and ever. Amen.


NKJ NKJ Colossians 3:17Colossians 3:17 And And whatever whatever you do you do in word or deed, in word or deed, do do all in the name of the all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.through Him.


There are some fundamental conclusions There are some fundamental conclusions that every Christian must draw.that every Christian must draw.


There are some fundamental conclusions There are some fundamental conclusions that every Christian must draw.that every Christian must draw.

We must know if a teaching or practice is We must know if a teaching or practice is authorized by God’s wordauthorized by God’s word! !


Every Christian must be willing to give Every Christian must be willing to give “Book, Chapter, and Verse” for any “Book, Chapter, and Verse” for any practice or teaching they engage in.practice or teaching they engage in. (Col. 3:17).(Col. 3:17).


NKJ NKJ Colossians 3:17Colossians 3:17 And And whatever whatever you do you do in word or deed, in word or deed, do do all in the name of the all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.through Him.


How did God choose to equip His people? How did God choose to equip His people? (Eph 4:11-12)(Eph 4:11-12)


NKJ NKJ Ephesians 4:11Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself gave And He Himself gave some some to be to be apostles, some prophets, some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,body of Christ,


It is easy to become sidetracked on things It is easy to become sidetracked on things that appeal to our flesh but in the end dothat appeal to our flesh but in the end do

nothing for the work of God. nothing for the work of God.


It is easy to become sidetracked on things It is easy to become sidetracked on things that appeal to our flesh but in the end dothat appeal to our flesh but in the end do

nothing for the work of God. nothing for the work of God. Apostasy comes from God's people seeking Apostasy comes from God's people seeking

please themselves. please themselves. (2 Tim 4:2-4)(2 Tim 4:2-4)


NKJ NKJ 2 Timothy 4:22 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word! Be - Preach the word! Be ready in season ready in season and and out of season. Convince, out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, to their own desires, because because they have itching they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn 4 and they will turn their their ears away from the ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.truth, and be turned aside to fables.


Be prepared! Many will close their hearts Be prepared! Many will close their hearts and their Bibles. and their Bibles. (Rom 8:5-8; Jer 6:16-17)(Rom 8:5-8; Jer 6:16-17)


NKJ NKJ Romans 8:5Romans 8:5 For those who live For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those things of the flesh, but those who live who live according to the Spirit, the things of the according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is is death, death, but to be spiritually minded but to be spiritually minded is is life and life and peace. peace.


7 Because the carnal mind 7 Because the carnal mind is is enmity against enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.in the flesh cannot please God.


NKJ NKJ Jeremiah 6:16Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says the LORD: Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way old paths, where the good way is, is, And walk And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'in it.' 17 17 Also, I set watchmen over you, Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen.‘they said, 'We will not listen.‘


When we close our Bibles it is easy to be When we close our Bibles it is easy to be comfortable with the things we have always comfortable with the things we have always done. Also when one generation adds done. Also when one generation adds things having no Bible authority, the next things having no Bible authority, the next

generation will go much further. generation will go much further.


When we close our Bibles it is easy to be When we close our Bibles it is easy to be comfortable with the things we have always comfortable with the things we have always done. Also when one generation adds things done. Also when one generation adds things having no Bible authority, the next having no Bible authority, the next generation will go much further.generation will go much further.

We are not to substitute for the drawing power We are not to substitute for the drawing power of the gospel by an appeal to the flesh. (ex. of the gospel by an appeal to the flesh. (ex. “fellowship halls”) “fellowship halls”) (Jn 6:44-45; 26-27, Rom 1:16-17)(Jn 6:44-45; 26-27, Rom 1:16-17)


NKJ NKJ John 6:44John 6:44 "No one can come to Me "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 "It and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.comes to Me.


NKJ NKJ John 6:26John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 "Do you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."God the Father has set His seal on Him."

Why did the North Charlottesville Why did the North Charlottesville church begin?church begin?

I took over 2 years in planning the work I took over 2 years in planning the work here.here.



A Christian visited this area to consider A Christian visited this area to consider moving here and gave me a report.moving here and gave me a report.



A Christian visited this area to consider A Christian visited this area to consider moving here and gave me a report.moving here and gave me a report.

I began my own research to consider where I began my own research to consider where faithful churches existed in this state. I also faithful churches existed in this state. I also took several trips here. took several trips here.


