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Welcome to the Locust Bayou Church of Christ. July 15, 2007. Why?. Why do some brethren seek to give the church a national, denominational identity? Why do some brethren believe in the “core gospel”? Why do some brethren exhibit “mega-church mania”?
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Welcome to the Locust Bayou Church of Christ July 15, 2007
Why? • Why do some brethren seek to give the church a national, denominational identity? • Why do some brethren believe in the “core gospel”? • Why do some brethren exhibit “mega-church mania”? • Why do some brethren continually trash Bible authority?
Because: • Many brethren incorrectly believe that church growth is our responsibility. • 1 Cor. 3:6 – I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Wrong Attitudes • Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle… And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us today before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies (1 Sam. 4:1-3).
Wrong Attitudes • 1 Sam. 4:5 – And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. • 1 Sam. 4:22 – And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.
Magic Box Mentality • Christian Affirmation • Core gospel • Mega-church mania • Family life centers • Watered down preaching/trashing authority • Unauthorized acts of worship • Hand clapping/dancing • Getting just the right preacher
Magic Box Mentality • In a nutshell: • We will force God to bless us! • It takes a mountain of arrogance to believe and practice that. • It will separate you from God’s blessings.
We have no business being in God’s business • Growth belongs to God (1 Cor. 3:6). • So what do we do? • We make sure we are faithful as a congregation. • A congregation where 10% do all the work will not be blessed by God. • A congregation that tolerates sin will not be blessed by God. • A congregation looking for magic boxes will not be blessed by God.