Introduction
Jesse Jenkins requested a sermon on the division in the 1950s-1960s.Why is this important?Old Testament apostasy from the beginning came from within.New Testament division and fall always came from within.Acts 20:28I Timothy 4:1Hebrews 3:12II Timothy 4:2-4This fall was already starting during Paul’s lifetime. Elders started leading more than one congregation, leading to Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, then the Protestant Reformation and more division.History repeating
In the 19th century, the organization of the church was again corrupted, and instrumental music was introduced.In the 20th century, there were only about twelve full-time conservative preachers, but they taught thousands, and the church grew enormously.The sponsoring church arrangement came about, along with institutionalism (organizations set up to do benevolent work), recreation, and entertainment.Churches came to be known as either liberal or conservative churches of Christ, depending on if they supported these institutions or not.Churches split, even to the point of taking members to court as troublemakers.II John 1:9The division in the late 19th century eventually produced three groups:The conservative church were generally known as churches of Christ.The more liberal group was usually known as the Christian Church.In time an ultra-liberal group spawned, known as disciples of Christ.The division of the late 20th century had the same results:The conservative churches hold to Biblical infallibility and insistent on having a “thus saith the Lord” for teaching and practice.There are the “main-line” institutional churches that insist we do NOT have to have authority for all that we do.There are the ultra-liberal folks who are determined to have the church take its place among the denominations.This emphasizes the need for each generation to be taught the basic principles over and over again.II Peter 1:12-13When Israel came to the promised land, there were certain instructions that were given along these very lines.Deuteronomy 6:1-2, 6-8What about the Benchley church of Christ?
We are reputed to be a big strong congregation!How can we avoid this same cycle?By learning from the mistakes of the past.By following God’s instructions to Israel: Keep my commandments, walk in my ways, teach my children.And doing as the Holy Spirit directed: II Timothy 4:2-4
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