PM Sermon 8/10/14: Is The Church of Christ “Legalistic”?
PM Scripture Reading: James 1.21-25
Brent T. Willey
IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST “LEGALISTIC”?
Introduction:
- We are often accused of being “legalistic,” largely because of our views on baptism, the Lord’s Supper & instrumental music.
- Do these insistent beliefs make us “legalists”?
WHAT IS LEGALISM?
- “Strict, literal, (often too strict) or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code” (Webster).
- Does the Bible deal with the problem of legalism? Yes!
- Jesus: Matt. 15.1-9
- Paul: Col. 2.20-23
- Judaizers: Acts 15.5, 24; cf., Rom. 14.10-14; Titus 3.9-11
“LEGALISM” versus “LAW KEEPING”
- Obedience to God’s law is demanded!
- Jesus: Matt. 7.21-23; Luke 6.46-49
- James: James 1.21-25
- “Law Keeping” & “Legalism” contrasted & illustrated:
Essential Baptism
- Commanded: Mark 16.15,16; Acts 2.38; 10.48; 2216
- Example: Acts 2.41; 8.12; 18.8; etc.
- Inference: John 3.3-5; Acts 8.35; 1 Pet. 3.20
Instrumental Music in Worship
- Commanded in New Testament? In Old Old Law – 2 Chron. 29.25
- Example in New Testament? In Old Testament – Ezra 3.10
- Inference in New Testament? Not one inference in any worship of the New Testament church!
Conclusion: Common denominational thinking has it backwards!
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