Category: Doctrinal Error

There are two truths which are confirmed by a multitude of scriptures in God’s holy word. The first truth is that God’s children have always been hated by the religious world.

There is a spiritual danger in being linked to unbelievers, whether they be avowed atheists, practical infidels who claim conviction but live wickedly, or those who believe in God, but reject the authoritative nature of his word. Even as the inspired writer condemns being yoked to unbelievers, he offers a remedy–“Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

No matter how sincere in heart a person may or may not be about what they are teaching as the truth, the affect will be the same in the poisoning of precious souls. Teaching something which is not the truth of the gospel will poison a soul, regardless of the sincerity of the one doing the false teaching.

The best defense against a false teacher’s poison is spiritual growth (2 Peter 3:18). The word of God reveals the serious nature of erring doctrines (see Deuteronomy 20:16-18). Therefore all doctrines presented must stand the test of the standard of truth. We must put to test all doctrines we hear (Galatians 1:8-9; 1 John 4:1ff). Those doctrines that do not measure up to the Lord’s divine revelation are to be rejected.

Issues seem to be more numerous among brethren today than they were two or three decades ago. Denominationalism and Institutionalism were the two main areas of concern when I began to preach the Gospel. Over the last few years, Divorce and Remarriage, the Deity and Humanity of Jesus, AD 70 Doctrine, Days of Creation, plus where to draw the line of fellowship regarding these subjects have become matters of importance that need to be resolved.

Lest one think this whole exercise in speculation is wasted space, let me note that the above statements are merely modified forms of things being said today. Take away the reference to Asa’s opposition to ancient error and replace it with some brother’s opposition to modern error and you’ve got it. Substitute the ridicule or character assassination of some faithful teacher for that of Asa and the words are identical.

As long as we have “sound churches” with brethren in them “who don’t have a clue”, then we are going to lose ground to Satan on a daily basis! As long as we have preachers who, for whatever reason, are not joining the front line of battle against this encroaching enemy, then Satan’s forces will continue to surround and destroy one church after another because of their ignorance and complacency.

We are to seek and destroy error. Why? Because error condemns the souls of men to an eternal hell and is an affront to the Holy God of heaven. If we will be blessed, we will confront and expose evil. If we fail, God will curse us. Therefore, be determined to “destroy…break down…cut down…[and] burn” all that is contrary to the will of God.

Dear reader, we encourage you, also, to stand. Be unyielding to error. Have conviction about the word of God and what it teaches. Don’t give in to compromise and weak preaching. Stand!

It is right to point out the inconsistencies in a man’s argument. It is right to name those who poison the minds of the brethren with their error, (as did Paul). It is right to contend publicly with public error and sin. It is not always pleasant, but it is right. In contrast, it is never right to impugn the motive of any man. It is not right to falsely accuse, and attribute positions which have not been argued. Anger is inappropriate, as is hatred, pride and arrogance.

Yes, it is right to pray for Pat’s recovery, but, again, since he believes in miraculous divine healing as per the lame man in Acts 3:6, 7, in accordance with the teaching of Mark 16:17, 18, why does not one of his brethren heal him?

As the old saying goes, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” Preemptive action against error is required of elders and preachers. If they fail to take it, they fail in their duties to God and man. If the elders and/or preacher where you attend is not warning you, ask them why and make them give an answer (cf. 1 Pet. 3:15).

Concerning the Bible teaching on Divorce and Remarriage, the truth is clear: One man, one woman, for a lifetime. Jesus established only one exception to this rule, “fornication.” Anyone who does not teach and practice this doctrine must be rejected by those who love truth, and those who desire fellowship with the Lord (cf. 2 John 9-11).

It is valid to watch for, and root out error. It is valid to expose the false teacher, and establish truth in the hearts of men. Though in so doing we will feel the wrath of those who seek compromise rather than victory, we must continue to “Convince, rebuke, exhort.”

That Mr. Robertson had cancer of the prostate is beyond dispute. So, why did they not call for one of his miracles working friends to heal him? Better yet, why didn’t one of them volunteer to do so? I mean, if I had such a gift, the very minute I heard that my friend, Pat Robertson, had such a serious disease, I would have insisted that I be allowed to come and pray that he might receive his healing!

Some hold to the contention that the gospel accounts are all the direction we need in our lives, and that the apostle Paul actually corrupted the teachings of Christ. This contention is false.

Imagine that-Methodists eventually may forsake a common Protestant practice and actually break bread as those non-Methodist, New Testament disciples did (Acts 20:7)! What’s more, the “weekly practice” would not only “fit the practice of Methodist founder, John Wesley,” but it also would “fit the practice” of the church of Christ’s founder, Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:20; Acts 2:42; 20:7).

Catholicism is self-imposed religion that cheats people out of the truth, genuine discipleship, and a home in heaven. It is so concerned with its ancient tradition that it has set aside the more ancient words of God. It draws near to God in word, but betrays a distant heart, vain in its works.

Now, if ever there comes a time when everyone is saved, if there were ever a time when there were no lost sinners, if every man were forgiven, would water baptism continue? No, for its purpose would no longer be necessary. That is why the other baptisms ceased. So, water baptism would end and would no longer be practiced if everyone were saved. Obviously, that has not happened, and water baptism continues. It is, therefore, the “one baptism” of Ephesians 4:5.

The church of Christ has always endured false doctrines and evil influences, and today is no different. There are particular heresies which are affecting and influencing the church today, and they cannot be ignored. While not every problem mentioned in this sermon series is affecting every local church, and while our first duty is to our local church, still we cannot simply ignore them.