PM Sermon 8/10/14: Is The Church of Christ “Legalistic”?

Published August 16, 2014 by admin in Sermon Outlines, Sermon Recordings

PM Scripture Reading: James 1.21-25

Brent T. Willey

IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST “LEGALISTIC”?

Introduction:

  1. We are often accused of being “legalistic,” largely because of our views on baptism, the Lord’s Supper & instrumental music.
  2. Do these insistent beliefs make us “legalists”?

WHAT IS LEGALISM?

  1. “Strict, literal, (often too strict) or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code” (Webster).
  2. Does the Bible deal with the problem of legalism? Yes!
    1. Jesus: Matt. 15.1-9
    2. Paul: Col. 2.20-23
    3. Judaizers: Acts 15.5, 24; cf., Rom. 14.10-14; Titus 3.9-11

“LEGALISM” versus “LAW KEEPING”

  1. Obedience to God’s law is demanded!
    1. Jesus: Matt. 7.21-23; Luke 6.46-49
    2. James: James 1.21-25
  2. “Law Keeping” & “Legalism” contrasted & illustrated:

Essential Baptism

  1. Commanded: Mark 16.15,16; Acts 2.38; 10.48; 2216
  2. Example: Acts 2.41; 8.12; 18.8; etc.
  3. Inference: John 3.3-5; Acts 8.35; 1 Pet. 3.20


Instrumental Music in Worship

  1. Commanded in New Testament? In Old Old Law – 2 Chron. 29.25
  2. Example in New Testament? In Old Testament – Ezra 3.10
  3. 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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