TEXT: Nehemiah 13:23-24
PROPOSITION: We must not use denominational terms.
INTRODUCTION:
Background of text -
History of mixed marriages Neh. 13:23
Could not express the law of Moses
Could not understand the law
Confused the ideas of idolatry with God
Today - mix between Bible and denominations
Sound words
1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness
2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast to the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Restoration motto - Call Bible things by Bible names
Pastor
Ephesians 4:11 – God made some “pastors”
Three words – elder, bishop, pastor – all the same office
Acts 20:17 (elders) vs. 28 Overseer (bishop) to feed (pastor)
1 Peter 5:1-2 uses all three words together
Preacher is a different office than a Pastor
Father, Rabbi, Master
Matthew 23:8-10 – Rabbi = teacher, master, or head of a school
MESSAGE: Do not use religious titles - "We be brethren"
Reverend
Psalm 111:9 “holy and reverend is His name”belongs to God
Don't make a clergy / laity distinction
Peter – Acts 10 – stand up, I am also a man
Paul and Barnabas refused to be “gods”
Sabbath
Sabbath = 7th day Exodus 16:26; 20:8-11
Lord's Day = 1st day 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7
Sabbath day is not holy to Christians
Ephesians 2:15 – Christ abolished the law (including Sabbath)
Colossians 2:14-17 – We are no longer judged by how we keep the Sabbath
Go to the priest
1 Peter 2:9 You are a priest!
Christians ARE kings and priests.
Revelation 1:6
Revelation 5:10
Not a member - but a good Christian person.
Impossible.
Cornelius
Good man - not a Christian Acts 10:2
Lost man - Acts 11:14
The same process that makes one a member of the church – makes one a Christian.
You can't be one without the other.
Church of Christ teaches ...
The church does not have any teaching, doctrine
Christ is the head, thinking part
One church is as good as another
Man-made churches – TRUE
Only one church - Jesus built
Jesus' church <> man-made churches