The existing church in this area had a The existing church in this area had a history of teaching and practice that history of teaching and practice that identifies them to this day. They have a identifies them to this day. They have a defined fellowship.defined fellowship.



Consider how fellowship impacts one’s Consider how fellowship impacts one’s belief about Baptism.belief about Baptism.



Consider how fellowship impacts one’s Consider how fellowship impacts one’s belief about Baptism.belief about Baptism.

Baptism is the final step to find forgiveness Baptism is the final step to find forgiveness of sins. of sins. (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16)(Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16)


NKJ NKJ Acts 2:38Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.gift of the Holy Spirit.


NKJ NKJ Acts 22:16Acts 22:16 'And now why are you 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.‘Lord.‘


A failure to understand the purpose of A failure to understand the purpose of Baptism can result in men being sincerely Baptism can result in men being sincerely

immersed in water but not having immersed in water but not having received the baptism Christ instructed. received the baptism Christ instructed. (Acts 19:1-5)(Acts 19:1-5)


NKJ NKJ Acts 19:1Acts 19:1 And it happened, while And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." whether there is a Holy Spirit."


3 And he said to them, "Into what then were 3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptism." 4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 5 When they heard Jesus." 5 When they heard this, this, they were they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.


This truth is why those churches of Christ This truth is why those churches of Christ had to separate from the various had to separate from the various denominations and stand with other denominations and stand with other Christians upon this truth.Christians upon this truth.


This truth is why those churches of Christ This truth is why those churches of Christ had to separate from the various had to separate from the various denominations and stand with other denominations and stand with other Christians upon this truth.Christians upon this truth.

Can one who believes God’s will on the Can one who believes God’s will on the purpose of water baptism work together in purpose of water baptism work together in fellowship in a church that does not?fellowship in a church that does not?


You You may bemay be tolerated if tolerated if onlyonly give financial give financial support to those who differ with you. If you support to those who differ with you. If you allow all who want to receive Christ be allow all who want to receive Christ be taught taught contrary to what you say you believecontrary to what you say you believe . . And that And that onlyonly preachers and literature preachers and literature that teaches contrary to what you say you that teaches contrary to what you say you believe be used. You are forbidden teach believe be used. You are forbidden teach what you believe what you believe with anyonewith anyone..


Could you accept those conditions and be Could you accept those conditions and be taken seriously by anyone that you taken seriously by anyone that you believe what you say you believe? A believe what you say you believe? A separation of fellowship is demanded!separation of fellowship is demanded!

What should a Christian do when problems What should a Christian do when problems arise in a local church?arise in a local church?

It is not surprising when a local church It is not surprising when a local church faces problems. They faces problems. They allall do. do.


It is not surprising when a local church It is not surprising when a local church faces problems. They faces problems. They allall do. do.

The challenge comes in solving problems The challenge comes in solving problems keeping the “unity of the spirit.” keeping the “unity of the spirit.” (Eph 4:1-3)(Eph 4:1-3)


NKJ NKJ Ephesians 4:1Ephesians 4:1 I, therefore, the I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.


When the right spirit is present brethren will When the right spirit is present brethren will in time solve any issue. in time solve any issue. (James 3:17)(James 3:17)


NKJ NKJ James 3:17James 3:17 But the wisdom that is But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.hypocrisy.


Local churches were often troubles by Local churches were often troubles by outside forces (individuals).outside forces (individuals).


I have on several occasions seen a local I have on several occasions seen a local church disturbed by a man who had an church disturbed by a man who had an agenda. The tactics of a divisive man is agenda. The tactics of a divisive man is seen over time. seen over time. (James 3:14-16)(James 3:14-16)


NKJ NKJ James 3:14James 3:14 But if you have bitter But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but wisdom does not descend from above, but is is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking envy and self-seeking exist, exist, confusion and confusion and every evil thing every evil thing are are there.there.


Often a man has a track record, a history of Often a man has a track record, a history of how they deal with brethren. how they deal with brethren. (Mt 7:15-20)(Mt 7:15-20)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 7:15Matthew 7:15 " Beware of false " Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 "You will know them by their wolves. 16 "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 "Even thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. bad tree bears bad fruit.


18 "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor 18 "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 "Every a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 down and thrown into the fire. 20 "Therefore by their fruits you will know "Therefore by their fruits you will know them.them.


Brethren can be captured by evil men.Brethren can be captured by evil men.


