PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY
#2 Tenant in their belief doctrine:
THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS OUR WAY OF BEING FAITHFUL TO GOD. BUT IT IS NOT THE ONLY WAY. Christianity is the truth for us. But it is not the only truth.
John 14:6 says different – Jesus - I AM the Way — and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me.
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
Matthew 12:25-26 (NKJV)
Baptism in Spirit is a Baptism in Unity.
Paul’s 1st century letter to Corinth is as true then as now – Culture War to DIVIDE still rages!
ANCHOR SCRIPTURE:
1 Corinthians 1:10-13 (NASB)
Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete (united) in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am with Paul,” or “I am with Apollos,” or “I am with Cephas,” or “I am with Christ.”
Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he?
Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
NOTE: Get to know the author.
Getting to Know PAUL
Saul was a Pharisee. Not Just Any - a Pharisee Among Pharisees - Acts 23:6 (NASB)
Paul was a Terrorist – Waged holy war on early Christians.
Acts 9:1–2 (NIV)
Stoning of Stephen – a good man filled with the Holy Spirit
And Saul approved of his execution.
Acts 8:1 (NIV)
NOTE – Most pastors and church leaders would’ve changed careers or cultures?
PROOF - Biblical worldview – the filter through which you see the world:
Senior pastors -41%
Associate pastors – 28%
Children’s and Youth Pastors – 12% (7 out of 8 pastors influencing our kids)
Teaching Pastors - 13%.
AND IF THAT’s NOT ENOUGH:
- Also bitten by a poisonous snake after a shipwreck and beheaded as a martyr.
- Missionary Journey over 10,000 miles – BY FOOT! – NY 2 LA 4 Times
- Did Paul start out as a good man? No!!
- Can God use everyone? Yes, if we repent, receive Jesus, and walk in righteousness.
- God uses your mess for His message.
- Legacy - Apostle, Missionary, Writer, Martyr –YOUR KINGDOM LEGACY?
YEAH BUT IT WAS A DIFFERENT WORLD BACK THEN – Really?
Visiting CORINTH:
- Corinth still exist today. Located about 50 miles from Athens, Greece
- Corinth started as a Greek city - destroyed by Rome - rebuilt by Julius Caesar in 44 BC
- Luxurious 1st Century port city over 200,000 population.
- “Isthmian games” held the years before and after the Olympic games. BIG TIME City
- Pagan religion and Cults
- “Corinthianize” term for fornication.
- Plato termed “Corinthian girl” = prostitute.
- 1000 prostitutes served as slaves in the temple of Aphrodite – the goddess of love, lust, and beauty.
Globe is scattered with places that make Corinth look like Disney World – We can’t use that example anymore. You Get the Point
The Seduction of Corruption Leads to Your Destruction.
What Does Paul Say About UNITY & Division?
Appeal to Unity
(1 Corinthians 1:10)
NOTE: Less than a hundred years after Acts 2 Day of Pentecost we have CORINTH
WHY? Culture Created Division
Unity in Christ Celebrates Our Diversity in Life
Cultural Battle Lines:
How does woke culture of Progressive Christianity ATTACK Scripture of Unity?
There is more than one way to heaven?
Yeshua said, “I AM the Way — and the Truth and the Life;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 (Complete Jewish Bible)
How does woke culture of Progressive Christianity COUNTER call to only follow Christ teachings?
I follow people who make me feel better about myself and not guilty about sin.
(2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NASB)
Culture Control Can Keep You From Christ
BOTTOM LINE - Anyone other than