Download Minister Murdered, Truth Trampled

Minister Murdered,
Truth Trampled
Acts 28:22
[David Halbrook
Revised Ron Halbrook]
Acts 28:21-24
21 And they said unto him,
We neither received letters out of Judaea
concerning thee, neither any of the brethren
that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
22 But we desire to hear of thee
what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect,
we know that every where it is spoken against.
2
Acts 28:21-24
23 And when they had appointed him a day,
there came many to him into his lodging;
to whom he expounded and testified
the kingdom of God,
persuading them concerning Jesus,
both out of the law of Moses,
and out of the prophets,
from morning till evening.
24 And some believed the things
which were spoken, and some believed not.
3
Minister Murdered, Truth Trampled
Matthew Winkler, Minister of 4th St. Church of Christ,
Selmer, TN found dead Mar. 22, 2006
Tenn. Minister's Wife
Charged With Murder
SELMER, Tenn. (AP)
Friday, Mar. 24, 2006
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NG: I’ve been researching the Church of Christ.
I don’t know that much about it.
What can you tell me?
TR: Well, the Church of Christ is a relatively
new church. It was started about 150 years
ago by Alexander Campbell.
And it’s, unfortunately, a very legalistic sect,
and they tend to use methods of intimidation
and pressure tactics. They claim that
they are the only ones going to heaven,
and all other people are condemned to hell. 5
TR: Well, they claim that if you’re not baptized
by one of their ministers, that you’re doomed
to hell, even if you’re a believer in Jesus
Christ, which, of course, breaks completely
from the traditional Christian view that
all those who call upon the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ will be saved because we’re
saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ,
who died for our sins and rose again. For
the Church of Christ folks, that’s not enough.
You have to be a member of their narrow
sect. It’s a very exclusive group.
And if you’re not a member of their sect,
you’re condemned.
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NG: You know, Pastor, you keep saying "sect."
"Sect." You make it sound like a cult.
TR: It kind of is a borderline cult, unfortunately.
I don’t want to make it out to be some kind of
Hare Krishna group, but it has cult-like
characteristics and...
NG: In what sense?
TR: Well, in the sense of the exclusivism,
the attitude that they are the only ones
who know the truth. The tactics that they use
are sometimes just -- not only un-biblical but
unethical, and they can be very ungracious,
unfortunately.”
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Minister Murdered, Truth Trampled
Acts 28:22
Acts 28:22
22 But we desire to hear of thee
what thou thinkest:
for as concerning this sect,
we know that every where
it is spoken against.
8
1. Church of Christ Started 150 Years Ago
9
TR: Well, the Church of Christ is
a relatively new church.
It was started about 150 years ago
by Alexander Campbell.
10
1. Church of Christ Started 150 Years Ago
Historical markers and materials refer
to churches of Christ far back in history
11
Campbell came to U.S. in 1809
Rumney Marsh (Chelsea, later Revere), Mass.
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1. Church of Christ Started 150 Years Ago
Historical markers and materials refer
to churches of Christ far back in history
What church was established in Acts 2?
Acts 2:47; 5:11; 8:1; 9:31
13
Acts 2:47
47 Praising God, and having favour with all
the people. And the Lord added to the church
daily such as should be saved.
Acts 5:11
11 And great fear came upon all the church,
and upon as many as heard these things.
14
Acts 8:1
1 And Saul was consenting unto his death.
And at that time there was a great persecution
against the church which was at Jerusalem;
and they were all scattered abroad
throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria,
except the apostles.
Acts 9:31
31 Then had the churches rest throughout
all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria,
and were edified; and walking in the fear
of the Lord, and in the comfort
of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
15
1. Church of Christ Started 150 Years Ago
Christ promised to build his church
in Matt. 16:18—
what church did he establish in Acts 2?
16
Matt. 16:18
18 And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Acts 2:47
47 Praising God, and having favour with all
the people. And the Lord added to the church
daily such as should be saved.
17
1. Church of Christ Started 150 Years Ago
Rom. 16:16 Churches of Christ existed,
grew, & spread in the 1st century—
long before Alexander Campbell!
18
Rom. 16:16
16 Salute one another with an holy kiss.
The churches of Christ salute you.
19
1. Church of Christ Started 150 Years Ago
Christ built what church in the 1st century?
