AM Scripture Reading: 1 John 4.1-6

This Morning’s Sermon:                                                  Brent T. Willey

COUNTERFEIT CHRISTIANITY

Introduction:

1. Counterfeit: “Something that is likely to be confused with the genuine thing” (Merriam-Webster, 2003).

2. God’s laws speak against counterfeits in religion. (Eccl. 5.1; Luke 6.46; Col. 2.23)

3. Those who abide in the genuine receive God’s blessings! (Psa. 119.1; Luke 11.28; James 1.25, 27)

I.THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM IN CHRISTIANITY!

1. Counterfeit Churches

1. Jesus said, “I will build My church…” (Matt. 16.18; cf., Acts 2; 20.28; Eph. 4.4).

2. Christ’s church is well detailed in Scripture!

1. Counterfeit Worship

1. Nadab & Abihu’s counterfeit worship. (Lev. 10.1-3)

2. Jesus warned of counterfeit worship. (Matt. 15.9)

3. Consider counterfeit forms of the Lord’s Supper…

   1. Corinth’s presumption & abuse (1 Cor. 11.20-34)

   2. It failed to worship in “spirit & truth.” (John 4.23)

1. Counterfeit Doctrines

1. Man-made doctrines are counterfeit. (Matt. 15.9)

2. Does “doctrine” matter? (Cf., 2 John 9-11)

3. Consider counterfeit forms of baptism…

1. Baptizō means, “to dip, overwhelm, to immerse.”

2. Immersion is the precedent! (Acts 8.38; Col. 2.12)

II.TEST THE ARTICLE FOR AUTHENTICITY!

A. Accept the Standard of Authority 

1. God’s word is truth! (John 8.31-32; 17.17)

2. Christ has all authority! (Matt. 28.18-20; Col. 3.17)

B. Know the Genuine Article

1. Is there a seal or certificate of authenticity?

2. Study God’s word. (2 Tim. 2.14-18; cf., Heb. 5.12-14)

C. Test All Things (Spirits)

1. Don’t be afraid to put them to the test!

2. We must “test the spirits” (1 John 4.1-6; 2 Pet. 2.1-3).

Conclusion: Don’t be fooled by the counterfeit various religions!