Brethren can be captured by evil men.Brethren can be captured by evil men. They work in the background so they They work in the background so they

cannot be opposed. cannot be opposed. (2 Pt 2:1-3)(2 Pt 2:1-3)


NKJ NKJ 2 Peter 2:12 Peter 2:1 But there were also false But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, denying the Lord who bought them, and and bring bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.


3 By covetousness they will exploit you 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.destruction does not slumber.


They work to meet the social needs of one They work to meet the social needs of one in order to separate him from brethren. in order to separate him from brethren.

They try to destroy the influence of They try to destroy the influence of the ones who could help the recruit. the ones who could help the recruit. (Gal 4:16-19)(Gal 4:16-19)


NKJ NKJ Galatians 4:16Galatians 4:16 Have I therefore become Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? 17 your enemy because I tell you the truth? 17 They zealously court you, They zealously court you, but but for no good; yes, for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little when I am present with you. 19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,Christ is formed in you,


How many “house churches” have been How many “house churches” have been formed across the country by men of this formed across the country by men of this

spirit? They live in what I call “the spirit? They live in what I call “the land of throw-away people.”land of throw-away people.”


How many “house churches” have been How many “house churches” have been formed across the country by men of this formed across the country by men of this

spirit? They live in what I call “the spirit? They live in what I call “the land of throw-away people.”land of throw-away people.”

We must not let bad experiences cause us to We must not let bad experiences cause us to quit! quit! (Rom 3:8)(Rom 3:8)


NKJ NKJ Romans 3:8Romans 3:8 And And why why not not say, say, "Let us "Let us do evil that good may come"? -- as we are do evil that good may come"? -- as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.that we say. Their condemnation is just.


Satan often uses another’s bitterness as a Satan often uses another’s bitterness as a tool for you to become bitter. Please do not tool for you to become bitter. Please do not give in to this darkness. give in to this darkness. (Rom 12:17-21; Heb 12:14-15)(Rom 12:17-21; Heb 12:14-15)


NKJ NKJ Romans 12:17Romans 12:17 Repay no one evil for Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but but rather rather give place to wrath; for it is give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance written, "Vengeance is is Mine, I will repay," Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. says the Lord.


20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.overcome evil with good.


NKJ NKJ Hebrews 12:14Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all Pursue peace with all people, people, and holiness, without which no one and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;trouble, and by this many become defiled;

The power of a living faith that submits The power of a living faith that submits to God’s wayto God’s way

Do you have an alternative to being a part Do you have an alternative to being a part of the North Charlottesville church? Are of the North Charlottesville church? Are you willing to remain at a church that goes you willing to remain at a church that goes beyond the authority of Christ? beyond the authority of Christ? (2 Jn 9)(2 Jn 9)


NKJ NKJ 2 John 1:9-112 John 1:9-11 Whoever transgresses Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.the Son.


A compromised fellowship is a sure path to A compromised fellowship is a sure path to unbelief.unbelief.



Do you understand the path “mainstream” Do you understand the path “mainstream” churches of Christ are taking?churches of Christ are taking?




Do you understand the path the Christian Do you understand the path the Christian church took after that division?church took after that division?




Do you understand the path the Christian Do you understand the path the Christian church took after that division?church took after that division?

A Biblical faith will always stand with those A Biblical faith will always stand with those who stand in the truth. who stand in the truth. (Heb 11:35-38)(Heb 11:35-38)


NKJ NKJ Hebrews 11:35Hebrews 11:35 Women received their Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. imprisonment.


37 They were stoned, they were sawn in 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented -- 38 of whom the world was not tormented -- 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, mountains, in in dens and caves of the earth.dens and caves of the earth.


Should I have left the Baptist church?Should I have left the Baptist church?


Should I have left a local church that was Should I have left a local church that was moving into “liberalism?”moving into “liberalism?”



God will bless those who know Him and God will bless those who know Him and stand upon what is right.stand upon what is right.




Do you remember these men? Sethur? Do you remember these men? Sethur? Gaddiel? Palti? Shaphat? Gaddiel? Palti? Shaphat?




Do you remember these men? Sethur? Do you remember these men? Sethur? Gaddiel? Palti? Shaphat? Gaddiel? Palti? Shaphat?

Caleb? Joshua?Caleb? Joshua?

It is imperative that we understand the purpose behind our service to God. n Men can blindly...

Documents

Transcript of It is imperative that we understand the purpose behind our service to God. n Men can blindly...