Church of Christ Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47;
Rom. 16:16
Catholic? 606 (first pope)
Lutheran? 1520
Presbyterian? 1536
Baptist? 1607
Methodist? 1739
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1. Church of Christ Started 150 Years Ago
Christ built what church in the 1st century?
Church of Christ Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47;
Rom. 16:16
Mormon? 1830
7th Day Adventists? 1860
Christian Science? 1866
Jehovah’s Witnesses? 1872
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2. Legalistic and Narrow Sect
22
TR: “And it’s, unfortunately, a very
legalistic sect, . . . You have to be
a member of their narrow sect.”
23
2. Legalistic and Narrow Sect
Define Sect
a religious denomination,
especially a small group that has broken away
from an established church
(Webster's 20th Century Dictionary Unabr.)
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2. Legalistic and Narrow Sect
Was Paul in a sect when he left Judaism
& obeyed the gospel of Christ,
or was he in the true church of Christ?
Acts 24:14
25
Acts 24:14
14 But this I confess unto thee, that
after the way which they call heresy, so
worship I the God of my fathers,
believing all things which are written in
the law and in the prophets:
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2. Legalistic and Narrow Sect
Legalistic
strict, often too strict and literal,
adherence to law
(Webster's 20th Century Dictionary Unabr.)
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2. Legalistic and Narrow Sect
Legalistic
strict, often too strict and literal,
adherence to law
(Webster's 20th Century Dictionary Unabr.)
2 Thess. 3:6 God requires strict obedience—
is He legalistic?
28
2 Thess. 3:6
6 Now we command you, brethren,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye withdraw yourselves
from every brother that walketh disorderly,
and not after the tradition
which he received of us.
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2. Legalistic and Narrow Sect
Legalistic
2 Thess. 3:6 God requires strict obedience—
is He legalistic?
Disorderly: “The proper idea of the word
used here (atakton), is that of soldiers
who do not keep the ranks; who are
regardless of order; and then who are
irregular in any way. The word would include
any violation of the rules of Christ
on any subject.” (Barnes, Notes on the N.T.)
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2. Legalistic and Narrow Sect
Legalistic
strict, often too strict and literal,
adherence to law
(Webster's 20th Century Dictionary Unabr.)
1 Tim. 4:11; 2 Tim. 1:13; Tit. 2:15;
Phil. 4:9 God requires strict obedience—
is He legalistic?
31
1 Tim. 4:11
11 These things command and teach.
2 Tim. 1:13
13 Hold fast the form of sound words,
which thou hast heard of me,
in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
32
Tit. 2:15
15 These things speak, and exhort, and
rebuke with all authority. Let no man
despise thee.
Phil. 4:9
9 Those things, which ye have both learned,
and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:
and the God of peace shall be with you.
33
2. Legalistic and Narrow Sect
Narrow: The church of Christ
as narrow as the teaching of Christ
Matt. 7:13-14; 19:23; Eph. 4:4-6
34
Matt. 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate:
for wide is the gate,
and broad is the way,
that leadeth to destruction,
and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate,
and narrow is the way,
which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it.
35
Matt. 19:23
23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples,
Verily I say unto you,
That a rich man shall hardly enter
into the kingdom of heaven.
36
Eph. 4:4-6
4 There is one body,
and one Spirit,
even as ye are called in one hope
of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all,
who is above all, and through all,
and in you all.
37
3. Borderline-cult, Cult-like Characteristics,
Exclusivism (Only One Truth, One Right Way)
38
NG: You know, Pastor, you keep saying
"sect." "Sect." You make it sound like a cult.
TR: It kind of is a borderline cult,
unfortunately. I don’t want to make it out
to be some kind of Hare Krishna group,
but it has cult-like characteristics and...
39
NG: In what sense?
TR: Well, in the sense of the exclusivism,
the attitude that they are the only ones
who know the truth. The tactics that they
use are sometimes just -not only un-biblical but unethical,
and they can be very ungracious,
unfortunately.”
40
3. Borderline-cult, Cult-like Characteristics,
Exclusivism (Only One Truth, One Right Way)
Jesus cult-like, exclusive?
Jn. 8:31-32; 14:6 One truth, one way!
41
Jn. 8:31-32
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews
which believed on him,
If ye continue in my word,
then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
Jn. 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the
truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me.
42
3. Borderline-cult, Cult-like Characteristics,
Exclusivism (Only One Truth, One Right Way)
Jesus cult-like, exclusive?
Matt. 7:13-14 Must choose:
only one way right!
