AM Sermon 9/28/08: Counterfeit Christianity
AM Scripture Reading: 1 John 4.1-6
This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey
COUNTERFEIT CHRISTIANITY
Introduction:
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Counterfeit: “Something that is likely to be confused with the genuine thing” (Merriam-Webster, 2003).
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God’s laws speak against counterfeits in religion. (Eccl. 5.1; Luke 6.46; Col. 2.23)
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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!
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Counterfeit Churches
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Jesus said, “I will build My church…” (Matt. 16.18; cf., Acts 2; 20.28; Eph. 4.4).
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Christ’s church is well detailed in Scripture!
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Counterfeit Worship
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Nadab & Abihu’s counterfeit worship. (Lev. 10.1-3)
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Jesus warned of counterfeit worship. (Matt. 15.9)
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Consider counterfeit forms of the Lord’s Supper…
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Corinth’s presumption & abuse (1 Cor. 11.20-34)
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It failed to worship in “spirit & truth.” (John 4.23)
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Counterfeit Doctrines
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Man-made doctrines are counterfeit. (Matt. 15.9)
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Does “doctrine” matter? (Cf., 2 John 9-11)
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Consider counterfeit forms of baptism…
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Baptizō means, “to dip, overwhelm, to immerse.”
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Immersion is the precedent! (Acts 8.38; Col. 2.12)
II.TEST THE ARTICLE FOR AUTHENTICITY!
A. Accept the Standard of Authority
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God’s word is truth! (John 8.31-32; 17.17)
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Christ has all authority! (Matt. 28.18-20; Col. 3.17)
B. Know the Genuine Article
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Is there a seal or certificate of authenticity?
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Study God’s word. (2 Tim. 2.14-18; cf., Heb. 5.12-14)
C. Test All Things (Spirits)
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Don’t be afraid to put them to the test!
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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!
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