43
Matt. 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate:
for wide is the gate,
and broad is the way,
that leadeth to destruction,
and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate,
and narrow is the way,
which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it.
44
3. Borderline-cult, Cult-like Characteristics,
Exclusivism (Only One Truth, One Right Way)
Peter cult-like, exclusive?
Acts 4:12 Only one Savior!
45
Acts 4:12
12 Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name
under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved.
46
3. Borderline-cult, Cult-like Characteristics,
Exclusivism (Only One Truth, One Right Way)
Paul cult-like, exclusive?
Eph. 4:4-6 Emphasize ONE seven times!
47
Eph. 4:4-6
4 There is one body,
and one Spirit,
even as ye are called in one hope
of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all,
who is above all, and through all,
and in you all.
48
3. Borderline-cult, Cult-like Characteristics,
Exclusivism (Only One Truth, One Right Way)
Paul cult-like, exclusive?
1 Tim. 1:3 No other truth!
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1 Tim. 1:3
3 As I besought thee to abide still at
Ephesus, when I went into
Macedonia, that thou mightest
charge some that they teach no
other doctrine
50
4. Intimidation, Pressure—
Un-biblical, Unethical, Ungracious Tactics
51
TR: . . . And it’s, unfortunately,
a very legalistic sect, and
they tend to use methods of intimidation
and pressure tactics.
TR: . . . The tactics that they use are
sometimes just -- not only un-biblical but
unethical, and they can be very ungracious,
unfortunately.”
52
4. Intimidation, Pressure—
Un-biblical, Unethical, Ungracious Tactics
Similar serious charges against Christ
& first Christians
Lk. 23:2 Jesus perverting the nation
Acts 21:28 Paul desecrating the temple
Acts 25:7 Many serious complaints
against Paul, “which they could not prove”
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4. Intimidation, Pressure—
Un-biblical, Unethical, Ungracious Tactics
Biblical approach not intimidation, pressure—
not unethical, ungracious
Matt. 21:12-13 Jesus cleansed the temple
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Matt. 21:12-13
12 And Jesus went into the temple of God,
and cast out all them that sold and bought
in the temple, and overthrew the tables
of the moneychangers, and the seats
of them that sold doves,
13 And said unto them, It is written,
My house shall be called the house of prayer;
but ye have made it a den of thieves.
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4. Intimidation, Pressure—
Un-biblical, Unethical, Ungracious Tactics
Biblical approach not intimidation, pressure—
not unethical, ungracious
Acts 13:9-10 Paul exposed Elymas
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Acts 13:9-10
9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,)
filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
10 And said, O full of all subtilty
and all mischief, thou child of the devil,
thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not
cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
57
4. Intimidation, Pressure—
Un-biblical, Unethical, Ungracious Tactics
Biblical approach not intimidation, pressure—
not unethical, ungracious
Acts 22:16 Ananias urged Saul to obey now
58
Acts 22:16
16 And now why tarriest thou?
arise, and be baptized,
and wash away thy sins,
calling on the name of the Lord.
59
4. Intimidation, Pressure—
Un-biblical, Unethical, Ungracious Tactics
Biblical approach not intimidation, pressure—
not unethical, ungracious
Acts 24:25 Paul preached, Felix trembled
60
Acts 24:25
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness,
temperance, and judgment to come,
Felix trembled, and answered,
Go thy way for this time;
when I have a convenient season,
I will call for thee.
61
5. Research the Church of Christ!
Name honors Christ
Rom.16:16; Acts 11:26
Christians worship
Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:42
Apostles’ tradition
2
Thess. 2:15; 3:6
Leadership 1 Tim. 3;
Titus 1
Slander of doctrine
Rom. 3:8
Slanderous charges
Acts 17:6
Name honor others
j
Church sponsored
social gatherings
Changing traditions
“Pastor” “Rev.”
“Father” Matt. 23:9
“Must be baptized by
one of their ministers”
“Un- biblical, unethical,
ungracious tactics ” 62
Minister Murdered, Truth Trampled
Acts 28:22
Acts 28:22
22 But we desire to hear of thee
what thou thinkest:
for as concerning this sect,
we know that every where
it is spoken against.
63
Acts 22:16
16 And now why tarriest thou?
arise, and be baptized,
and wash away thy sins,
calling on the name of the Lord.
Baptized into Christ
Baptized into the blood of Christ
Baptized into the church of Christ
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